The COVID-19 pandemic situation has started new ways of learning and increased the use of online learning tools. Educational institutions have started working towards online learning platforms so that they can continue with the process of educating students.
Digital learning has become a necessity for students and schools all over the world. There are many learning management systems (LMS) that support online learning and training for the Education Management industry. One of them is HSI, it supports training for companies of all sizes and industries. In the last couple of years, the demand for online learning has risen a lot and so has the demand for LMSs.
As schools and college campuses have reopened, a lot of students have still opted to continue their studies online. Some colleges and universities are giving opportunities to students to earn a high-quality degree completely online.
Learning new skills and getting a degree was difficult earlier but with eLearning, this has become simple. eLearning has become the new normal because of the Corona outbreak. A lot of graduation and post-graduation courses were available online before the Corona outbreak, but today even schools have adopted eLearning.
eLearning has its share of pros and cons. Below mentioned are some of the pros and cons of eLearning that will help you decide whether online classes are the best option for you.
Pros of eLearning
Flexible
Online learning lets you learn from anywhere and at any time. You get the flexibility to complete your assignments in the morning, at night, or anytime between, and that too at your own pace. But make you meet the deadlines. Since you have an option to choose your learning path and study at your own pace, you become motivated and engaged in the course.
Affordable and Accessible
The learning institutions save a tremendous amount by providing online classes as they no longer have to rely on reserving a traditional classroom to teach courses. This in turn makes more cost-effective classes for students as online courses have lower tuition fees. Students can save a significant amount on basics like books and supplies.
They even save on travelling and transportation costs. Take for example, the StraighterLine college algebra course online – for less than a tenth of the price you could have a course credit that is transferable to other expensive accredited universities. Students can join the online classes from anywhere in the world as long as they have access to an internet connection.
Maximized Retention and Interaction
The lessons prepared for online learning are meant in a way that they are engaging and when more engaging the course is the more students remember the information and the information retention increases. There is no front row or back row concept when you are learning online, everyone sits in front and center. Whenever you have a question you have an option of initiating a private chat with your instructor which helps in interacting in a better way. The teachers have the option of adding online quizzes to increase engagement and they can even edit or add videos for a better learning experience.
Environment-Friendly
eLearning is environment-friendly as it does not contribute to the pollution that is brought by the production of paper. Loads of paper are used to print manuals, worksheets, and course material, but when you are learning online you don’t need paper material, thus eLearning eliminates the printing of course material. To some extent, you can reduce air pollution too, as there is less need for commuting when you are learning online.
Cons of eLearning
Lacks Social and Cultural interaction
When you are learning online, interaction is less to none. Social isolation rises with eLearning because you don’t get to see your teachers and classmates face-to-face. Lack of peer-to-peer learning has made eLearning a challenging experience.
High levels of self-discipline required
When you are at home, you are bound to get distracted by so many different things. So, when you are taking an online course you need high levels of self-discipline. Many things might distract you, like your phones ringing or continuous messages, or you would even want to watch your favorite series. Or maybe it’s that day when you don’t feel motivated to take the class. All these things might stop you from attending the class.
Increased screen-time
Spending an increased amount of time in front of the screen is alarming and online learning is sadly contributing to this problem. Physical ailments like headaches and poor posture are some of the side effects of excessive screen-time.
Online courses enable you to achieve your professional, personal, and educational goals in a manner that fits your daily or weekly schedule. There are many advantages and disadvantages of online learning, many of the major concerns of the students are being addressed and the advantages are beginning to take over the disadvantages.
