The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about changes in many sectors, including education. New changes have been triggered in the online process of teaching and learning. For a few, online learning was something that they were used to, but it was a completely new experience for most people. However, many schools are now adapting to this new normal and are applying it to different levels of success. According to a survey carried out to measure student’s satisfaction, it was discovered that most of the students were happy with the online lectures that they received.
In light of Covid-19, the easiest and safest way to impart education for students to explore their career options and acquire new skills or develop new hobbies is e-learning, similar to having an online tutor. Thankfully, e-learning has gone past being applied to learning just academics. It is now also used for conducting other students’ extra-curricular activities, hosting online webinars, conferences, and informative online sessions. As it stands, there’s a growing demand for e-learning, and this demand will continue well into the post COVID world. However, like every other good thing, e-learning has its advantages and challenges too. Some of the Advantages and Challenges of E-learning Study, are discussed below.
Advantages of online learning
Online learning has numerous advantages, some of which are:
Efficiency: online learning is a more efficient way to teach and deliver lessons. The use of videos, serving assessment tests, and sharing resource links can be quickly done by clicking a button. In addition to this, it is possible to record the lectures and share them with a broader audience range for reference. This way, it would be possible to reach out to many children and teach them.
Affordability: In comparison to physical learning, online learning is a lot more affordable. It easily eliminates two primary cost points – transportation and real estate. All the course materials are available online and can be accessed at any time, for as long as is necessary.
Less absenteeism: with the e-learning method, there is little to no chance of students missing classes as it’s easy for them to access their classroom right from their homes.
Increased reach and access: all that you need for online learning to take place is a device and internet connectivity, and they’ll be able to access the lectures from anywhere. Unlike the physical class that requires the students are in school compulsorily to learn. In online learning, the students have access to lessons from any part of the world.
Encourages shy kids: for many children that would typically be withdrawn in classrooms and not contribute anything, e-learning allows them to participate in class effectively. This is because they are learning from an environment that they are comfortable in. So, they’re more forthcoming in participating and asking questions.
Challenges of online learning
As good and advantageous as online learning is, it is not without its challenges too. These challenges are well documented in and discussed below.
The inappropriate learning model for all: different students have their dominant style of learning. While some are auditory, visual, or kinesthetic, etc. Online learning might not fit into style for some students as they are required to sit down before a device and take the lessons. This isn’t suited to all the learning styles.
Focus deficit: students can lose focus during virtual lectures for a long period with very little to no caution. The absence of face to face interaction means that boredom will likely set in. This is why the teachers must keep the lessons crisp and interactive so that the students can grasp everything.
Technology issues: in some parts of the world, especially in the rural area of many countries, the lack of technological infrastructure can be a significant problem for e-learning in those areas. A lack of continuity might arise from the small breaks in the data connectivity, which is detrimental to the child. Also, a technophobic child will find it challenging to learn in these circumstances.
Absence of social interactions: human beings are social beings, and we learn a lot from being around each other. Unfortunately, there are no physical interactions in e-learning. The interaction with the teacher and other classmates is absent. In reality, students learn better from being around each other and discussing ideas. It’s a big part of their studies. In this case, peer learning is absent.
Teacher training: for online learning to be successful, the teacher has to be tech-savvy, or at least have some knowledge. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. Many teachers need to spend more time aligning themselves with technological advancement necessary for their job; at least, online learning is chief now.
Conclusion
Different modes of learning come with their drawbacks and benefits. E-learning is here to stay. Post-covid, we expect to see some blended learning, and e-learning will be crucial for the overall process of teaching and learning. We would love to hear from you and hear your input on the Advantages and Challenges of E-learning Study.
Author’s Bio:
Jennifer Holland is a professional writer with three years of experience who currently works at the EssayWritingLand. She has been writing about education and student life for several years. Jennifer helps students get their dream job by offering them her excellent writing skills and knowledge.