LEC052019Devikiran-pros and cons of online education

Pros and Cons of Online Education

The Covid 19 pandemic has brought tremendous changes in the field of education. We have to completely rely upon platforms like zoom, you tube, other micro soft applications, television for continuing education. Instead of face to face physical interaction of the teacher and the students, the virtual classrooms in which the participants meet virtually from different places and interacts with the help of internet and electronic gadgets has taken over the place. It seems that online education is less effective than the physical classes yet, it has many positive impacts too.

It is certain that online classes cannot replace the offline mode of education, but still, we fail to notice the major positive effects of this new mode of teaching like cost effective learning, eco friendly teaching methods, encouraging interactions for backward students, innovative application of practical knowledge etc., In the age of technology the idea of traditional face-to-face education transformed drastically. The technology gave birth to a new educational method called online education. Online education is an electronically supported learning system that relies on the Internet and computer or phone screen for the teacher-student interaction.

The shift in the way of learning resulted in a magnificent growth of the education industry. In this modern way of learning the education happens through mobile apps, video conferencing and thousands of types of freely available websites. Online education is innovative and flexible, both students and teachers can participate in the process of education within their comfortable premises. The accessibility of lectures in any time and anywhere has widened the scope of knowledge acquiring. It is impossible to do two or three courses at same time physically, but with online education it is possible which will give weightage to the resume or Curriculum vitae while applying for a job. With the E-learning, classes from expertise and renowned persons will be easier to arrange because of the availability of anyone virtually, they do not need to physically come down to take classes. Online learning enables a person to do a course which is far away from their place without their physical presence. According to Academia :

Online education is becoming more and more popular amongst students around the world. Although many people consider an online degree to be a lesser form of education, they would be surprised to learn that a recent study undertaken by SRI International (on behalf of the U.S. Department of Education) concluded that “on average, students in online learning conditions performed better than those receiving face-to-face instruction.”

The total expenses for online education is comparatively less than the physical classes. The amount that has to be spent for the travel and residence can be saved while learning from home. Every house has a smart phone and in these days internet accessibility is very cheap. People will be able to work while studying because of the opportunity with time they have. They do not need to be physically present and that will allow people to find options in employment as well as in other artistic activities. People may find it difficult to complete their tasks in offline education. Online education allows people to schedule studies within their convenience which gives them more space and time to think and act.

The cons of online education has different aspects related to physical and mental health, economic disparity, the lack of technology etc. The network issues and the lack of better gadgets are basic problems. Not to mention the health issues faced by the participants due to long hours of close contact with screens and electronic devices. Students face head ache, eyesight problems, above all, the lack of inadequate interaction with the peers causes mental illness in some students. The teachers may fail to provide the necessary materials for those who needed the most and what happens is the average and below average students will get lesser attention.

Those who have better economic status will use more sophisticated devices and the poor has to rely upon their usual phones or television. Those who cannot afford a laptop or computer, especially the students of higher education will face much difficulty in taking notes and storing materials. This is actually widens the gap between the poor and the rich. Though textbooks and notes are available in online, the amount to be paid for best materials is an issue. The studies on online education conducted by Jiri Zounek says that :

Technology-enhanced learning may also cause negative resentments with students who lack sufficient motivation and the ability to organize workload and learn independently. Some students may require strict and detailed management from their teachers; however, when implementing e-learning solutions, teachers usually expect a higher degree of activity, self-organization and independence on the part of learners. For unmotivated students with poor learning habits, therefore, technologies may become the reason for decreased productivity and worse study results. Furthermore, students may sometimes feel isolated and abandoned in the virtual environment.

The pandemic has taught the world many new lessons and it is in such situations we develop innovative adaptations to tackle the situation and hence it is a blessing. The online education has opened many doors of knowledge sharing and lets hope more convenient methods will evolve in the future. The technology may help us to reduce the cons of this new mode of teaching and learning. Instead of only blaming the innovative techniques, lets use them wisely.

References

Author Webmaster, et al. “The Pros and Cons of Studying Online.” Academia Blog, www.academia21.com/blog/2011/05/23/pros-cons-studying-online/.

“(PDF) Heads in the Cloud: Pros and Cons of Online Learning.” ResearchGate, www.researchgate.net/publication/311807840_Heads_in_the_Cloud_Pros_and_Cons_of_Online_Learn    ing.