A critical review of: Jethro O, Grace A, Thomas A. E-Learning and Its Effects on Teaching and Learning in a Global Age. International Journal of Academic Research in Business & Social Sciences; January 2012;2(1):203-210.
A critical review of: Jethro O, Grace A, Thomas A. E-Learning and Its Effects on Teaching and Learning in a Global Age. International Journal of Academic Research in Business & Social Sciences; January 2012;2(1):203-210.
Authors: 1 Jethro, Olojo Oludare
1 Grace, Adewumi Moradeke
Thomas, Ajisola Kolawole1
Source: (Provided upon request)
Author Affiliations:
- Computer Science Department, College of Education, Ikere, Ekiti State, Nigeria ISSN: 22226990
Using ( Bourner, T. & Flowers, S. (1997), Wenglinsky, Harold (ETS Policy Information), Singh, G. & Priola, V. (2001), Kayte O’Neill, Gurmak Singh, and John O’Donoghue ( February 2004)), different studies on variants of time; (Jethro O, Grace A, Thomas A. conducted) conducted a study on the influence of e-learning on the community providing the evidence for effective and efficient e-learning. This research aimed to provide further evidence on the effects and advantages of e-learning referring to different consideration from different points. The study reveals the efficiency of e-learning referring to policy considerations, and listing main delivery methods without getting in details of the available or possible technological. While the study points in the end the benefits of e- learning and giving the essential suggestion for its improvement.
The results agreed with the fact that e-learning became an essential method of learning and covering different methodological approaches however the research did not cover the technological methodology which is an essential point of binding the current available technology to the components of e-learning. To the extent that this research is exploratory, demonstrating policy considerations, components of e-learning, evidence of effectiveness, evaluation of process, benefits and improvement suggestion, results of this study provide insights into the importance of e-learning rather than practical applications and deeper technological use of our fast developing communication technology. However several limitations must be considered in interpreting the study findings; (How to make e-learning more effective, Benefits of e-learning).
In the introduction, the authors assumed that e-learning is the use of internet technology to enhance knowledge and performance, while e-learning approach can be achieved by a lot of communication means including physical media types distribution however including distance learning as a mode of e-learning can be considered a valid description specifically while defining computer assisted instruction, an approach of making definitions which hardly reflects the complex of the current mixed modes we use nowadays although defining additional modes of education separately (computer assisted instruction, blended learning) was an attempt of defining
although nowadays it all falls under e-learning, while defining learning enhancement can be considered as an attempt of clarification.
Using (Means et al, 2009) under policy consideration section to justify the popularity of e-learning was a successful method to demonstrate the fact of e-learning dependency in the modern education. Whereas under components of e-learning the authors succeeded to present the Synchronous and asynchronous delivery of content methods in a clear way, which considered a critical axis specially for pure e-learning institutions and organizations which widely spread nowadays on the internet.
Considering educators as no longer a source of information distributers of content but as a facilitator is a modern approach of education which reflects the development of internet and how it became a huge source of information rather than reflecting one of the properties or the purpose of e-learning.
In the section of The Evidence for Effective and Efficient E-Learning, a more detailed study and providing some live applications would have given a better and clear picture as a justification which reflects the uprising adoption of e-learning in every educational institution.
Evaluating E-Learning Processes and Outcomes had successfully transmitted the evaluation and outcomes concepts, also the detailed peer reviewing process output as a quality of materials evaluation was a successfully presented. As well using Kirkpatrick model to define the four levels of evaluation (satisfaction, learning, change in learner behavior, and organizational change patient outcome) was a great practical example which is widely used. A plus in the study was adding two factors affecting e-learning (Family and Home; Social and Community effects) although referring to a study from 1996 to demonstrate the effect of using home PC in mathematics studying is not a strong reference because in 1996 e-learning was taking a totally different shape in addition that the referred study was not intended for the used purpose. While bringing up the parental involvement portal was a total success as it brings up an open window for parents to monitor their children performance, adding the point of studying using laptops in sitting rooms was a good point, however in fact the productivity is noticeably decreased as a result of the distraction caused by family members. Nevertheless while coming through (Social and community effects) the authors only mentioned providing each student with a laptop and referred to a study which concludes the improvement of students with disabilities without addressing the actual ability of different societies to apply such project for its high cost, while using PCs in educational institution became a more common practice for students who can’t afford buying their own. Authors’ article ends with a list of How to make e-learning more effective which is a good approach although not thorough enough.
A missing point which was not highlighted if e-learning can be a substitution for traditional learning or it can be only used for supporting.
In summary, it has to be admitted that the current study is still far from covering the e-learning complete picture of advantages, outcomes, and evaluation. Further studies must include further details about the benefits, applications of how to make e-learning more effective and tickling the available information and communication technology. While providing samples for currently
used e-learning processes would be a valuable addition. Despite the missing coverage in the article for the mentioned points, the study has provided some insights which reflect the importance of e-learning nowadays, using (Means et al, 2009) to conclude that students who performed best were those who received blended learning while also highlighting that e-learning implementations should endeavor to satisfy the needs and concerns of all stakeholder groups as much as possible.
