Information and communication Technology (ICT) is a field that gained unprecedented interest in the past decade. The application of it in various aspects of human endeavor earned it that attention and especially its application in the fields of education. There is apathy and growing disbelieve in learning through Internet media, which is one major aspect of ICT. The rest of the world is investing heavily in its development and modification but Africa seem to be in slumber over this.
In the era of information highway emphasis is on movement of knowledge not of people. The exodus of youth from many developing countries to Europe to study has grown recently. This has placed unnecessary pressure on the country of destination.
Gains of Internet Media Technology
With Internet media technology the best University, expertise, technology and research could be accessed in the virtual Universities springing up around the world. The Open University of UK, Open University of India and Canada are few of examples of Universities that offer credible courses to students around the world. One does not have to "kill" himself looking for visa to attend schools outside his home country but with online Universities the problem is adequately addressed.
The immediate challenges now are on recognition, quality and acceptance. In this case my answer is that mode of learning does not confer on or remove credibility from an award you earned from an institution provided the institution meet the entire standard for running courses in home country with credible curriculum.
Flaws in Face-to-face Learning
Schools offering full time face-to-face traditional mode of learning do not often give you the best. Lecturers come to classes when they like, some come to classes to read notes/handouts materials made for them by their lecturers several decades ago when they were students which may lack currency. Who can convince us under such circumstances that quality education is guaranteed in a face-to-face on-campus education more than online education where learner have unlimited access to knowledge freely and consistently accessing knowledge at convenience.
Technology is moving and those areas where doubts exist in online Universities are being addressed. For instance e-portfolio assessment, peer assessment, the use of webcam and other internet tools to monitor/assess learning activities are quality assurance approaches that readily placed face-to-face learning at par with online education.
I do not understand the fear again of prospective student in online education. Is it about recognition? All over the world learning via internet media is still a challenge but acceptance is increasing and it is hoped that our policy makers and educationists will set skepticism aside by putting in place appropriate policies and congenial environment that will promote acceptability of online education.
Advantages of Lifelong Learning (LLL)
Online mode of learning promotes lifelong learning, professional development and access to resources where they may other wise not be available. The latest advancement of technology is felt in all fields therefore no country has exclusive preserve of knowledge and information. We only have those that make discoveries faster than the other.
Today one could earn degrees up to PhD level in any field even clinical skills are being taught online which many might think is not possible. Instead of young people knocking their heads at embassies I think they should explore this opportunity.
Job prospect is also possible for example online tutoring can be one good advantage for those that learn through this mode.
For example American Universities are doing well in online and self education and the citizenry are not skeptic rather they are busy working to ensure its success. We can borrow a leaf from that. It is not when a learner is face-to-face with teacher that learning is guaranteed to take place but I think it is the pursuit of education process itself.
There is need to therefore intensify researches in this emerging pedagogy as the future of learning will count much on its development.
