Online learning is a hot topic right now. More so with the coronavirus pandemic still raging on and institutes around the world adopting remote learning options as a precaution to protect the students.
The reason why millions of students could continue their studies even as the world was put on a “stand-by mode” was online learning. The “new normal” in education is the increased use of online learning. The Covid-19 pandemic has triggered new ways of learning. For many educational institutes, this is an entirely new way of education that they have had to adopt.
Let’s take a look at the basic advantages of online studies that helped students tide over the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic.
Advantages
Learn from the safety of your home: In times of a pandemic when face-to-face instruction was almost barred, online courses provided a safe and effective alternative to the classroom.
More flexibility: The biggest benefit of online studies is the ability to learn anytime you want. With online courses and classes, students could easily manage the demands of family obligations, hobbies and other responsibilities along with their studies.
Choose your pace: Online learning is a lot like having your own private tutor. There are no distractions and the pace of the lessons is based on your comfort level. Students could spend as much time as they needed on the course material and even go back to review at any time. Unlike in-person learning, you’re in full control of how little or how much you learn at a time.
More effective: For those who do have access to the right technology, there is evidence that learning online can be more effective in a number of ways. Some research shows that on average, students retain 25-60% more material when learning online compared to only 8-10% in a classroom.
Save time and money: With no need for classrooms, instructors or physical materials, online courses are usually more affordable. Also, there is very little waste and lower footprint. This helps in bringing down the overall cost of providing education. Since students could not travel to the classroom, they saved a lot on their daily commute.
Real-time feedback: Online learning facilitates and speeds up feedback. Since it’s much easier for students to access the content, they are more likely to complete the course. Also, the results and statistics from the online tests are quicker.
Personalisation: Online learning is equivalent to personalised learning. Personalised learning means that learners are able to use their personal devices to access course materials, test, content, etc. It provides an obtrusive way of learning through games.
Challenges
There are, however, challenges to overcome.
Digital gap: Some students without uninterrupted internet access or technology struggle to participate in online learning. Data from OECD show that while 95% of students in Switzerland, Norway, and Austria have a computer to use for their studies, only 34% in Indonesia do. Thus, many are concerned that the pandemic will only widen the digital divide.
Technological snags: Another major challenge of online studies is internet connectivity. While internet penetration has been massive over the last few years, a consistent connection with decent speed is still a problem in smaller cities and towns.
Sense of Isolation: Peers play a pivotal part in any student’s life. But, in an online class, there are minimal physical interactions among students. This often leaves the students with a sense of isolation.
Summary
While there are still some teething problems, there have already been successful transitions amongst many institutes. Experts believe that that a new hybrid model of education will emerge soon, with significant benefits.