Article Type : Research Article
Authors : Saufi S
Keywords : Digital; Education; E-Learning; Evolution; Research
This article investigates contemporary challenges in
e-learning as education transitions from conventional classrooms to digital
platforms based on research and publications in SCOPUS database. It explores
issues, innovations, and complexities encountered in this shift, aiming to
offer insights into addressing these challenges effectively. Utilizing content
analysis via literature review, this research examines 122,502 studies from
SCOPUS database related to e-learning, analysing trends, language diversity,
and subject integration across various fields from 2019 to 2023. Findings
highlight the prevalence of e-learning studies, primarily in conference
proceedings, underscoring the systemic challenges in learning systems, human-centred
issues, student-centric challenges, COVID-19's impact, online learning hurdles,
and machine learning complexities. The study also reveals the integration of
e-learning in diverse subjects and across multiple languages. This study
highlights significant gaps in research on e-learning, particularly in
supporting educational policymakers. While e-learning offers benefits, further
investigation is needed into its long-term effects on student outcomes, teacher
well-being, and institutional frameworks. Future research should explore
e-learning's impact on educational equity and infrastructure needs.
E-learning's evolution from traditional to digital platforms poses multifaceted
challenges, requiring collaborative efforts to bridge digital divides, improve
teaching quality, and enhance accessibility. Addressing these issues is
critical to fostering inclusive, effective digital education ecosystems.
Policymakers should prioritize funding for research to inform evidence-based
policies and create guidelines to help institutions adopt e-learning
effectively, ensuring adequate support for both teachers and students.
In the past decade, education has undergone a
monumental transformation, transcending the physical confines of the classroom
to embrace the vast expanse of cyberspace. This shift has ushered in a new era
of learning, where traditional pedagogical approaches intertwine with
cutting-edge technologies. The title, "From Classroom to Cyberspace:
Unravelling Education's Contemporary Challenges," encapsulates the essence
of this paradigm shift. This essay delves into the challenges faced by modern
education in adapting to this evolving landscape, exploring the complexities,
innovations, and hurdles encountered in the journey from conventional learning
spaces to the ever-evolving domain of digital platforms, including the pivotal
role of e-learning in reshaping educational paradigms. The evolution of
technology has revolutionized the landscape of education, giving rise to a
paradigm shift in learning methodologies in education institution [1]. In
recent years, the integration of electronic platforms and digital tools into
education, commonly termed as e-learning, has emerged as a transformative force
reshaping traditional pedagogical approaches. The background of this study on
e-learning encapsulates the contextual evolution, challenges, and the pivotal
role it plays in modern education. From formal education in schools and
universities to corporate training and professional development, e-learning
offers flexibility, accessibility, and innovation that are not limited by
geographical or time constraints. Studies show that e-learning not only
provides access to quality education for students in remote areas but also
expands lifelong learning opportunities for adult learners and professionals.
It also provides career development for teachers who receive professional
training [2]. The genesis of e-learning traces back to the late 20th century
when computers began to permeate educational institutions [3]. Initially, it
involved rudimentary systems that provided electronic access to educational
materials. However, the rapid advancement of technology, especially with the
advent of the internet, catalysed a profound transformation in the way learning
was imparted and accessed. E-learning, characterized by its flexibility,
accessibility, and diverse modes of delivery, and has expanded educational
horizons beyond geographical boundaries [4]. Its deployment ranges from
traditional academic courses delivered online to interactive multimedia
modules, catering to a wide spectrum of learners. The proliferation of e-learning platforms has
been particularly accelerated by the global digitalization push. Educational
institutions, driven by the need for adaptability and resilience, swiftly
pivoted toward online modes of instruction during the COVID-19 pandemic,
further highlighting the indispensability of e-learning in ensuring continuity
of education [2,5,6]. Yet, despite its rapid growth and widespread adoption,
e-learning confronts several challenges that necessitate rigorous
investigation. One such challenge is the digital divide, wherein unequal access
to technology and the internet creates disparities in educational
opportunities, disadvantaging marginalized communities. Bridging this divide is
imperative to ensure equitable access to quality education for all [7,8].
Moreover, the efficacy and effectiveness of e-learning
in facilitating meaningful learning experiences has been a subject of debate.
Ramos and Inocian indicated that Design thinking as a virtual method of
teaching is more effective compare to the traditional teaching and learning
[9]. However, Boholano et al. found that this modern communication and
information sharing such as social networking contribute to some bad impact
[10]. They found that some information from the social networking sites are
useless and the unstable internet connectivity reduce the performance in
e-learning. However, the integrity and quality of online educational content
pose significant concerns. Ensuring the credibility, authenticity, and
reliability of digital resources in an era inundated with information requires
robust measures for content validation and quality assurance. The good quality
is not only in e-learning itself but also in the providers such as education
institutions. Service quality is crucial for higher education institutes to
gain competitive advantages and growth. Due to that, the potential strategies
and service improvement should be planned accordingly to cater to the student's
needs and expectations [11], and to compete with other countries in the
education system [9]. The dynamic nature of e-learning demands a comprehensive
understanding of its multifaceted dimensions. This study seeks to delve deeper
into the complexities and nuances of e-learning, exploring its impact,
challenges, and potential for innovation. By examining the current landscape
and trends, this research aims to contribute valuable insights that can inform
the refinement and evolution of e-learning strategies, ultimately enhancing its
effectiveness and inclusivity in the realm of education. The transition from classrooms to cyberspace
has brought forth an array of challenges that educators, institutions, and
learners grapple with daily. One significant challenge is ensuring equitable
access to education for all. While technology has expanded educational
possibilities, the digital divide persists, creating disparities in access to
resources and learning opportunities among socioeconomically disadvantaged
communities [12,13].
Moreover, the effectiveness of online learning
compared to traditional methods has been a subject of scrutiny. Research
indicates that while e-learning offers flexibility and personalized learning
experiences, it also demands self-discipline and motivation, posing challenges
for students accustomed to structured classroom settings [14,15]. Therefore, it
is recommended that the subject of digital citizenship should be included in
the studies and future studies should assess the effectiveness of the
integration of various subjects and educational settings [16]. Additionally,
concerns regarding the quality and credibility of online education have
surfaced. With the proliferation of online platforms, verifying the
authenticity of educational content and ensuring standardized learning outcomes
have become pressing issues. The absence of stringent regulations and oversight
further complicates this matter. Furthermore, the shift to cyberspace has
raised concerns about the mental health and well-being of learners. Prolonged
screen time, social isolation, and the lack of face-to-face interactions have
been linked to increased stress and anxiety among students, warranting
attention to holistic approaches that prioritize emotional and mental wellness
[17,18]. The situation also occurs among teachers when their mental wellness is
at stake. E-learning present’s significant challenges to teacher wellness,
contributing to increased levels of burnout due to technological demands,
emotional disconnection, and the erosion of work-life boundaries [19]. To
address these issues, educational institutions and policymakers must take steps
to set realistic expectations, provide continuous professional development,
offer emotional and technical support, and promote mental health and physical
well-being. By doing so, they can help teachers and students navigate the
e-learning landscape more effectively and sustain their long-term well-being
[20]. Despite these challenges, the integration of technology into education
has also presented opportunities for innovation. Adaptive learning systems,
augmented reality, and collaborative online platforms offer new avenues for
engagement and interactive learning experiences. Yet, studying the issues and
challenges in e-learning is crucial as it introduces a profound understanding
of the obstacles encountered. It allows the identification of accessibility
issues, effectiveness, and teaching quality in the digital environment. By
exploring these challenges, we can develop better solutions, support diverse
learning styles, enhance online learning experiences, and ensure equal access
to education. A detailed analysis of these issues also aids educational
institutions and educators in adapting teaching strategies to current needs,
stimulating innovation, and maintaining relevance and quality in a continuous
learning environment.
The objective of this study is to investigate
contemporary challenges in e-learning as education transitions from
conventional classrooms to digital platforms. Drawing on research and
publications indexed in the SCOPUS database, it aims to explore the issues,
innovations, and complexities encountered during this shift and provide
insights into addressing these challenges effectively.
This study employs content analysis through a
comprehensive literature review, examining 122,502 studies from the SCOPUS
database related to e-learning. It analyzes trends, language diversity, and the
integration of e-learning across various disciplines, focusing on publications
from 2019 to 2023.
This article is a kind of content analysis from
literature review or article journal. Literature review is also a form of
research [21]. Initially, in the stage of the systematic literature review
(SLR), the process for a broad search is conducted regarding the relevant
publications. The next stage is screening criteria based on publication year
and language. More specifically, the method used to collect data for analysis
is from a single source, which is the SCOPUS publication database. The database
is a collection point for real-world data or facts [22]. The keywords used to
filter articles or inclusion criteria are 'e-learning, issues and challenges',
where the publication period of these articles spans the latest five years from
2019 to 2023. Only articles in English were chosen considering that most
articles are in this language and are suitable for analysis. Publications or
articles that do not meet the above criteria will be excluded. The article
selection process continued using several search items or categories displayed
such as fields, language, etc. Articles within the selected categories or items
will be analyzed briefly based on frequency and percentage.
The frequency studies of
e-learning
The analysis began with a process of searching through
SCOPUS database for studies related to the keyword 'e-learning' until November
29th 2023, without in-depth filtering. The result found 122,502 studies across
5 types of sources, as outlined (Table 1).
The result shows the prevalence of numerous studies on
e-learning stems from its transformative impact on education. E-learning
represents an evolving frontier, blending technology with pedagogy, and
prompting researchers to explore its multifaceted dimensions. Its widespread
adoption, especially accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, highlights its
significance in ensuring continuous education. Scholars aim to scrutinize its
efficacy, challenges, and innovations to optimize learning experiences. Table 1
also indicated that the most studies which is 60,180 were from conference
proceedings. Proceeding articles might lack rigorous peer review and in-depth
scrutiny, potentially affecting the reliability of the content. On the other
hand, published articles undergo rigorous peer review before acceptance,
ensuring higher quality and credibility. They are often published in reputable
journals, adding credibility to the research and enhancing its visibility
within the academic community. Published articles also contribute more
significantly to the researcher's academic profile and can have a broader
impact due to wider accessibility [23]. The e-learning study has been conducted
since as early as 1956 by Rollin P. Mayer regarding training youngsters in
digital computing techniques [24]. It outlined three premises; (1) the digital
computing industry requires not just an increase in individuals skilled in
computer design and programming, but also those knowledgeable about the
fundamental capabilities and limitations of digital computers; (2) It's
essential for the computer industry to actively offer basic computer training
to a wide audience, alongside more extensive education for those inclined
towards designing and programming; and (3) Most 12-year-olds possess the
interest, skills, and foundational knowledge needed to construct and comprehend
basic functioning models of various concepts.
The integration of
e-learning across diverse subject areas
Studies of e-learning often encompass various subject
areas beyond just education or technology. E-learning intersects with multiple
disciplines and fields, influencing them in diverse ways. Table 2 indicated
studies of e-learning that have been done in multiple subject area (Table 2).
The integration of e-learning across these diverse
subject areas demonstrates its versatility in transforming how knowledge is
accessed, disseminated, and applied in various fields, making education and
training more accessible and adaptable to different learning styles and needs.
As a suggestion from Zhang et al. that found that the effectiveness of a
universal distance education model for the stable professional development of
tourism and hospitality staff [25]. In this context, the model’s conceptual
structure can be successfully implemented into modern e-learning courses as a
methodology for balanced personal growth. Additionally, the model’s flexibility
allows its application in almost all areas, particularly in personnel training.
Table 1: Studies of E-learning from 5 Types of Sources until 29th November 2023.
No. |
Type of source |
Total |
1 |
Conference proceeding |
60,181 |
2 |
Journal |
43,767 |
3 |
Book series |
15,197 |
4 |
Book |
3,119 |
5 |
Trade journal |
233 |
6 |
Undefined |
5 |
|
Total |
122,502 |
Table 2: The Integration of E-Learning across Diverse Subject Areas.
No. |
Subject
areas |
Total |
No. |
Subject
areas |
Total |
1 |
Computer science |
81,969 |
15 |
Biochemistry, genetics and molecular biology |
1,377 |
2 |
Social sciences |
41,797 |
16 |
Earth and planetary sciences |
1,145 |
3 |
Engineering |
36,581 |
17 |
Nursing |
1,087 |
4 |
Mathematics |
16,469 |
18 |
Neuroscience |
1,071 |
5 |
Medicine |
9,045 |
19 |
Chemistry |
1,050 |
6 |
Decision sciences |
8,535 |
20 |
Chemical engineering |
1,036 |
7 |
Physics and astronomy |
5,606 |
21 |
Economics, econometrics and finance |
804 |
8 |
Business, management and accounting |
5,544 |
22 |
Agricultural and biological sciences |
696 |
9 |
Materials science |
3,047 |
23 |
Multidisciplinary |
578 |
10 |
Energy |
3,008 |
24 |
Pharmacology, toxicology and pharmaceutics |
482 |
11 |
Arts and humanities |
2,353 |
25 |
Dentistry |
252 |
12 |
Psychology |
2,279 |
26 |
Immunology and microbiology |
170 |
13 |
Health professions |
1,858 |
27 |
Veterinary |
93 |
14 |
Environmental science |
1,765 |
28 |
Undefined |
7 |
Table 3: Research in E-Learning across Multiple Languages.
No. |
Language |
Total |
1 |
English |
119,550 |
2 |
Spanish |
860 |
3 |
German |
668 |
4 |
Chinese |
577 |
5 |
Portuguese |
313 |
6 |
French |
253 |
7 |
Russian |
164 |
8 |
Japanese |
113 |
9 |
Italian |
83 |
10 |
Arabic |
62 |
11 |
Persian |
56 |
12 |
Turkish |
52 |
13 |
Croatian |
31 |
14 |
Czech |
30 |
15 |
Korean |
28 |
16 |
Dutch |
21 |
17 |
Slovenian |
19 |
18 |
Lithuanian |
19 |
19 |
Polish |
15 |
No. |
Language |
Total |
20 |
Hungarian |
13 |
21 |
Bulgarian |
12 |
22 |
Slovak |
10 |
23 |
Ukrainian |
8 |
24 |
Undefined |
7 |
25 |
Romanian |
7 |
26 |
Moldovan |
6 |
27 |
Moldavian |
6 |
28 |
Bosnian |
6 |
29 |
Greek |
5 |
30 |
Afrikaans |
4 |
31 |
Serbian |
3 |
32 |
Indonesian |
3 |
33 |
Malay |
2 |
34 |
Hebrew |
2 |
35 |
Danish |
2 |
36 |
Thai |
1 |
37 |
Finnish |
1 |
38 |
Estonian |
1 |
Table 4: Issues and Challenges of E-learning from 2020 until 2023 (Top 6).
No. |
Issues |
Total |
1 |
Learning systems |
65 |
2 |
Human |
58 |
3 |
Students |
49 |
4 |
COVID-19 |
47 |
5 |
Online learning |
39 |
6 |
Machine learning |
38 |
Research in e-learning
across multiple languages
Conducting research in e-learning across multiple
languages as in the Table 3 is essential for breaking language barriers,
promoting inclusivity, respecting diverse cultures, and ensuring that education
reaches and resonates with learners worldwide (Table 3).
Language diversity plays a pivotal role in ensuring
equitable access to education, enabling learners from diverse linguistic
backgrounds to engage meaningfully with digital learning resources. Firstly,
multilingual research in e-learning acknowledges the linguistic diversity of
learners worldwide [26]. It facilitates the development of platforms, content,
and instructional strategies that cater to non-native English speakers,
enhancing comprehension and engagement. This approach supports marginalized
communities and promotes educational equity by offering materials in learners'
native languages. Secondly, studying e-learning in various languages enriches
the understanding of cultural nuances and learning preferences. Different
languages and cultures have distinct learning styles and communication norms.
Researching e-learning in multiple languages allows for the customization of
content and instructional methods to align with these cultural contexts,
fostering more effective learning experiences [27]. As in the Table 3, English
language dominated e-learning research due to its global prominence and
accessibility [28]. It's widely used in academia, serving as a lingua franca
for scholarly communication. This prevalence in research allows for broader
dissemination, reaching a larger audience and fostering international
collaboration. However, this trend can unintentionally side line
non-English-speaking scholars and learners, hindering inclusivity and
neglecting diverse perspectives. Efforts to diversify e-learning research
languages are crucial to ensure equitable representation, understanding, and
application of findings across cultures and languages.
However, one potential limitation of the data in this
study is the underrepresentation of certain fields or languages in the SCOPUS
database. SCOPUS, though widely recognized as a comprehensive academic
resource, predominantly indexes publications in English and from
well-established academic disciplines, which could result in the exclusion of
important research conducted in other languages or emerging fields. This
linguistic bias may lead to limited visibility of e-learning studies from
non-English-speaking regions, where valuable insights into culturally specific
educational practices and challenges could be overlooked
Issues and challenges of
e-learning from 2020 until 2023
Researchers globally have delved into numerous
challenges within e-learning. We're narrowing our focus to the top six issues
for an in-depth exploration (Table 4).
The most extensively studied area revolves around
Learning Systems. E-learning faces
systemic challenges like technological disparities, inadequate infrastructure,
and access inequalities [29, 30]. Varied technological capabilities among learners
create a digital divide, hindering equal access and participation. Insufficient
internet connectivity, hardware, or software limitations impede seamless
learning experiences. Additionally, system vulnerabilities, such as data
privacy concerns and cybersecurity threats, jeopardize the integrity of online
platforms. Addressing these systemic issues demands equitable distribution of
resources, improved infrastructure, and robust security measures to ensure
accessible, secure, and inclusive e-learning environments for all learners. The
second issue is human issues. Human-centric challenges in e-learning encompass
engagement struggles, limited social interaction, and varying learning
preferences. Maintaining learner motivation and focus in digital environments
presents a hurdle, often due to distractions and the absence of immediate
feedback [20 & 31]. Reduced face-to-face interaction can impact
collaboration and communication skills. Moreover, catering to diverse learning
styles and preferences becomes challenging in standardized online modules.
Overcoming these human-centric issues requires innovative pedagogical
approaches, interactive learning tools, and platforms designed to foster
engagement, social interaction, and personalized learning experiences, aligning
with individual needs and preferences. The third concern pertains to
student-centered challenges in e-learning.
Student-centric challenges in e-learning include self-discipline
struggles, isolation, and unequal access. Students often face difficulties in
self-regulating study schedules and maintaining focus without direct
supervision. The lack of in-person interaction can lead to feelings of
isolation and hinder peer-to-peer learning experiences [14, 15, 3]. Moreover,
unequal access to technology and resources exacerbates disparities among
learners, impacting their ability to fully engage with digital coursework.
Addressing student-specific e-learning issues necessitates support structures
for time management, fostering virtual communities for collaborative learning,
and ensuring equitable access to devices and high-quality internet to create an
inclusive and supportive e-learning environment for all students.
Fourth issues are COVID-19 that exacerbated e-learning
challenges, intensifying digital inequities, and straining educational systems.
The sudden shift to remote learning exposed disparities in access to technology
and stable internet, widening the educational divide. Teachers faced rapid
adaptation, encountering difficulties in maintaining student engagement and
delivering effective online instruction. Additionally, the pandemic's
socio-emotional toll on student’s disrupted learning, affecting mental health
and motivation. Mitigating COVID-19's impact on e-learning necessitates
infrastructure improvements, teacher training in online pedagogy, prioritizing
mental health support, and fostering inclusive, resilient e-learning systems
capable of accommodating unforeseen disruptions [5, 6 & 32]. The result
from SCOPUS website also indicated online learning as the fifth issues. Online
learning grapples with issues of engagement, technological limitations, and
pedagogical effectiveness. Maintaining learner engagement in virtual settings
challenges educators due to potential distractions and reduced interaction.
Technological barriers like poor internet connectivity or device availability
hinder seamless participation. Pedagogically, adapting traditional teaching
methods to online formats can impact learning outcomes and student-teacher
rapport. Furthermore, assessment authenticity and cheating prevention pose
ongoing concerns in virtual environments. Overcoming these challenges requires
innovative instructional design, interactive tools for engagement, equitable
access to technology, and robust strategies ensuring the integrity and efficacy
of online learning experiences [33, 34].
Machine learning emerges as the final top-six concern
in e-learning. Machine learning in e-learning faces challenges of data privacy,
algorithm biases, and personalized learning effectiveness [35-37]. Safeguarding
learner data while leveraging machine learning algorithms for personalized
education requires stringent privacy measures and ethical considerations.
Addressing biases in algorithms that might influence content recommendation or
assessment evaluation is crucial for fair and unbiased learning experiences.
Moreover, ensuring the efficacy of personalized learning models demands
continuous refinement and validation to accurately adapt to diverse learning
styles while avoiding reinforcing pre-existing biases. Balancing the potential
of machine learning with ethical considerations and continuous improvement
remains imperative in enhancing e-learning experiences. To conclude, these
challenges underscore the need for multifaceted approaches involving
authorities and personnel to effectively address them. Researchers in
e-learning should also explore adaptive learning technologies, equitable access
improvements, and ethical implications of AI integration. Investigating
personalized learning systems' effectiveness and refining them to accommodate
diverse learning styles remains crucial. Addressing digital inequities,
focusing on enhancing internet access and device availability for underserved
populations, is pivotal for inclusive education. Moreover, researchers must
delve into the ethical considerations surrounding machine learning algorithms,
ensuring fairness and bias mitigation in content delivery and assessments.
Collaborative efforts in these areas can elevate e-learning's efficacy,
accessibility, and ethical standards, fostering a more inclusive and impactful
digital education landscape.
The findings of this study reveal important
implications for the future of e-learning research, particularly concerning the
reliance on conference proceedings. While conference proceedings often provide
timely insights into emerging trends, they may lack the rigorous peer-review
processes typical of journal publications, potentially impacting the
credibility and quality of the research. The heavy use of conference papers in
e-learning studies raises concerns about the depth of analysis, as these papers
tend to be shorter and less comprehensive than full journal articles.
Consequently, this reliance could lead to gaps in theoretical development,
limited empirical validation, and incomplete exploration of long-term effects.
From Classroom to Cyberspace: Unraveling the Trend of Research in Contemporary
Challenges of E-Learning" encapsulates the multifaceted nature of the
ongoing educational revolution. As education navigates this dynamic landscape,
addressing these challenges is imperative for fostering inclusive, effective,
and sustainable learning environments. Mitigating the digital divide, enhancing
the quality assurance mechanisms, prioritizing mental health support, and
leveraging technology for innovative pedagogical approaches are pivotal steps
toward harnessing the full potential of education in the digital era. This
journey from traditional classrooms to the boundless realms of cyberspace is
fraught with obstacles, yet it offers boundless opportunities for reshaping and
redefining the future of learning. For the future of e-learning research, it is
critical to encourage more rigorous, peer-reviewed publications that address
the complexities of e-learning environments. Additionally, reliance on
conference papers could narrow the scope of studies, particularly those
focusing on short-term results or innovations, without fully assessing the
broader impacts on educational equity, teacher well-being, and learning
outcomes. To enhance the credibility and generalizability of e-learning
research, future studies should prioritize more diverse data sources, extensive
longitudinal research, and more robust methodologies that provide in-depth
insights into the effectiveness of e-learning on a global scale. Therefore,
policymakers should prioritize funding for research to inform evidence-based
policies and create guidelines to help institutions adopt e-learning
effectively, ensuring adequate support for both teachers and students for a
remarkable performance in education.
I confirm that there are no conflicts of interest
related to this study. I have not received any financial or non-financial
support from third parties, and there are no affiliations that could be seen as
influencing this manuscript. The work was carried out independently, and all views
expressed are my own.
Suraini Saufi: Sole author
The data used in this study are derived from
publications indexed in the SCOPUS database. Access to the dataset is available
upon request through SCOPUS, and the specific studies analyzed can be
identified by their DOI numbers or publication titles. The data supporting the
findings of this study are publicly available in the SCOPUS database, which can
be accessed through institutional or individual subscriptions.
The author expresses heartfelt gratitude to all those
who contributed to the completion of this research article. She extends her
thanks to her husband for his unwavering support, and to her son and daughters
for their inspiring motivation. The encouragement and assistance from friends,
family, and colleagues were invaluable in overcoming the challenges faced.
Additionally, she acknowledges her workplace college as an affiliate for its
support. Lastly, she offers profound thanks to Allah SWT for His guidance,
protection, and blessings throughout this journey.