The Role of E-Learning at University Level: Independent learning or Lack of Human Contact?

In an increasingly globalised world, the emergence and fast spread of internet has brought many significant changes in any aspect of today’s society, including education matters. In the last few years, the world has been witnessing an explosion of distance learning programmes. E-learning, in particular, seems to have become one of the major educational strategies aimed at allowing active and independent learning as well as supporting collaborative learning communities. This learning process is very controversial and the public opinion seems to be divided over the advantages and disadvantages of e-learning. The aim of this paper is two-fold: Firstly, as the general landscape surrounding e-learning is undoubtedly confusing, this work will provide some useful definitions and a series of important developments related to this learning modality; secondly, both advantages and disadvantages will be outlined and discussed with particular emphasis on the implementation of e-learning at university level. The assumption of this paper is that, despite the benefits of technological resources available for education purposes, computers cannot totally substitute the role of human teachers. The best solution, as it is argued, is to employ a blended learning method based on online and offline activities guided, supported and regularly checked upon by teachers.