Students looking forward to going back to their routine of classroom-based learning after the coronavirus
pandemic are somewhat disappointed. This is so because students have to adapt to e-learning, which is
amongst some relevant changes made in the Ghanaian Educational System. This is indisputably
uncomfortable just like the wearing of nose mask, which is also part of our “new normal”.
E-learning can also be referred to as online learning or web-based learning. The concept of e-learning
is to enable students or learners advance their knowledge anytime, anywhere, allowing flexibility and
consistency. Whilst some are used to e-learning as an established mode of learning, many others find
it as yet an emerging face of education. A lot of students are now learning and adjusting to it as
a novelty.
There are a lot of benefits of e-learning to students. Among others, it saves time and money, enables
learners to access content anywhere at any time, and leads to better retention. Students are occupied
with assignments, quizzes and others, and the academic calendar is not disrupted, thanks to e-learning.
E-learning like everything else has its ugly side. There is no face-to-face interaction which makes
most students without supervision and directions from lecturers lag behind. Others may have a problem
joining the class due to internet problems. Most Ghanaian students do not have laptops and will have
to depend on their smart phones to access e-learning platforms which have a lot of distractions.
Besides, many students have a lazy attitude of joining an online class as they deem it time wasting
especially when there are handouts, notebooks and text books for them to read. With the
aforementioned disadvantages, it is obvious that e-learning has the capacity to change student
behavior towards academics. Many agree that e-learning has done more good than harm whilst a
considerable number of people would also protest against this. I am of the view that e-learning
is a great deal beneficial to students or student-workers by helping to keep the academic calendar
on course, though it is not completely the best learning alternative.
Article By
Miss Anowaa
Student Writer
B.A Communications
