Benefits+to+E-Learning+Discussion


 * Benefits to E-Learning Discussion from LTM 7002 at NCU - E-Learning Instructional Strategies**

The roots of learning have existed from the beginning of time: “Without learning, the wise become foolish; by learning, the foolish become wise” and “learn as if you could never have enough of learning, as if you might miss something" are quotes attributed to the Chinese philosopher Confucius (551-479 BC) who was well aware of the importance of learning (Learning Organisations, 2010 ). Learning opportunities have evolved since the days of privileged individuals sitting at the feet of the master and listening to the words of wisdom being passed down into a learning environment which is considered a global learning classroom consisting of traditional educational learning opportunities and workplace learning opportunities. Without the benefit of e-Learning, primarily distance, I would not have been able to complete the eMBA program at Portland State University let alone consider pursing the Ph.D. program at Northcentral University.

Access is the greatest benefit of e-Learning mentioned by Rosenberg (2000) as learners have the ability to interact with learning modules 24/7 from anywhere at any time. Access for learners is also about choice, the choice of learners to pursue available global learning opportunities that are associated with their current workplace along with other learning opportunities provided by educational institutions, training organizations, businesses which offer specialized programs, and the other myriad of learning opportunities that exist due to the emergence of e-Learning. Individuals who pursue learning for the sake of learning and to increase their knowledge base are elements of personal mastery discussed by Peter Senge (2000; 2006) in //The Fifth Discipline// books. Personal mastery is described by Senge (2006) as a level of proficiency, it is a commitment to lifelong learning which allows individual to continually clarify and deepen our personal vision strengthening the connection between personal learning and organizational learning. The greatest benefit of e-Learning is twofold as e-Learning provides the ability of individuals to choose from educational and organizational global learning opportunities coupled with the ease of access to information 24/7.

In the educational community college learning environment local students, living in the same town as the college provider of a traditional on campus course, as well as students from the same state, the United States, and even other countries learn together increasing the diversity and sharing of unique experiences not otherwise available to students that are place and time bound. Ultimately, I believe the greatest benefit of e-Learning lies in the choices, the choice to learn, the choice to engage in training opportunities, to take advantage of the myriad of choices which exist to increase knowledge and extend learning through personal mastery (Senge 2000; 2006).

References:

Learning Organisations. (2010). Retrieved from: []

Rosenberg, M. (2000). //E-learning: Strategies for delivering knowledge in the digital age.// New York, NY: McGraw-Hill

Senge, P.M. (2006). //The fifth discipline: The art and practice of the learning organization.// New York, NY: Currency.

Senge, P.M. (2000). //Schools that learn. A fifth discipline fieldbook for educators, parents, and everyone who cares about education//. NewYork, NY: Doubleday.