CCT205+JAN1912

E-learning is one of the many perks of the internet. Students world wide are able learn, what they would otherwise learn in a classroom, from their home. E-learning eliminates commuting, can fit into busy schedules, and can even help those who, for various reasons, can not adapt to traditional learning methods. In a perfect world E-learning solves many problems, however, one must also consider the various repercussions of e-learning.
 * The Classroom: Virtual vs Physical **

- E-learning can be used as a commodity by personalizing it to fit into ones busy schedule. Although I may sound pessimistic about modern day society, it is true that we have become more self centered than ever before. With this in mind, one can prefer E-learning over traditional classroom learning because of comfort, indolence, and/or lack of interest instead of necessity (single parent, ill, physically incapable) old age, inability to physically go (if it is a program in another county), and other reasons. - Because e-learning can fit into busy schedules, one can loose the discipline of attendance. In a classroom environment, students are required to show up or else they may loose marks. With e-learning, however, students have more flexibility with attendance as there are more slightly less methods of enforcing the discipline.
 * E-learning as a commodity:**

Although I am sure some e-learning schools provide video chat or even virtual environments like Second Life, e-learning can not provide true interaction with other students, TAs or instructors. Virtual interaction is currently incapable to providing users with all 5 senses, therefore the in class experience can not be replicated through a virtual environment. This may be troublesome in many ways. First, one is unable to react in real life to facial expressions, body language, or even the person giving you seductive looks across the room. This means that your experience is limited to what is said and shown through the virtual environment. Second, the student looses the need of maintaining integrity. Students can dress however they want, leave whenever they want, and literally do whatever they want without conciseness of others. Third, participation is a big issue. Students can leave their computer unattended and skip class ultimately failing to participate in discussions and to interact with others.
 * Lack of physical social interaction:**

Therefore, as a technology, e-learning solves and facilitates many problems individuals encounter through traditional learning methods and may even enhance an individual's learning abilities. This, however, solely depends on how committed individuals are and whether e-learning is adequate for them. E-learning has the potential of providing education where physical environments are not available but one must refrain form using it as a commodity because of the various elements e-learning does not provide.

Please note: This response is very limited. It is only an overview of the subject which fails to incorporate many critical aspects of the greater discussion.