The number of broadband internet users has risen by 10.63 % in the year 2021 compared to 2020. What this has to do with e-learning, you might ask.
Internet users are growing day by day in Nepal, there seems to be a good scope for e-learning in Nepal in near future.
As per a UNICEF report, at least two-thirds of Nepal’s schoolchildren were unable to access remote learning due to the pandemic which led to the closure of the schools.
Although e-learning might not have been too productive in the last two years for school children during the COVID-19 pandemics, it is changing every day.
Many schools and students took time to adapt to online learning platforms, but now it feels like the new normal. Therefore, gradually the learning habits of people in Nepal are also developing.
E-learning helps the students of Nepal to learn more easily.
Students do not need to leave their hometown and travel in the city areas, where there are relatively more opportunities than other places in Nepal to study or get a qualitative education.
What Actually Is E-learning?
E-learning is teaching or learning provided virtually with the help of electronic devices which can be internet or network-based.
E-learning also can be pre-recorded courses, live courses, videos, games, activities, and other interactive elements online provided by online learning platforms.
The online learning system first started in 1960, but the device was originally designed for computer-based education.
But, now it’s available on every electronic device which makes it easily accessible for everyone.
The global investment in e-tech was the US $18.66 billion in 2019, and the overall market was intended to reach $350 billion by 2025.
The growth of e-learning was there before covid-19. But covid-19 has surged the e-learning industry, there has been a high demand for e-learning during the covid-19 period.
Recently e-learning has been gaining popularity among many students and learners around the world as the COVID–19 pandemics has surged.
The pandemic has somehow changed the way of learning of many students around the world. Schools and colleges have implemented the online education system due to the shut of the schools.
Benefits of online learning
If we have to think about the big businesses or companies that still have not been operating online, nothing comes up in our minds.
It’s because operating online helps connect with more people. It’s easy, effective, and has been very beneficial for businesses or companies.
The same goes with the traditional classes, if everything is going online then why not learn online? Here are some of the benefits of e-learning.
1. E-learning is Flexible
You can learn from anywhere at any time on the e-learning platform. You can learn from the comfort of your home or while traveling, as e-learning is more flexible than physical learning.
As many of the physical classes are scheduled at their own time, e-learning has made it easy for students to learn according to their desire.
You can learn any course available, according to your time and need. You do not have to leave your job just to learn a new skill, get a degree or certificate. With the help of e-learning, you can do both learning and working.
2. E-learning is easy to access
These days, people tend to use their phones more often, and since 90% of online traffic is from phones, people find it easier to watch every content on the internet through their phones. E-learning can easily be accessed through mobile devices in your hand or any other electronic device.
Students do not need to go anywhere to search for courses as they will be available to you on the internet. There are an increasing number of internet users in the world, and it is becoming cheaper by day so it is easier for students to learn from it.
There is transparency in e-learning as you have multiple choices with the details about the courses, their lessons, contents, and even the instructor.
3. E-learning is comfortable
Students tend to feel more comfortable being present in e-learning classes rather than physical classes as it is easy to communicate, ask questions, and express yourself. You don’t feel pressured and can take a break whenever you want in between the classes.
For instance, If a student is hesitant to ask questions directly to the teacher in the classroom or cannot express himself/herself in front of the classroom, e-learning can be a very comforting platform for him/her.
Traveling can be hectic especially every day for your classes, e-learning removes this barrier by letting you learn from the comfort of your home.
4. Comparatively low price
E-Learning is comparatively lower in price than physical learning, you can get the same degree or certificate as physical learning in e-learning at a lower price.
E-Learning is also cost-effective because it reduces the travel cost, and other study resources needed like books, bags, etc.
For example, a master’s student who works as well wants to learn a new skill like learning to play the guitar. But he is too busy with his work and college life and he doesn’t have time to travel to many places, plus training from professionals can cost a lot.
So in that case e-learning platforms can be a savior as he does not need to travel anywhere and can learn at a lower price.
5. Learn at your own speed
You do not need to match up with your teacher’s teaching, in e-learning you can repeat, pause, rewind, and learn at your learning speed.
You can learn at your speed as there will be no pressure, or stress to complete the course as everyone does.
This helps students to complete their course without any hurry and with no fear of missing out.
6. E-learning is effective
In e-learning, students are learning according to their need, desire, and want.
So when students are not pressurized or have expectations from their teachers to do better, they tend to learn more effectively.
7. Good for the Globe
As the recent covid-19 pandemic has surged, it is better for students especially those who are minors who do not understand the importance of being safe and protected, it could be very beneficial for them to use the e-learning platform.
It is very dangerous to have physicals met while the pandemic surges, so e-learning is a safer way to study for people around the globe.
On the other hand, it is eco-friendly too as it saves study materials like papers and less pollution from people traveling to take classes.
Context of E-Learning in Nepal
According to the Nepal Telecommunications Authority, 90.56% of the population in Nepal has access to the internet.
In Nepal, the internet has reached rural and urban-rural fringe areas (area between urban and rural) but there are no quality education providers, no better schools, and no adequate teachers.
We cannot say about the people in rural areas but for those who are in urban-rural fringe areas, e-learning would be the best choice.
Meanwhile, the government has also been very supportive as they have decided to provide soft loans of up to Rs 80,000 to students of government schools and those in higher education to procure laptops.
E-Learning in Nepal – Final Words
To conclude, e-learning is online learning or can also be defined as teaching virtually through electronic devices. As we have mentioned above, e-learning has many benefits in comparison to physical learning. We talked about how the e-learning industry is in the context of Nepal, how people are adapting it, and the effects of COVID-19 in e-learning.
Overall, the future of e-learning looks like a growing industry. People in Nepal are slowly adapting to e-learning.
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