Pre-reading questions:
- What do you like about learning thru the internet?
- How has the internet changed the way kids learn these days?
- Do you think e-learning can replace traditional classroom learning?
According to UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), digitalization is the key to advancement in education and learning. E-learning is already gaining a strong foothold in South Africa. Tablets and laptops are provided to guarantee that children have access to primary education. Based on the current trend in South Africa, e-learning revenues have the potential of increasing further in the next few years.
Some mobile operators are now developing new applications for e-learning. A lot of students choose e-learning over physical schools for flexibility and convenience. One of the biggest challenges that potential e-learners face is the inaccessibility of reliable internet connection in many areas. This concern is partially being addressed by some companies providing apps that don’t need a fast internet connection. The South African government is also planning to invest more money in the e-learning industry to provide education to students in remote areas.
Vocabulary:
digitalization – integration of digital technologies into everyday life
foothold – a strong first position from which further progress can be made
guarantee – to promise that something will happen or exist
trend – tendency; a general direction in which something is developing or changing
flexibility – the quality of being able to change or be changed easily according to the situation
inaccessibility – the quality of being difficult or impossible to reach, approach, or understand
partially – not completely
Comprehension Questions:
- According to UNESCO, what is the key to advancement in education and learning?
- What are being provided in South Africa to guarantee that children can have access to primary education?
- Based on the current trend in South Africa, what is the future of e-learning business there?
- Name one of the biggest challenges that potential e-learners face.
- How will the South African government support the e-learning industry?
Express Your Opinion:
- Name some of the positive and negative impacts of e-learning.
- Do you think e-learning would be effective to kids? Discuss.