Virtual education refers to the
use of technology and media in education, in formal and informal, both education
sectors. It involves the process of learning virtually which is referred to be
working as a substitute for face-to-face learning. This method of learning was
first introduced by “Bernard Luskin” and who used the term “E-Learning” for it.
The main reason behind introducing such system of learning was that, the
students would be able to connect with the scholars easily from any place, at
any time, from all over the world.
If virtual education is effective for learning or not, it is a debatable topic.
It has its own merits and demerits. But it has become so much integral part of
learning in our society that without e-learning, it seems to be very difficult
for any individual to learn. Technology has become an essential part of our
lives. We are bound to accept the reality that without technology, anything to
do has become nearly impossible for us.
The main purpose of virtual education is to make the access to education easier
for everyone. It can involve the use of books, videos, writing, web cam etc. The
positive thing about virtual education system is that, it has reduced the gap of
time and space, and also has enhanced the circle of learners. The interaction
between students and teachers is mainly indirect and limited but the learning
circle can be broader. Through virtual education system, the time gap can be
minimized as anyone can get knowledge that is recorded, i.e. there is no
restriction of timing. And also, a single lecture can be heard, as many times,
as one needs. As it involves the use of technology in any form, so an individual
can gain knowledge that is even year’s old, recorded lecture of some teacher.
There is no restriction of space, as well as with the help of technology, any
scholar from all over the world can be accessed easily. So the standard of
education can be maintained at same level, across the globe.
The negative points associated with virtual education also exist, because it
involves the use of technology, so there are greater chances of mechanical
errors. As the lecture is not being delivered through face to face interaction,
the interaction and relation between teacher and student does not remain that
much strong. Due to the time gap, it becomes much difficult for the student to
solve the queues that generate in one’s mind during the lecture. It also becomes
difficult for a teacher to make the students, completely understand about the
topic. Due to non-physical presence of teacher, it becomes very difficult
sometime to completely engage the students for hours. In teaching-learning
process, one of the most important things is the interaction between teacher and
the student, which makes it easier to learn. Through technology depending way of
learning, the learning mainly is limited to the formal education only and the
informal education has become very difficult. The purpose of education has
limited to gaining knowledge and the example of the application of such
knowledge is not present to be observed, which makes it easy to learn.
In Pakistan, virtual mode of education is increasing very rapidly. The
technology use in learning is becoming essential in education system, gradually.
To gain knowledge through internet is now being encouraged. Not only that, but
also, the universities are now being developed which depends entirely on virtual
mode of learning e.g. Virtual University. But in Pakistan, complete dependence
over virtual learning method is not so much encouraged. Gaining help through
this mode is encouraged but depending entirely on this mode is not so much
accepted yet due to some criticism done on this education mode. And the
universities which completely lay on the virtual learning method are not really
supported.
Virtual education is important in learning. But complete dependence over such
method is not so much positive. To use such mode of education as helping
material, really supports the learning but complete reliance over it is not so
much supporting for education. There is no substitute for face to face learning
method. So the technology use in education sector should be encouraged to the
extent that is helping for both student and teacher but the complete reliance is
not really helpful in learning. It is helping for those only, for whom, it is
very difficult to get education due to immobility of the area, or some other
reasons which constraint them from properly gaining education. But those who
have the opportunity should utilize it positively and use virtual mode as
assisting but not completely depending over it.