Write an opinion article (about 300 words) to appear in the LEARNING TODAY website, using some of the ideas

below.
In your article:
a) Briefly describe your own experience with e-Learning and discuss which aspects you consider positive.
b) Then discuss the negative aspects of your experience and the limitations of web-based learning in general.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, educational institutions were forced to switch from
conventional teaching methods to distance learning. The pandemic made, in the blink of an eye, a
necessity digital classroom: a groundbreaking innovation that, in normal circumstances, would require
more than a decade to be widely applied. However, this brand-new experience showcased the pros and
drawbacks of distance learning to the general public.

Firstly, e-learning saves time! It is incredible the amount of time we waste on commuting. Especially, in
cases that classrooms are in remote locations. Furthermore, in the metropolis and cities, traffic is one of
the most frequent problems and, subsequently, commuters lose so much valuable time stuck in traffic
jams. Nevertheless, the internet solves this annoying problem.

Secondly, this revolutionary form of education offers employees the opportunity to follow courses or
master’s programs from accredited institutions remotely. In this regard, employees or students, who
wish to deepen their knowledge in certain fields, can do it without halting their careers or migrating
abroad.

Yet, e-learning is a luxury of the most privileged social groups in developed and developing countries. It
requires expensive equipment, such as computers and laptops. Moreover, the installation of programs
and access to the internet is necessary. On top of that, social groups that are not computer literate, for
instance, senior citizens, will not have the opportunity to benefit from this type of education.

There is no doubt that distance learning will be incorporated, to some or a full degree, in school
curriculums offering cheaper, self-tailored and interactive programs. Notwithstanding, we should not
neglect low-income populations who do not have the means to afford the equipment or are not familiar
with digital forms of education. E-learning is a powerful tool, that if not used wisely, could heighten
inequalities and social discrimination.