From Zoom to Boom: E-Learning’s Dominance Expands, Reshaping Higher Education in Ghana

By Rhoda Krah

The unexpected closure of educational institutions as a result of the appearance of COVID-19 in 2020 prompted authorities to adopt alternatives to traditional learning methods in emergencies to ensure that students are not left behind and that they are prevented from spreading the epidemic. The e-learning method, earlier used sparingly, became adopted widely. Zoom, a conferencing communications platform that allows users to connect with video, audio, phone, and chat became a household name overnight.

Three years into the pandemic, e-learning (offering several advantages over traditional education, including greater accessibility regardless of location, resource scalability, improved academic results, self-paced learning, and cost-effectiveness) is now playing a vital role in the existing educational setting, as it changes the entire instructional system and becomes one of the greatest preferred topics for academics.

As the world adapts to the digital age, the debate between e-learning and traditional face-to-face lectures has gained momentum across universities.

The term ‘e-learning’ encompasses all learning that is conducted virtually, in an online setting. Face-to-face learning is when social communication is carried out with other present individuals without any mediating technology.

Valuate’s Report shows 80% of organizations believe that after the pandemic their use of digital learning will remain the same, increase or decrease only slightly as restrictions on live training ease. However, advancement of information technology in the twenty-first century has profoundly changed our educational system. The use of the internet in teaching and learning has become more common in higher education. The reality is that online learning is the new mode of instructional delivery now available to students.

A fulfilling, successful online learning experience requires internet, data, devices and so on. Successful students must log in regularly to their classes, usually a minimum of three times per week. They must have good time-management skills, plan to ensure enough time to study and complete assignments, and commit six to nine hours per week per each three-credit class.

According to a recent study by HolonIQ, the global online learning market is expected to reach $375 billion by 2025, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16%. This growth is being driven by a surge in online enrollment, with an estimated 57 million students projected to be enrolled in online courses by 2027.

The Ghana Statistical Service says approximately 35% of university classes in Ghana are now held online. This significant increase from the pre-pandemic era, when online learning was relatively rare, highlights the adaptability and resilience of Ghana’s higher education

E-learning, or electronic learning, comes with several advantages that contribute to its growing popularity. One of its primary advantages is the flexibility it offers in terms of when and where learning can take place. Learners can access educational materials and participate in courses from virtually anywhere, as long as they have an internet connection. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for individuals with busy schedules, working professionals, or those who may face geographical constraints. E-learning allows learners to pace themselves, accommodating diverse learning styles and preferences.

E-learning can be a cost-effective alternative to traditional classroom-based learning. It eliminates expenses associated with commuting, physical learning materials, and sometimes even accommodation. Additionally, organizations can save on costs related to trainers, venues, and printed materials. This cost-effectiveness makes e-learning an attractive option for both individuals and institutions looking to deliver or acquire education and training without the overhead expenses of traditional methods.

Also, e-learning platforms often allow for a high degree of customization to cater to individual learning needs. Learners can choose courses that align with their specific interests, skill levels, or career goals. Moreover, many e-learning programs offer self-paced learning, enabling individuals to progress through the material at their own speed. This accommodates different learning styles and ensures that participants have a solid understanding of the content before moving on, contributing to better retention and comprehension.

These advantages make e-learning a popular and effective method for delivering education and training in various fields and industries.

The features of convenience and flexibility of online learning fosters continuous learning opportunities, which is particularly important for those who have competing family priorities. Like a considerable percentage of university students, Doris Mensah a level 300 student at African University College of Communications, AUCC, says she finds online learning to be very beneficial to her as a working mother and student.

“I prefer online class, because I get time after work to cook for my family, and still join class online, unlike face-to-face were I have to go to lecture after work and come back home very tired everyday.”

While e-learning offers numerous advantages, it also comes with its set of disadvantages. One of its significant drawbacks is the absence of face-to-face interaction with instructors and peers. Traditional classrooms provide a social and collaborative environment that contributes to better understanding and retention of information. In e-learning, students may miss out on the immediate feedback, real-time discussions, and interpersonal skills development that come with in-person interactions.

Secondly, e-learning heavily relies on technology, and technical issues can pose a significant challenge. Students may encounter problems such as poor internet connectivity, software glitches, or hardware issues that can disrupt the learning process. Additionally, there is a digital divide where not all students have equal access to the necessary technology, potentially creating disparities in educational opportunities.

Also, e-learning requires a high level of self-motivation and discipline. Without a physical classroom and set schedule, students need to manage their time effectively, stay organized, and be proactive in their learning. Some students may struggle with the lack of external structure and find it challenging to stay focused without the regular guidance and reminders provided in a traditional classroom setting.

It’s essential to note that the effectiveness of e-learning and the impact of these disadvantages can vary depending on the individual’s learning style, the quality of the online course, and the level of support provided by instructors and institutions.

Despite this advantage, many students like Nana Akua, a level 300 Strategic Communication student at AUCC are faced with a number of challenges, like internet data and network issues.

“I personally don’t like online lectures because I sometimes find difficulty getting internet connection at my end. Due to this, it’s hard for me to get engaged with reading materials shared during the class, and I can’t even ask questions or contribute to the class. And so, I really like face-to-face lectures, because for that, it’s more interactive, and that really works for me,” Nana Akua explained.

While the online structure of learning could assist students to have a stronger academic focus, they could also have an impersonal experience, as this mode of delivery does not provide many opportunities for personal interaction.

A recent survey conducted among students at the African university college found that, 40% of respondents believed that while e-learning offers flexibility and convenience, face-to-face lectures provide a more interactive and social learning experience. Ultimately, the best choice depends on the individual’s preferences and circumstances.