Anna Złakowska-Kusznierz
Advantages of e-learning
E-learning is online education. It enables remote learning or additional training using technology and various forms of education. In e-learning courses, learning takes place without physical contact with the instructor, simultaneously increasing the individual’s competencies in the chosen field.
E-learning – history
The beginnings of distance education are traced back to the year 1728, specifically March 20th, when an advertisement by C. Philipps, an American professor, appeared in the “Boston Gazette.” He offered correspondence courses in shorthand using his own training materials sent by mail along with consultations. The advertisement stated: “Any person desirous of learning this Art, may by having the several Lessons sent weekly to their own homes, be as perfectly instructed as those that live in Boston.” In Poland, distance education began almost 50 years later, in 1776. The Jagiellonian University in Krakow introduced correspondence courses for craftsmen, and in 1779, the University of Warsaw started correspondence courses for physicists.
E-learning today
The popularity of e-learning has grown with the development and accessibility of the Internet. Thanks to widespread access to computers and mobile devices, remote teaching has become a popular form of education. A significant advantage of this education is its independence from location and time.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, this method of learning became an effective and often the only available form of education, though not without its flaws.
Currently, most institutions use this form of training for their employees. Online platforms offer courses in various fields, such as library science.
E-learning courses consist of individual courses limited thematically to specific issues, such as configuring the entire process in the system, setting various parameters affecting the system’s operation and appearance, and step-by-step instructions to achieve the intended effect. The courses are specialized and include information on best practices gained during implementation and use.
Currently, courses utilize new forms of presentation, such as animations and videos. Courses in the form of content-only presentations are not attractive to learners. Showing the process in a short video (which can be watched several times) significantly accelerates the learning process.
The knowledge acquired by a participant in a specialized course is tailored to their learning pace, knowledge absorption, and available time.
The course concludes with obtaining a certificate confirming course completion and passing the final exam. Employers can enhance their employees’ qualifications without incurring costs associated with travel to the training center or accommodations.
Participation in e-learning courses is a convenient form for employees. It saves time on commuting to the training location and does not conflict with other daily responsibilities.
