Remember when COVID-19 turned our lives upside down? While we were busy learning how to bake banana bread and mastering the art of social distancing, something else was brewing—an educational revolution. With schools and universities closing their doors, the world quickly realised that learning doesn’t have to happen within four walls. Suddenly, everything moved online, from Zoom lectures to virtual graduations. And as the dust began to settle, one thing became clear: education could be done differently, more efficiently, and in a way that harnesses the power of the internet.
This realisation didn’t vanish with the virus. The pandemic acted as a catalyst, pushing educational institutions to adapt and accept digital methods that had been on the horizon for years.
Among these, e-Assignments grew particularly. With just a few clicks, students could submit their work, receive feedback, and collaborate with peers—all without ever touching a piece of paper. This new way of learning wasn’t just a stopgap; it was the future.
But e-Assignments didn’t just appear out of thin air. Their roots stretch all the way back to the 1840s, when Sir Isaac Pitman, the father of shorthand, introduced correspondence courses. Imagine the patience it took for students to submit their assignments via mail and then wait weeks for feedback! Fast forward to the 1960s, technology began to weave its way into education with systems like PLATO, an early form of online learning that included automated assessments.
The real game-changer, though, was the internet. When it went commercial in the 1990s, Learning Management Systems (LMS) like Blackboard and Moodle made it possible to streamline assignment submission and grading. Suddenly, education wasn’t just more accessible – it was more efficient. e-Assignments became a natural extension of this digital shift, offering a more flexible, accessible, and outcome-driven approach to learning.
So, what’s the big deal about e-assignments? For starters, they’re incredibly convenient. No more running to the library or fighting with the printer at the last minute. E-assignments allow students to submit work from anywhere, at any time. And because everything is digital, feedback is almost instant. This quick turnaround helps students identify areas for improvement right away, enhancing their learning experience.
But the benefits go beyond convenience. E-assignments also promote collaboration. Students can work together on projects in real-time, regardless of their location. This kind of teamwork is especially important in today’s globalised world, where being able to collaborate remotely is a crucial skill.
Plus, e-Assignments reduce the need for physical materials, making them an eco-friendly option that aligns with the growing emphasis on sustainability.
Nowhere are the benefits of e-Assignments more apparent than in commerce education. Commerce today extends far beyond balancing ledgers; it encompasses digital marketing, e-commerce platforms, and data analytics. e-Assignments are perfectly suited for this dynamic field, offering students hands-on experience with the tools they’ll need in the digital economy.
Consider an e-Assignment where students analyse consumer behaviour on an e-commerce platform, craft a digital marketing strategy, or conduct market research using real-time data. These tasks reinforce theoretical knowledge but also equip students with practical skills crucial for the modern marketplace.
As the business world continuously evolves, the ability to adapt and think critically becomes increasingly vital.
In our next article, we’ll explore how Nergy Vidya is revolutionising e-Assignments and reshaping assignment culture with their innovative approach.
To be continued.