Electronic learning (or E-Learning) is a term for all types of technology-enhanced learning (TEL), where technology is used to support the learning process. Often the medium of instruction is through computer technology, particularly involving digital technologies. E-learning has been defined as "pedagogy empowered by digital technology". In some instances, no face- to- face interaction takes place.

E-learning is used interchangeably in a wide variety of contexts. Lately in most Universities, E-learning is used to define a specific mode to attend a course or programmed of study where the students rarely, if ever, attend face-to-face for on-campus access to educational facilities, because they study online. Universities which provide online degrees involve more and more electronic facilities to give their online students fast and qualified assistance.

There are several benefits and challenges to E-learning. Here are some pros and cons from the students’ perspective.

Pros:
(a) All of students’ class materials, assignments, lectures, quizzes are made available by students’ instructor online. This benefit is particularly advantageous for those of students who have ever lost class documents. Now students can go back to the class webpage (eg: utar called it as wble) and print out copies whenever they need them. With an e-learning course, students can also review assignment details and lecture materials any time.

(b) Students can access the information online from any internet-ready computer. Non-traditional students, for examples those with full-time jobs and/or those with children and other family priorities, will enjoy this flexible learning environment that allows them to dedicate time and attention to their day-to-day responsibilities and still be successful students.

(c) Support different learning styles (using flexible learning materials).
It accommodates multiple learning styles using a variety of delivery methods geared to different students and is more effective for certain learners.

(d) Encourage anytime, anyplace access to course materials.
24/7 accessibility makes scheduling easy and allows all the students access to the e-learning site (eg: wble) anytime. This on-demand access means learning can happen precisely when needed.

(e) Fosters greater student interaction and collaboration
Increase opportunities for student participation, encouraging less confident students to take part. Students can have better interaction and discussion in the forum. The online environment is far easier (and often more comfortable) to work in since students do not have to be face-to-face.

(f) Travel time and associated costs (parking, fuel, and vehicle maintenance) are reduced or eliminated. Students no need purposely go to universities to get some information.

(g) Overall student costs are frequently less (tuition, residence, food, transportation) if compare with offline learning.

(h) Fosters greater student or instructor contact. This can facilitate the communication between students or promoting peer group support. This can also improve communication with course tutor and teaching assistants.

(i) Enhances computer and Internet skills. By having E-learning, students must have some computer and internet skills to make our learning process successful.

(j) Provide self-directed and self-paced learning, allowing students to keep track of their own progress.

(k) Promote student engagement (using interactive learning materials), improving learner motivation and satisfaction.

(l) Give direct access to relevant and up-to-date information.

(m) Alternate and complementary ways of learning often help to facilitate students’ understanding.

(n) Improve universities of course materials.

(o) Students can do preparation of future topics, and revision of previous topics.

(p) Increase the accessibility of information and course materials to students with disabilities.

Cons:
(a) Large classes are more challenging to teach online than in the classroom. In most cases, 15 students are the largest number of students that an instructor can accommodate within an online class.

(b) Lack of face-to-face communication with lecturers and tutors contribute lack of understanding between students and lecturers or tutors. While a lecturers or tutors cannot easily feel a student's demands, interests and motivations, a student can simply be lazy being non-motivated enough and having free time schedule for his or her E-learning. This may result a low scope of the student's knowledge and the lecturers' or tutors’ accusation in lack of proficiency.

(c) Next, online classes, conferences and discussions are limited in time and totally exclude emotional interactivity. Though some universities which provide online courses and give online degrees evolve voice communication through networking technologies but there is still lack of gestures, vivid dialogue and feeling of students’ interlocutor's presence.

(d) Of course, less motivated employees will have difficulty dealing with the lack of structure in a self-paced E-learning program. Deal with that issue by scheduling time off for your employees so they can complete the assigned module. Also consider setting up an area that's quiet and conducive to learning, so workers can focus on their coursework.

In conclusion, like any form of teaching, E-learning requires various resources to be developed successfully. Things to keep in mind is E-learning does not have to be the only way of students course is delivered. It is often E-learning is delivered through "blended learning", in which E-learning is used to complement traditional educational methods. Besides that, E-learning could be a large or small part of students’ course.

E-learning has been becoming more and more popular among students living in Malaysia. There are pros and cons on e-learning studies. So, there is no good or bad on E-learning studies, but by having E-learning, there are much more benefits if compared with the disadvantages. As a students, need to make good use of the E-learning that provided by universities.

Related Links:
1. http://garts.latech.edu/tamaram/elearning/page2.htm
2. http://www.worldwidelearn.com/elearning-essentials/elearning-benefits.htm
3. http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/elan/getting_started/benefits
4. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_learning