Role of E-Learning in Physics

E-learning or electronic learning is the use of computers in teaching and learning experiences in Physics. While there are certain obvious and apparent benefits of using computers in physics learning, ultimately it is left to the imagination of a physics teacher and the learner to make use of this tool optimally. This article tries to gain further insight on the subject.

Role of E-Learning in Physics Teaching:

·        Imagination plays a vital role in teaching the subject. Owing to the nature of subjectivity, there is ample scope for the subject being presented or assimilated erroneously.

·        Geometric models are the primary tools of imagination of the physical system and processes.

·        Animations and simulations of e-learning software leave no scope for any doubts.

·        Instructions can be presented in a controlled and phased manner using e-learning instruction tools.

·        However, excessive use of multimedia in the instructional design of the e-learning content can be detrimental as the students can get distracted in the class easily.

·        Also, computers can raise the qualitative and quantitative aspects of evaluation of Physics learning.

Role of E-Learning in Physics Learning:

·        The clarity in comprehending the theoretical concepts gets enhanced by the use of animation and multimedia.

·        Learning by reading is 10 percent, by listening 20 percent, by seeing is 30 percent and by listening and seeing it is 50 percent.

·        In this way, the rate of learning is enhanced 50 percent by the use of pictures and sound in comparison to learning by reading alone.

·        Moreover, the  extent of abstractness is reduced to be great extent by the use of multimedia in the instructional design of e-learning content.

·        While experimental skills are to be developed and honed in the laboratory, further insight into the subject can be gained by using virtual labs.

·        Pictures, sounds and animations easily attract the attention of the student towards the subject and relatively effortless experience of learning physics improves the confidence of the learners too.  

Conclusion: On the whole, e-learning positively impacts the cognitive, affective and the psychomotor domains of  teaching and learning physics.