Covid-19 has made a huge impact on Education. This past year has been a roller coaster year for many. The Pandemic has disrupted many sectors, including the educational sector. Traditional classrooms have become out of sight. Even though Online learning has existed in the past years, it served a different purpose. It was never meant to be the fundamental mode of learning back then. But today, we go hand-in-hand and are inter-dependent.
Today’s learning is full of interests, concerns, identities, and choices. It strives to immerse learners with experiences and opportunities. We find ourselves at a unique point when learning and connecting have become a new norm. It has allowed us to explore and create a new paradigm.
Over the past few years, we have adjusted to the new and emerging digital and communication tools. But today’s teaching requires much more than that. It has accelerated the transition without the time to prepare. Yet, that’s the beauty of online learning. It is a well-rounded seeking medium for everyone.
Let us explore in this post the advantages and disadvantages of online learning.
Advantages of E-learning:
Easy Access to all:
The biggest advantage of online Education platforms is that its available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This is not possible in traditional classrooms as there is no round-the-clock access. People have easy access to notes, announcements, assignments, forums, quizzes, and study anytime. They also have their study materials and curriculum ready online.
Students have the freedom to make schedules, complete courses, and juggle jobs. Also, students can attend classes from any location. We can store online lectures(old things) and save them for future reference.
Brings Education right to your home:
Some days we are too tired to step outside home. There are days when work becomes stressful and friends demanding. One of the biggest advantages is the flexibility and the comfort it allows you to enjoy.
The daily grind of getting to school on time, rushing through traffic, or fighting illness. All these factors bog us down and get between our learning.
From the word go, you can study from the comfort of your home. You can even study new subjects on the go, from the coffee shop, Doctor’s clinic, or even a library.
Reduced Education Costs:
The traditional method of learning comes at a significant cost. There is a vast difference between studying in a university and paying online.
Online learning comes at a much lower rate and reduced overhead costs. Costs which sometimes are too demanding to meet. It includes saving money for classrooms, study materials, and other costs.
You can take up a course that suits your budget, unlike the disadvantages of only one option. Also, the teachers can recycle the study materials for future students.
New Learning Opportunities:
Web Learning creates opportunities for students to connect with peers across the globe. This often leads to better opportunities for learning for a student. They adapt to different cultures and are sensitive to other fellow beings.
All students can communicate through messages and chats. They can be in touch even after graduation. It broadens the communication spectrum and increases opportunities for information exchange.
Disadvantages of E-Learning:
Increased screen time:
One of the biggest concerns is using and focusing on screens for too long. There is a greater chance for students to get distracted by social media and other sites. It then becomes imperative for the teacher to make learning crisp and engaging.
An increase in screen time also affects their health. They face issues like bad posture, neck and eye problems. The students remain hunched for a long time.
Many parents worry their children may not give enough time to other things. They may even become addicted to it. A good decision would be to give plenty of breaks between classes.
Lack of self- Discipline:
Many students fail to complete online courses due to a lack of motivation. In the scenario of the online environment, very few factors push the students to perform well. Lack of Strict schedules and one on one interactions also lag the students.
In most cases, the students are on their own and without anyone to help them push. Also, the students taking e-learning courses will have to deal with a lot of pressure. They will have challenging work materials in the comfort of their home. Hence, keeping up with regular deadlines can become difficult for less disciplined students.
Communication Barriers:
Communication is a vital action of all people’s life. However, Distance learning methods give a light of flexibility and hope. But, it also gives a loss of motivation. In an online class, there are minimal interactions between students and the teachers. Usually, a lack of interaction often leads to a lack of isolation.
Students learn better by being in the company of their peers. Today with the effect of technology, traditional teaching gave way to distance teaching. Without satiating the need to ask, students can have physiological issues. Students also face technical issues during communication, like lack of information about technology.
Good Read: Tips Not To Get Bore During Online Class – Education in Covid
Technology glitches:
Technology has grown over the years. Good internet connection with a decent speed is vital in today’s world. To have a consistent internet connection in most cities is a problem. Even if one has good connectivity, there are other issues like logins and passwords. Without consistency, students’ learning is not continuous.
Technology reliability is important in online education. Even the most trusted connections are not reliable and secure. Breakdowns could occur at any given time.
Many technological glitches like screen visibility, audio issues, or continuity hamper learning. Internet connections could fail, leading to limited access to students. The server that hosts the program can crash and cut off all participants from class.
Take-away:
We live in an ever-changing world that is ripe with opportunities. Opportunities that help us grow and not stagnate. Today is an exciting time for technology. Internet is buzzing with ideas and positive information. Education of the highest quality is available online.
There are many reasons why online learning has gained more popularity. It gives us the ability to learn something new and pass it on more than ever before. This kind of learning can pay off huge dividends.
It is important for us individuals to continue on the path of learning and discovering. Weighing the positives and the negatives, we can make an informed decision. When we do that, things automatically change.