E-learning is the distance learning that is needed in the current pandemic situation due to COVID-19. The e-learning feasibility and obstructions are undeniable in the existing global conditions. The South Asia is a region where complications are abundant among and inside the nations. There are opportunities that are available to peoples living in specific socioeconomic and social conditions. E-learning is influenced by digital divisions among the peoples. It can reach easily to the e-learners who have access to the digital infrastructure requirements like internet and communication devices. There are students living in remote villages under poverty and have nots to whom the digital divisions are large. The economic indicators, social, socioeconomic conditions that are vital for analysing e-learning capabilities are discussed for South Asia to provide the opportunities and challenges of e-learning.
TopIntroduction
e-learning is learning using electronic medium conspicuously through internet. The invention of internet powered by wireless technologies metamorphosed communication fringes. The communication technology ascendancy restructured education, industry, commerce and trade. The communication technology has influenced developing nations in the South Asia. The South Asian countries Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka are developing nations. The South Asian nations are deluged in social, religious, economic, linguistic, global warming, terrorism, health care, education, pollution and other predicaments. This book chapter aspires to elucidate the opportunities and challenges present in the South Asian nations for e-learning in the midst of the aforesaid predicaments. The elucidation of opportunities and challenges encompasses the probable benefits and detrimental effects of e-learning in the South Asian nations.
Expediency of e – learning
The e-learning platform enables curious peoples with zeal to learn can flourish. English being the general language adapted in internet to communicate, teaching and learning process can be substantiated (Mastin, 2011). The accent of English changes from one country to another, but there is plethora of languages are in South Asia, the English accent changes from one group of people to another. The solution may be to provide a transcript of the English language. The natural language processing offered through artificial intelligence can subjugate the English speech transcript of the mentor. The English language is the medium of instruction or a language subject in South Asia, because of the influence of the British colonial rule. The telecommunication facilities reached most of the urban and rural places in South Asia and multimedia users through internet have increased in the past decade. Many online degrees, certificate courses are offered by colleges and online mentoring websites. From the emergence of Covid – 19 pandemic the safe mode of education is e-learning. The classes can be recorded and links can be shared though the free public domain applications. The queries can be communicated personally through e-mail, short messages or it could be posted publicly in a forum. Therefore, the queries could be satiated by answers from savants worldwide. Global talents can be identified through e-learning which will be a boon for technology and scientific developments. The concept of education is influenced by geographical, social, economic and socio-economic factors. Elaboration of the expediency of e-learning is carried out in this chapter based on influencing factors of education.
Encumbrance of e – learning
Language of communication plays vital role in e-learning. Majority of the non-English speaking population are not well versed in English. The English language ability can be classified as read, write and speak. Peoples often read and write does not know to speak. People who understand English cannot be able to speak and write. The hurdles of language barrier need to be surpassed before starting e-learning practices. Pronunciation and accent of English makes it esoteric to majority of non-English speaking population. The pronunciation and accent differ from one group to other peoples in a same country therefore, unified teaching international procedures are required to learn a language with international standard. The standards of English needs to be universal that it is to be accepted by all English speakers (Rao, 2019). The connectivity of peoples through English language is required as a part of unified unique learning process. Because language is the basic unit of communication, through which everyone can express their views, understanding and knowledge. This is a fundamental need of every human; therefore, all the human child is taught language. The process of unified unique English language learning will be the genesis of global e-learning. When the language of English unites all, we need to stand against the reprehensible proclivity of porn through internet. The e-learning renders liberty to the person engaged in learning. The liberty needs discipline to remain formidable, therefore self-disciple and curiosity are foundations of e-learning. The e-learning is the safe way of learning to all learners to avoid pandemics.