Can
technological advancement replace traditional practices? Before you
go on to answer the question, let me give you 2 examples, music and
telephones. Initially music was played live, but technology allowed
recording and reproducing music, which eventually resulted in
replacing the gramophones and cassettes with iPods and mp3 players.
Similarly the land-line phones were first replaced by portable phones
which were in turn replaced by mobile phones. So is it possible with
further technological advancements our traditional educational system
will be replaced by online learning? Will tomorrow’s students end
up reading only from e-books? Can digital books replace paper books?
The
Traditional Vs. Digital Debate
Most
of us are aware that there has been plenty of discussion and debate
regarding online learning and classroom education. Some claim
eLearning is the future while others conclude that digital learning
can never replace face-to-face instruction. Similarly there is
adequate discussion on whether eBooks can replace paper books. Many
people claim that digital books are easy and more convenient; while
others believe that eBooks can never offer the satisfaction of
reading traditional paper books.
Digital
Reading or Paper Reading?
The
truth is that pixels are fast taking over paper with most readers now
opting to read books on Kindle or other e-readers. The reading habits
of today’s readers have changed a lot as they do not care about the
smell of new paper or the feel of printed ink on the page; neither
does progressing to the 100th page and marking their advancement with
a bookmark have any significance. For them convenience, accessibility
and affordability is everything.
Moreover
many brick-and-mortar bookshops across the globe have shutdown as the
traditional method of selling books has shattered as a result of
heavy discounts from different e-commerce websites. The fact is the
gradually increasing sales and download of digital books is slowing
digging the grave of printed paper books, even though many would
disagree.
The
Online Learning Revolution
 |
Similarly,
online learning has also gained immense popularity among students
across the globe in the past few years. Although traditional
classroom learning is still dominating the education sector, but it
cannot be denied that with rising college tuition many students are
going online to earn an accredited and affordable degree.
Today’s
learners do not want to spend a lot of time in the classroom and
follow strict schedules which prevents them from pursuing other
interests. It has been observed that growing number of high school
graduates are now skipping college in order to avoid crippling
student debts and pursuing online educational programmes. These
online courses offer the learners the opportunity to pursue higher
education and gain work experience at the same time. As the students
do not need to adhere to any fixed schedules, then can work full time
jobs and attend online lectures at night from their homes. As the
content can be easily accessed online 24/7, learners can study as per
their convenience.
However,
to say that online learning will replace traditional education will
be stretching it a bit too far. Studies show that even with growing
tuition fees, a college degree is still worth it.
What
Is The Solution?
Due
to the growing demand of online education, many reputed colleges and
universities have taken the “Blended Learning” approach where
students can learn both online and on-campus.
As
the interests and preferences of today’s students are constantly
changing, it only makes sense for universities to offer programmes
which provide the best of both digital learning and campus life. But
it still remains to be seen whether online learning will replace
traditional learning or if eBooks will replace paper books.
