Category: E-Learning

Learning a new skill or topic is always an achievement for older folk, it can be that bit more challenging to go out and get fixed up with a course at the local college. There are far less evening classes available in towns these days. Probably because everyone can become an expert in something or other almost instantly with so many companies investing in online videos of their craft. Many social groups will also be organised enough to set up vocational training courses to keep their senior membership engaged and in the know. Not all ageing folk go into that semi decline after 69.

The biggest social group for women has a fantastic scheme that is free to paid up members – any of their every day courses can be signed up to and they also do more intense sessions in skills that will really help many of them in their attempts to navigate the complexities of running their womens’ instititute group. The one on excel is particularly effective. Called ‘making excel simple’, I was amused to note that it is presented over ten sessions . They are accessible on different days and times so everyone can reach a tutoring session at some time. There are also some really engaging travel videos which have a college lecturer walking around a particularly fashionable part of any city in the UK. It is wonderful to just sit and watch someone else doing all the work. I am particularly drawn to any videos of folk walking around London, showing me the beautiful buildings that we never get a chance to see when just meandering around as lost tourists. Some of the Inns of Court in London are spectacular!

What do we mean by the phrase e-learning?  In simple terms it is essentially electronic learning.   The supply of educational and teaching via digital platforms on devices such as laptops, computers and smart phones.    The benefits of e-learning  include the learner or student having absolute control, heightened accessibility, avsilability, cost effectiveness and which all go to make e-learning incusive and more efficient.

There are a few drawbacks to e-learning, as there would be for all types of educational supply platforms.   There is no face to face interaction;  many students feel more confident when they have the teacher or lecturer in the same room but the hands on approach of online teaching soon helps them adjust until it becomes the  norm to concentrate on the screen version.   Another possible drawback can be considered to be the need for WIFI and a laptop or computer if the subject matter is better received in bigger format than can be offered via a smartphone screen.   Depending on where you are in the world, the quality of the teaching and the academic support in some developing countries can be of concern.    The very nature of the developing countries means there is likely to be a shortage of qualified instructors and technological resources.