E-learning : are 'old' communication and listening skills being devalued in pursuit of e-learning?

E-learning is being introduced in many courses in order to provide students with learning flexibility. Comprehension skills are being tested electronically and discussions take place in the virtual environment. E-learning can address some of the hurdles of student attendance in a traditional classroom. These include the challenge of the ‘real time’ class requiring physical attendance in order to participate, the challenge of listening to a teacher for an extended time, the challenge of patience as class members ask questions, and the challenge of asking your own questions. All university teachers and students need to become good listeners and confident speakers. Most students will require the discipline to attend a workplace and function in a team. These important disciplines are not addressed by e-learning. The classroom has advantages that cannot be duplicated in the e-learning environment. The classroom provides the physical social interaction necessary for students to practise and develop their communication skills. It teaches a student to listen in a disciplined way, allows a student to ask questions, hear and evaluate responses and to think and reason and speak ‘on their feet’. ‘Although computers can be used to assist in the teaching of basic cognitive skills, it appears that they cannot engage students in the evaluation or synthesis of material, nor in activities in the affective domain.’ Classroom teaching provides a learning environment that cannot be wholly replaced by e-learning. The social interaction and disciplines essential to an effective classroom provide students with the communication and teamwork skills required by employers. The classroom also provides the social environment essential to developing neural plasticity; that is, modification of neural connections in the brain’s chemistry and, hence, the ability to learn.