Thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, the new normal in education is the transformed concept of online learning tools. Recently, the demand for online learning, also known as digital learning or e-learning, has risen significantly. Online classes are now applicable not just to learning academics but also to learning extracurricular activities for students. Online classes or digital learning also have positives and negatives, as do most teaching methods. Through the decoding and understanding of these positives and negatives, institutes can devise strategies for delivering lessons more efficiently, ensuring students will have an uninterrupted learning journey.
Let’s look at the positives first.
Advantages of online classes
- Easily accessible
Online classes provide the ability to learn new information or a skill irrespective of your geographical location and offer far greater educational opportunities. The scope and reach of education broaden to far greater horizons online. Virtual media People can learn about virtually any subject online, anywhere, anytime. Digital education allows students who cannot travel due to financial reasons or restrictions to get a degree from a particular university in another country.
- Suits different learning styles
Every student has a different learning style. Creating an environment for each student is the best way to create the best learning experience. Online learning is also the best solution for those who find it difficult to add new challenges to their demanding schedules. Various options and resources can customize the online learning system.
- Time-saving
Online learning uses multiple technologies to explain ideas and analyze performance. This technologically-oriented approach to learning saves students a significant amount of time. Attending online classes is also convenient. In online classes, students can attend while sitting in the comfort of their homes. With virtual learning, you can search for any topic or reference you might have missed and catch up on class. It is also possible to record, archive, and share online lectures for future reference. The learning material can be accessed at a time that is convenient for the student. As a result, online learning gives students access to education at any time and from anywhere.
- Easy to attend
Online classes can be attended from any location of choice, reducing students’ chances of missing out on lessons. You can study whenever it is convenient for you with online courses. As a result, you can achieve your professional and educational goals on your own time and at a pace that is convenient to you.
- Comparatively affordable
Access to education at home is much more affordable compared to the offline mode. Online classes are more cost-effective. Thus, economically weaker students can enroll in various online courses.
Online learning can also be done through marketplaces like Simplilearn. Rather than paying learning establishment fees, learners can access knowledge directly. There is also a huge amount of free knowledge available on websites, videos, and podcasts.
Disadvantages of online classes
Despite numerous advantages, online learning or online classes also have a notable number of disadvantages. Let’s look at some so that you can make an informed decision if you are willing to go for distance learning or an online class.
- Increased screen timing
With online education, you will inevitably have to spend more time in front of the digital screen. In addition to eye strain, disrupted circadian rhythms, headaches, neck and back pain, and headaches, staring at digital screens has numerous negative effects on adults and children.
Online classes may not be a good option for those already feeling the negative effects of too much screen time. However, learners can take measures to avoid symptoms of too much screen time. This can include blue light classes, taking breaks, and limiting screen time.
- Isolation
In online classes, you’re usually completing alone, at least physically, which can be a major disadvantage. Although, students can combat this feeling of isolation by working on their online classes in public places. Additionally, they can sign up for classes with thriving online communities.
- You need to be technically sound.
For online classes, students need a strong internet connection and a compatible device, at the least. It’s costly to purchase these devices. Some online-person classes are responsible for providing equipment to make classes accessible for lower-income students. Unfortunately, this is in no way a global solution, as many school districts don’t have the funds to provide devices.
- Lack of focus
Focusing in class can be challenging. Students may not understand the material when learning online. This can be frustrating for students and likely cause them to lose focus.
- Difficult to learn everything
Certain subjects are learned easily in an offline mode. For example, medical practice, pottery, carpentry, art, singing, designing, etc., might be tough to learn online. Also, online classes at the school level can be more disadvantageous than advantageous. Young students miss out a lot if they completely depend on online learning during their first few formative years. Similarly, young students may get distracted by numerous other distractions easily available at the click of a button in phones, laptops, and other electronic devices.
Online classes vs. offline classes continue to remain a debate in the current technological era that we live in. Positives and negatives go hand in hand. The replacement of traditional learning with online learning can show different advantages and disadvantages for students, teachers, and even educational institutions. Hopefully, this blog has helped you understand online classes’ advantages and disadvantages and will show you how to make the right decision.
