Advancement in technology has transformed the world in many ways, from online shopping to completing your education via online universities. Technology has played a pivotal role in uplifting and improving the standard of living. Now you don’t need to travel a long distance to buy anything or obtain any service.
With just a click, you can get most things you want within the comfort of your home. If you need to get a loan you can check out a student loan repayment calculator to see how much you will need to pay each month once you have graduated.
Similarly, the educational sector has experienced tremendous growth by integrating technology and introducing new techniques for teaching and learning activities.
“Technology has enabled educators to reach student data, content, and information, from anywhere at any time. They are using it to enhance their teaching.”
Educators are aiming to instigate pedagogical change, which will improve students’ learning. Most people take the use of technology in learning activities positively. Gone are the days when students were not allowed to use technological devices. Today, they are encouraged to use modern hi-tech instruments. Automation has helped in broadening learners’ horizons, as it has enabled them to access information from all around the world.
Online training seems to be booming as more and more people are enrolling in e-learning programs to reap benefits of it. On the other hand, some people are still apprehensive about acquiring education, without physical presence.
Below are the pros and cons of online education:
Pros of Online Education
Adaptable
Online education gives students the freedom to adapt their schedule as per their feasibility. Most of the institutes offer pre-recorded lessons and provide an appropriate duration for the submission of assignments. E-learning courses are a blessing for students who have to work or for those who are engaged in other spheres as well. Since online schooling does not require physical presence, students can view the lectures while performing other chores.
Accessibility
Online education has enabled institutes to offer its programs globally. Students who aspired to study in reputable institutes, but could not pursue it because of geographical barriers can enrol in colleges of their choice.
The outbreak of COVID-19 has brought on-campus educational activities to a halt. Many institutes have resumed their educational operations online and are offering a variety of courses. A degree in Educational leadership has become one of the preferred choices of students, and a Masters in Educational leadership Online is gaining immense popularity amongst them.
It Makes You Tech- Savvy
You cannot earn online education without a gadget. Besides, it requires you to use several software and applications to view lectures and submit assignments. E-learning gives you opportunities to interact with counterparts, using sophisticated technology. The upcoming era will be more digitalized, and experts have commented that tech-savvy people will have better career opportunities. By the time you finish your degree, you will be pro at using technology, and it will help you in the corporate world.
Affordable
The cost of living is rising at an alarming speed. The COVID-19 pandemic has also put plenty of people in the financial crisis. Businesses are closing down globally, and people are losing their jobs daily. The epidemic has forced people to reshape their lives, and change their priorities’-learning programs are comparatively cheaper than conventional courses. It saves students from the commute and additional expenses that you may have to bear when you attend classes on campus. Additionally, since students have access to study material electronically, they do not have to spend money on textual books.
Set Your Own Pace
Students of the same age group do not have the same mindset; they possess different abilities. Some of them grasp concepts quickly and master an idea in no time, whereas some struggle in processing information and need additional time. Online learning benefits both sets of groups. Many institutes give the option of finishing the program early, which goes in favour of quick learners. Slow learners can revisit their lessons to consolidate concepts as per their pace.
Cons of Online Learning
Absence of Face-to-Face Interaction
The most significant disadvantage of online education is that it offers no physical interaction. Although instructors provide students with the opportunity of discussing and working in teams in a virtual setting, it cannot replace the vigour of physical group study. An instructor and students can create a bond easily in traditional classrooms, but electronically it requires more effort.
Limitation of Technology
Students need a robust Internet connection and a gadget to access the online learning environment. Technological glitches are inevitable on students, as well as on instructors’ end. Breakdowns can occur without warning, which may hinder students’ work or, in the worst-case scenarios, students may lose their job. Technology is not a hundred per cent reliable, nor is it seamless. Furthermore, user-friendly technology is crucial to e-learning, which tends to be expensive.
Lack of Discipline and Motivation
The absence of a conventional classroom setup demotivates students. Besides, the competition atmosphere is missing in online classes, and students do not feel encouraged to give their 100 per cent. Like conventional education, online education also demands diligence and determination from students’ end. The flexible nature of e-learning makes it difficult for students to follow a set routine. Hence, they struggle with disciplining themselves.
More Theoretical Than Practical
On-campus education usually has numerous opportunities for students to indulge in experiential learning. In an online learning environment, instructors provide general information with the help of videos and images. Hands-on experiences have long-lasting effects on memory, which is missing in online education.
Furthermore, traditional teachings allow students to practice what they learn and equip students with skills required in the corporate world. E-learning students do not get such chances, and hence, when they enter the corporate world despite holding a degree, they still need to learn some practical skills.
Fewer Networking Opportunities
Online learning gives little or no networking opportunities, as instructors tend to deliver their lectures and leave. While in conventional educational settings, students get plenty of chances to meet people from the relevant field. In on-campus education, if students show excellent performance, they may land a job, even before finishing their degrees.
Conclusion
Some students find it easy as compared to traditional distance learning, as it allows them to fulfil other responsibilities. Others consider it unreliable and find it challenging to motivate themselves. Based on your unique personality and professional goals, with the help of the comprehensive guide, as mentioned above, you can make the correct choice for your successful future.
