The world is going digital and has changed the way people view technology. Among all the technological advancements, education has benefited a lot from technology.
The concept of virtual learning or online is becoming prevalent everywhere. Many schools and educational institutions have adopted the concept of virtual learning and are benefiting from it.
Virtual education has its own benefits and drawbacks. If we understand the benefits and drawbacks of virtual learning, it will be easier for us to adapt the technology in a better way.
Institutions can create strategies and work on them once they are aware of the technology in the whole sense.
A Comparative Analysis of Online Learning
The concept of “new normal” has increased post-pandemic, and people accept it positively. This new normal has changed many things such as learning tools, education tools etc.
Post Cold-19, almost everything s going online, and people are getting accustomed to it gradually. Similarly, the education sector is also undergoing changes in its approach and techniques.
Now, students and teachers are looking forward to new online strategies. To learn something new, it is important to know its pros and cons to understand it in a better way.
Similarly, online learning has two sides, too, i.e. pros and cons. Before adopting the method, it is essential to understand both sides.
For many schools and institutions, it is a totally new concept and will take time to adjust. Along with academics, online learning also aids in promoting extracurricular activities.
Apart from the new concept, many schools, due to financial constraints, cannot implement this technology. Some parents are also unable to manage funds to purchase types of equipment. For this, the financial market does offer a chance to take out fast loans with no guarantor to promote this technology among schools to better train students.
With these measures, online learning is seen as a growing sector and will continue to grow in future.
The ups and downs of implementing E-Learning
Advantages of E-Learning
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Increases efficiency
Online E-learning helps the teachers in preparing their lesson plans and delivering the same easily. There are many ways to deliver online lessons such as audios, videos, PPTs, podcasts etc.
These tools have helped bridge the gap between the teachers and students and build a better understanding among students about the course.
Textbooks are the traditional way that may create barriers in modern day teaching. With the introduction of online E-learning, teachers have become well equipped and well versed with the subject to teach it in innovative ways.
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Made time and place accessible
The biggest benefit of virtual learning is you can access it from any location and time difference. It has wider the horizon of schools and has increased the network of students.
It has reduced most of the restrictions in terms of geography, backgrounds etc. Along with these benefits, you can save the session or lecture for future reference.
These lesson plans can be shared with the students at any time to keep them updated.
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It is affordable
Affordability is another advantage of virtual learning. With lower costs and higher productivity, it has helped reduce the costs and made it affordable for all.
This is because it has eliminated transportation costs, study material costs etc. It is benefiting the environment too by reducing the cost of paper.
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Improved Student Attendance
With the online pattern, attendance has also increased as students are now more interested in attending the classes. Since you can attend these classes from anywhere, it has helped students to generate their interest.
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Offers different Learning Styles
Learning styles differ from student to student considering the different journeys and backgrounds of every student. Some students may like to learn through various videos, while others may like to listen to audios to learn and understand a concept.
Similarly, some students may prefer a group study while another student may prefer studying alone to avoid distraction from other students.
The online learning system can have customisation as per the requirements of students and teachers. Conclusively, it provides a conducive to the environment for students where they learn and enjoy at the same time.
The Disadvantages of E-Learning
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Increased screen time of students
The increasing trend of online classes has increased the screen time of students, making them struggle for focusing for longer hours. With online classes, there are more chances for students to get distracted by other social media websites.
With more distractions, teachers have to be careful with the class duration. They have to keep short and crisp to get the full concentration of students. One tip is to make the class interactive to keep the students engaged.
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Technical Issues
The whole concept of virtual learning is dependent on the Internet. The Internet has increased its reach and has penetrated deep in rural areas as well.
The speed and connection vary from place to place, but overall, a decent connection with decent speed is also a problem. Without an internet connection, students cannot reach students in remote areas, limiting their access.
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The isolation feeling
Students learn a lot from their peers and surroundings. Although these classes happen from the comfort of the home, this has disconnected the students from the outside world and finished the interaction with other students.
This has lead to the isolation of students and has minimised the level of communication between students. Although students are connected online with each other and with teachers, face-to-face interaction has stopped.
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Increased Screen Time
With increasing screen time, it is increasing the parent’s concern as well.
There are serious health concerns related with increasing screen time, due to which children are more prone to various physical problems such as reduced eye-sight, developing a bad posture etc.
Conclusion
Although there are few drawbacks of virtual learning, overall, it has positively impacted students’ lives. With further advancement in technology, it will lead to a positive change in education.
