e-learning allows access to students that could not otherwise physically attend a course of instruction.

It can reach people that otherwise wouldn't be able to access higher education. In the Brazilian case, for example, that seems to be:

1. People living in regions where there are no or very few traditional higher education institutions;

2. People who study and work, and may therefore need more flexible hours (people outside the traditional age for taking higher education classes, for example);

3. People who are very sensitive to price, since e-learning tends to be cheaper than traditional education.

Dear Hajar Sayd Kamal. Thank you for your question. It raises an essential issue in higher education. Universities, particularly in western countries, are introducing online courses for several reasons. First, shifting courses to massive open online courses (MOOCs) could enable staff, for example in the preclinical years in medicine, biomedical sciences, to focus on research while students using online courses could need facilitation and guidance. So students may gather on campus 3-4 times. But most of the time interacting online in small groups and using online facilities in their interactions. Second, Online courses will be beneficial for campuses in the bush and rural areas where the students doing courses in these facilities could be connected centrally and report on progress and learning activities or engage in tutorials, or with surgeons while in the theatre. Third, Online learning is consistent with adult learning, and flexible learning, therefore adult students who are busy working can enrol in masters degrees while working. Students might be from several countries, regardless of geographical regions, doing the same course without the need for travelling or living abroad. There are several other advantages of using online courses. However, there are also several limitations and concerns that the course designer should be aware of and work on them. I hope this brief answer be of help. Good luck.