Debate: E-Learning - educational norm in COVID times
Side: Oppose

Dr Umesh Ramadurg from 2021 A Batch E learning cannot be always a best option because of the following point 1. No self-disciplineProponents of e-learning claim that its main advantage is that it is self-paced. Which is true. If you need to watch a video again, you can. If you want to take a break from the material, you can stop and come back to it when you are feeling refreshed.However, because of this inherent freedom, "e-learning" often translates to "no learning". People may switch off from fully engaging in the material, and see the activity as a tick box exercise – just another item on an ever-growing "to do" list. In a self-paced environment, an e-learning task can undergo a gravitational pull to the bottom of the list, where it can languish for days, weeks, or even indefinitely. The fact is, many people find it much easier to internalise new skills and knowledge through active training sessions with other people, than through an impersonal e-learning moduleNo face-to-face interaction. While e-learning can be quite interactive these days, through the use of video conferences, webinars, and face-to-face video chat, it still isn't the same as sitting across the room from a real person. Simply put, there is no substitute for interacting with, and learning from, a fellow human.2. Lack of flexibilityE-learning can be great for learning specific skills and for knowledge that needs to be transferred. However, with more complex skills and competencies, it is more difficult to put together an effective e-learning programme. And in a medicine ,these complex skills are often the most crucial.It is these skills, which can only be discovered when you start thinking deeply and engaging in an activity or topic, that can make or break an organization. The best learning happens when students discover the solutions on their own – by asking questions and obtaining clarification – and with e-learning this is more difficult to achieve3. Lack of input from trainersE-learning is structured. When a programme is developed, it is based on what the course developers think is the right curriculum at the time. However, learning materials can become outdated – and may contain errors even from the beginning.The best trainers will sit and talk to people. They will engage with to to find out what they need to know, and how they need to learn it. Student feedback is highly valuable, but it's less possible with an e-learning course. Skilled trainers and subject matter experts are at their very best when they are being grilled by - and interacting with - their students. This interaction results in a better training process and better trainers. In e-learning, it's largely not present.4. Lack of transformational powerIt should be said that e-learning is effective for training process execution and for imparting certain kinds of knowledge. However, real learning – game changing learning – comes about through live connection with an experienced practitioner. It is through this engagement that a true transformation occurs and the learner becomes more effective as an individual, moving to their next level of performance. Such change is more difficult with e-learning.