Brain Circulation: the Issue of Brain Drain and Brain Gain

Abstract

Nowadays in our modern society, globalization and advanced technology have led to new ways of learning. Until the end of the 20th century, learning occurred particularly through traditional way of learning such as in-class education. Students or learners did not have the choice in the way of learning – in-class or online – they had to go to class and learn in the classroom with teachers and other students. Since the end of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st century new ways of learning have emerged: it is now possible in nowadays modernized society to study and learn outside the classroom thanks to new technologies including internet and social networks. This type of learning is commonly called ‘e-learning’ referring to online education. After reviewing documents, researches, dissertations and theses related to this topic, this article will aim at emphasizing the importance of online learning in today’s society, as well as the difficulties the latter is facing to be used, implemented and developed due to its ‘newness’. When it comes to comparing online education and traditional classroom learning, it seems that the key advantages of online education are flexibility, accessibility and availability at all times and places. These give learners the advantage to get connected to their education wherever they are and whenever they need to, which is not the case for traditional in-class learning. Therefore, online education should be nowadays implemented and developed as much as traditional education, considering its numerous long term advantages and benefits.