Good Work

Assignment 1

Students id :bc200407887
Selection of a Research Problem
Total Marks: 10

Research Topic -1

Merits demerits and affects of online education in Pakistan

Topic no 1 is your approved topic.

1. Phenomenon— merits demerits and effect of online education

2. Variables— Relationship between online education and face to face

education

3. Subjects— online education in Pakistan

4. Population— students and online learner

Research Topic -2

Online exams merits and demerits and affects

1. Phenomenon— online exams merits demerits and effect

2. Variables— Relationship between online exams and campus exams

3. Subjects— online exams

4. Population— students of private and public institute

Research Topic -2

The trend of students toward online education

The trend of students toward online education

1. Phenomenon— the trend of students toward online education

2. Variables— Relationship between online exams and campus exams

3. Subjects— online education

4. Population— all students

Assignment 2

Statement of the Problem and Objectives

Total Marks: 20

Research Topic -1

Merits demerits and affects of online education in two

campuses
Statement of problem
There is a problem to go in campus to attend online classes
during critical condition like COVID -19 .
Objective:

The main objective of this topic is that in this topic i will discuss the merits and
demerits and affects of online education in Pakistan focus on online education .

The institutions in Pakistan have started online learning. This study explores the
perception of teachers and students regarding its advantages, limitations and
recommendations.

Methods:

This qualitative case study was conducted from March to April 2020. Using
maximum variation sampling, 12 faculty members and 12 students from University
College of Medicine and University College of Dentistry, Lahore were invited to
participate. Four focus group interviews, two each with the faculty and students of
medicine and dentistry were carried out. Data were transcribed verbatim and
thematically analyzed using Atlas Ti.

Results:

The advantages included remote learning, comfort, accessibility, while the

limitations involved inefficiency and difficulty in maintaining academic integrity.
The recommendations were to train faculty on using online modalities and
developing lesson plan with reduced cognitive load and increased interactivities.

Conclusion:

The current study supports the use of online learning in medical and dental
institutes, considering its various advantages. Online learning modalities encourage
student-centered learning and they are easily manageable during this lockdown
situation.
Assignment -3
Advantages and disadvantages of using e-learning in university education: An analysis of student
perspectives

AlaaZuhir Al Rawashdeh1,2, Enaam Youssef Mohammed1, 3, AsmaRebhi Al Arab1, Mahmoud Alara4 and
Butheyna Al-Rawashdeh2

1Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates

2 Al Balqaa Applied University, Jordan

3Ain-Shams University, Egypt

4 Clemson University, USA

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

Abstract:

The architecture of the learning system means a challenging task for e-learning to be integrated into a
complicated system that is flexible, time-scalable, and able to endure even if there are many different
tools. Higher education in the UAE is currently undergoing a major transformation with increased
accessibility in mind. The aim of the study is therefore to identify the advantages and disadvantages of e-
learning in university education in the United Arab Emirates. A descriptive study design was used to
randomly select students from Ajman University who were enrolled in the 2018/2019 academic year. A
closed structured questionnaire was created to collect data from students. Frequencies and percentages
were used to analyze the data collected. 81% of students said that e-learning provides science material
in an interesting way. Similarly, 80% of students responded that e-learning increases the possibility of
contact between students with each other and between students and the teacher. 73% of students said
that due to increasing social isolation, they spend more time in front of technical means of social
interaction and face-to-face with others. 70% of students reported that there is electronic illiteracy
among parents, which reduces their ability to monitor their children electronically. It is imperative that
potential e-learners understand the differences between an e-learning classroom environment and a
conventional classroom environment, as e-learning has advantages and disadvantages to both
environments that are likely to affect their overall performance as a learner.

Keywords: Advantages, disadvantages, E-learning, higher education

1. Introduction

Electronic learning or e-learning is used to offer learning programs to remote learners (Arkorful and
Abaidoo, 2015). It is an online learning platform that appears in a formal context and uses various
multimedia technologies. Electronic hardware and software support this system either offline or online.
A personal computer is usually used to provide training or computer-enhanced learning related to e-
learning (Samsuri, Nadrzri, & Rom, 2014). Other communication technologies provide tutorial-based
learning, learning support systems, and online lectures (Kattoua, Al-Lozi, & Alrowwad, 2016). It is based
on technology to improve classroom engagement through a positive environment where students are
intentionally engaged in online learning programs to complete their assigned task.

E-learning ensures full student involvement in the learning along with texts, videos, sounds, collaborative
sharing and interactive graphics. It can increase the quality of teaching and learning, highlight the need
for higher institutions to maintain a competitive advantage and student access to education and training
in this globalizing market (Islam, Beer and Slack, 2015). The integration of information technology (IT) in
the form of e-learning has led to a reduction in student costs while improving the quality of learning and
teaching (Songkram, 2015). This shows that e-learning can be economical for students who use it and
can do other useful activities in their free time (Aparicio, Bacao, & Oliveira, 2016).

Flexibility is another major advantage of e-learning, as it gives students the advantage of attending
classes anywhere and anytime. In addition, e-learning caters to different types and varieties of learning
approaches by making use of the many interactive contents available on the Internet (Songkram et al.,
2015). Accessibility of Technology and Electronic Journal of e-Learning Volume 19 Issue 3 2021

www.ejel.org 108 ©ACPIL

The widespread nature of the Internet has given rise to a surge in the need for web-based education and
training. Distance learning is an ever-expanding environment that allows users the flexibility to work
outside the barriers of place and time. In university education, online learning is defined as learning that
takes place entirely or partially over the Internet (Gilbert, 2015). Online learning benefits a variety of
students and is emerging as more common in settings from elementary to high school and
postsecondary education.

The role of engagement in e-learning is important for effective learning because it is not just about
student-to-student interaction. Six different forms of engagement can be identified in distance
education: (1) teacher-content (2) content-content (3) student-teacher (4) student-student (5) teacher-
teacher and (6) student-content (Talebian, Mohammadi and Rezvanfar, 2014). Theories that support the
adoption of new technologies in the learning process are based on the assumption that students are
active participants who observe and create knowledge in a meaningful context. Various means of
collaborative tools can be used for communication and collaborative learning (Sarkar, 2012). The
architecture of the learning system means a challenging task for e-learning to be integrated into a
complicated system that is flexible, time-scalable, and able to endure even if there are many different
tools. The learning space is left under the control of instructors and institutions using a conventional
learning management system (LMS) regardless of any external tools (Sarrab, Al-Shihi, & Rehman, 2013).
In particular, it leaves minimal space for students to organize their digital learning space and continue
their activities.

Higher education in the UAE is currently undergoing a major transformation with increased accessibility
in mind. Knowledge is created and implemented in the higher education environment in innovative ways
to rapidly acquire and share information and changes in technology. Educational institutions provide
online courses or courses using online elements and face-to-face courses. Universities deliver almost all
courses using web-based technology to facilitate the delivery of course content, assessments and
assignments. Therefore, it becomes necessary to understand the advantages and disadvantages as
perceived by students and further act on areas of improvement for the successful integration of online
education, based on the growing importance of online education programs. The aim of the study is
therefore to identify the advantages and disadvantages of e-learning in university education in the
United Arab Emirates (UAE). The study further draws attention to the obstacles that students face when
using e-learning, which are outlined in the form of disadvantages that students point out in their
answers. Considering the objective of the study, the following questions will be answered in this study.

1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using e-learning when implemented in higher
education?

2. What are the main obstacles identified by students in e-learning?

2. Literary review

Sociocultural theory and constructivism are useful in explaining the use of social networks in online
learning, collaborative learning, and the importance of social integration in online social learning
environments. Lev Vygotsky (1987) explained that children learn effectively in social settings and make
meaning through involvement with others. The child is able to perform and solve more complex tasks
that he can do independently with guidance, support and cooperation. Students can be actively involved
in the learning process if classes are conducted to encourage discovery learning. This type of learning
offers students inductive and independent drawing of conclusions, leads to the development of
intellectual abilities and increases the quality of durability and knowledge.

2.1 Advantages of E-learning

The implementation of e-learning in education has been favorable in many contexts. Previous studies
presented several advantages associated with the implementation of e-learning technologies in
university education (Raspopovic et al., 2017). E-learning is understood as the ability to focus on the
requirements of individual students. For example, focusing on the needs of individual students can
provide knowledge in the digital age effectively compared to the needs of educational institutions or
instructors (Huang and Chiu, 2015). Through e-learning, goals can be achieved in the shortest possible
time with minimal effort. When managing an e-learning environment, its impact on education is
monitored in providing equal access to information regardless of users' location, ethnicity, race and age.
Environment for AlaaZuhir Al Rawashdeh et al

www.ejel.org 109 ISSN 1479-4403

E-learning also helps students or learners to rely on themselves so that instructors are no longer a
solitary source of knowledge but serve as guides and advisors (Joshua et al., 2016).

Several studies have demonstrated the positive effects of e-learning based on student or student insights
(Gautam and Tiwari, 2016; Martínez-Caro, Cegarra-Navarro and Cepeda-Carrión, 2015; Chang, 2016). For
example; e-learning makes it possible to observe much more flexible ways of teaching, how to go to
classes with a significantly reduced need for travel. Students are enabled to gain a deeper insight into
information through activities that are carried out in the classroom through an interactive video device
(Gautam and Tiwari, 2016; Martínez-Caro, Cegarra-Navarro and Cepeda-Carrión, 2015). This allows
students to respond quickly to activities.

It is important that instructors embrace advanced technology throughout the teaching process and;
learning therefore has a range of information and communication technology (ICT) skills (Aithal and
Aithal, 2016). It is also observed that e-learning systems enable better communication between students
and teachers. Both part-time and full-time students can actively participate in online study courses of
their choice from any location or location, providing an easily accessible source of experience and
learning for people who travel or relocate (Radu, Radu, & Croitoru, 2015). The integration and use of e-
learning offers people with disabilities the opportunity to further their education from any location. Four
common types of e-learning systems have been developed which include; Learning Content
Management System (LCMS), Learning Support System (LSS), Learning Design System (LDS) and Learning
Management System (LMS) (Adzharuddin and Ling, 2013). Although all systems have a similar name, the
function of each system is different. In the process of e-learning, LMS is widely used by various
educational institutions. It is also considered a platform that is used to manage the user experience
when interacting with e-learning content. LMSs generally perform three common functions which
include; presentation and systematization of training content, creation of tasks to test and consolidate
knowledge, to evaluate progress (Rietsema, 2016). LMS software is further used to publish, schedule,
deliver, and host self-hosted online courses. In their study, Muruthy&Yamin (2017) investigated how
effective LMS is for students enrolled in universities along with their use in the learning process. A
number of benefits were outlined in this study. The first is flexibility, as LMS use has led to increased
collaboration between faculty and students. Furthermore, it is effective in improving institutional
procedures that require student involvement. LMS is also effective in supporting centralized learning,
easy upgrade, simplified learning process, low cost, centralized learning, etc. (Muruthy&Yamin, 2017).

Other important advantages as pointed out by Al-Handhali, Al-Rasbi, & Sherimon (2020) listed several
advantages of LMS that make it user-friendly, efficient in time management, provide easy management
of courses, teachers, equipment and generate reports. It also provides users with timely reminders that
include; delivery date, answering questions, test dates, etc. In their study, Aydin&Tirkes (2010) analyzed
the usefulness of LMS and Moodle. The results of the study showed that Moodle is undoubtedly one of
the effective LMS tools. Some of the benefits identified include flexibility in following the modules used
and helping to teach in any style or setting. Due to its modular design and user interface, Moodle has an
excellent usability rate compared to its competitors. However, as a learning environment, Moodle has
been recognized as easy to use due to the variety of options available. In addition, the increase in user
authentication options, easy installation process along with maintenance in Moodle helps to increase the
frequency of use (Aydin&Tirkes, 2010).

2.2 Disadvantages of E-learning

Despite the significant benefits of e-learning, students encounter several problems that ultimately lead
to limited or negative results. Like; In their study, Arkorful and Abaidoo (2015) outlined that e-learning in
some cases takes place through remoteness and contemplation, resulting in insufficient student
interaction. Compared to the current way of education, e-learning may be less effective due to the
absence of face-to-face meetings with instructions or teachers. Since in the e-learning method,
assessments are generally conducted online, this reduces the possibility of restricting illegitimate
activities such as; cheating, plagiarism etc. (Arkorful and Abaidoo, 2015). The absence of necessary face-
to-face interactions is the most obvious disadvantage of e-learning, not only between fellow students,
but also between instructors and students (Islam, Beer, & Slack, 2015). There is a lack of community in
an online learning environment because student-to-student engagement is much less of a concern
compared to student-to-instructor interaction. Gilbert (2015) highlighted that most students wish to
work autonomously to avoid the need to interact with their classmates. Cultural barrier is another
important disadvantage The Electronic Journal of e-Learning Volume 19 Issue 3 2021

www.ejel.org 110 ©ACPIL

introduction of an online course. In their study, Aparicio, Bacao and Oliveira, (2016) assessed the
influence of cultural characteristics, which include individualism and collectivism, in determining the
perceived success of e-learning. The findings of the study indicated a significant influence of
individualism and collectivism on organizational and individual impacts.

Technology is a platform that is easily taken for granted when involved in everyday life, but is not widely
used due to the lack of financial benefits to gain access. Global knowledge available on the Internet is led
by increasing the proportion of computers and other electronic devices among students (Talebian,
Mohammadi, & Rezvanfar, 2014). Another disadvantage is the retention of motivation in an online
course that online students experience. Students who lack self-motivation and independence had lower
success rates compared to their peers (Sarkar, 2012). Students who lack self-regulation tend not to spend
enough time completing assignments; i.e. switching poor quality work or late tasks. Overall, successful
students have stronger beliefs that they will succeed, better technological skills and attitude, higher self-
responsibility, and higher self-organization skills (Sarrab, Al-Shihi, & Rehman, 2013). Students must be
able to assess the motivational factors to keep up the pace throughout the duration of the course.
Students lack motivation and can easily lose sight of their original goal, quickly get lost in the course and
subsequently withdraw from the course (Raspopovic et al., 2017). Therefore, it is appropriate to
determine an individual's success in completing an online course based on an understanding of learning
styles and their own behavior.

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Assignment -4

The contents are following:

 Methodology

 Design

 Research Method

 Population

 Sampling Technique

 Sample size

 Instrumentation—instruments/ tools used for the data collection

 Validity and reliability of the tools/ questionnaires

 Time frame

3. Material and methods

3.1 Study design and setting

A cross-sectional study design is adopted to identify the advantages and disadvantages of e-learning in
university education. Higher education institutions were targeted in this study, while the UAE was
targeted as a preferred study environment.

3.2 Population

University students in the UAE were considered as the population for this study and; thus, students
enrolled at Ajman University in the second semester of the academic year 2018-2019 were considered as
the study population.

3.3 Sampling Technique

Students in other semesters and academic years were excluded from the inclusion criteria. None of the
faculty members were considered part of this study.
3.4 Sampling Size

Based on the sample size calculation and the number of students studying in the second semester, 100
students with an equal ratio of males and females were randomly selected as the sample for this study.

3.5 Research method or Procedure

Prior to data collection, permission was obtained from the Academic Director of Ajman University and
the nature and aim of the study were explained in a formal agreed upon meeting. After obtaining
permission and ethical approval from the Ajman University Ethics Committee, consent forms were
signed by students willing to participate in the study. All students were assured that their participation
and personal information would be kept confidential. A closed structured questionnaire was created to
collect data from students.

3.6 instrumentation –Instruments /Tools used for data collection

The questionnaire consisted of two parts; the first part gives information about age, sex, department,
program, place of residence, nationality and social status. The second part was further divided into two
parts; (1) advantages and (2) disadvantages of e-learning. 18 items in the first subdivision and 16 items in
the second subdivision.

3.7 Reliability and Validity of the tools/ questionnaires

The questionnaire was evaluated by experts from the sociology department of Ajman University before
being used for data collection. Corrections were made to the questionnaire taking into account the
suggestions of the experts to ensure its validity. On the other hand, Cronbach alpha was used to
measure the reliability of the questionnaire items. In this regard, 15 students were included in a pilot
study to verify the reliability of the questionnaire. Participants included in the pilot study were excluded
from the final sample. After conducting the pilot study, Cronbach alpha confirmed the reliability of the
study, as its coefficient exceeds the standard benchmark of 70%, which indicates the high reliability of
the questionnaire items.

3.8 Data analysis

The collected data were analyzed using frequencies and percentages under descriptive statistics through
Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0.

3.9 Time frame

The following task will be completed within current semester.