The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered the online learning platforms more than ever. This is termed as the “new normal”. Just a few years ago it was hard to imagine that schooling can be done without going to ‘school’. Students don’t need to be confined in the brick-and-mortar classrooms anymore in order to receive education. They can join classrooms, enrol in courses and earn certificates transcending the shackles of traditional institutional difficulties.
Online education has emerged to be a powerful alternative, offering flexibility, accessibility, and a diverse learning experience. It is applicable not just in learning academics but it also extends to learning extracurricular activities for students as well. But as we all know, with great powers come great responsibilities. Thus there are some disadvantages for the newest addition to the educational sector. However, this shift necessitates a balanced examination of its pros and cons to understand its true value proposition.
Perks: Unlocking the Doors of Opportunity
Flexibility: Students can learn at their own pace from any corner of the world with virtual learning. Only with an internet connection, anyone can break geographical and time barriers. This caters to working professionals, people with disabilities, students willing to change fields and those in remote locations who previously lacked access to quality education.
Personalization: A student can personalise their learning path with the help of huge online resources. There are numerous online courses provided by many edtech platforms who provide diverse learning styles, catering to individual needs and learning preferences.
Economical: One of the best things about virtual learning is its cost effectiveness. Online learning eliminates commuting costs, textbook expenses, and sometimes even tuition fees.
Diversity: Virtual platforms connect learners from all around the globe and backgrounds improving cross-cultural understanding and collaboration. This exposure enriches the learning experience and prepares students for a globalised workforce.
Accessibility: Cutting-edge and up to date resources are provided in many online platforms. This exposure to current advancements like simulations and virtual labs keeps students at the forefront of their fields.
Pitfalls: Downsides of the Digital Divide
Antisocialness: With the advent of virtual environments which offer online interactions, there is a huge lack in real life collaboration among the younger generations. Many struggle to convey the spontaneous discussions, teamwork, and social connections fostered in physical classrooms.
Barriers: There are technological issues during a virtual learning session. Many students face difficulties due to the internet or devices during an online test resulting in a downgrade of their performances.
Distraction: We know the internet is a platform with numerous content. So many students get lost in the world of entertainment during online classes which affects the quality of their education.
Networking: In online schools, there is no face to face student-faculty interaction. So the students cannot build a relationship with their teachers or seniors like a traditional institution.
Dishonesty: Unlike traditional exam halls, there are no invigilators during an online test. This is often misused by the students who lack discipline and motivation. There is also an unjust ranking system in this case as a dishonest student might score way better than a student answering with honesty.
Recognition: Many a time, virtual education certificates are not recognized by the job market. This creates an issue for the students who are only taught through virtual resources.
Balancing the Future
We need to blend both online education and traditional systems in our learning paths. That is taking the best of both worlds and thriving in all the spheres of our life. We should always remember that the future of education may not be exclusively online or offline, but rather a harmonious blend of both, creating a learning landscape that caters to individual needs and maximises learning outcomes.
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Writer,
Rifah Zakiah
Intern,
Content Writing Department
YSSE