Talking points: What do you think about e-learning?

E-learning saves us time and means we can learn on the go; so it eliminates the boundaries of the classroom. It enables us to easily learn about the world and gain better skills.

However, this easier access to information means the academic requirements facing students can also be more demanding.

I still think jotting down notes with a pen and paper can help us understand and memorise information, and also enhance our knowledge.

Suskihanna Gurung, 17, Delia Memorial School (Broadway)

As an ICT [information and communications technology] student, I have to learn to use certain software, such as Adobe Dreamweaver and Microsoft Office. Much of the learning is done through practice. But buying such expensive software so we can practise at home is quite difficult for students like me, since we are not so well off.

Also, using open-source software - which anyone can use - isn't really an option because, for the HKDSE, we must be familiar with specific types of software.

Tracy Wong Ho-yan, 16, Carmel Secondary School

I don't think e-learning is an effective way to learn. Undoubtedly, e-learning can save time and money - for both students and educational organisations.

However, it cannot provide the same benefits as traditional learning. For example, without a teacher, slow learners may find it difficult to understand complicated ideas through e-learning.

Another problem is that e-learning requires a student to have good IT skills. I'm an IT "idiot", so I have constant problems installing the software that's needed for the class. So it actually disrupts my learning.

Therefore, I prefer traditional lessons to e-learning.

Odessa Fung Ying-ka, 13, Diocesan Girls' School

E-learning may bring a lot of advantages to students. They can use e-books, so their schoolbags will be much lighter.

However, I don't like e-learning. Technology is developing so rapidly that many people today can't seem to survive without their tablets, laptops and smartphones.

Using them all the time harms our real-life communications skills - such as talking face-to-face with other people.

Constant use of computers and electronic gadgets can also affect our eyesight and lead to other health-related problems.

Liam Fung, 11, Chinese International School

I think that, technically, e-learning does help students.

However, have too much of it and our health will suffer. For example, staring all day at a computer or smartphone screen will damage our eyes. As the saying goes, "health is wealth", so we need to strike a good balance in life.