During the pandemic, one of the most commonly used terms was the “new normal.” This refers to the increased use of online learning tools. The COVID-19 pandemic has created new learning methods. Online Learning platforms are being used by educational institutions all over the globe to help students. Besides schools, even work places are adopting online learning techniques.You can know more here about the best blended learning practices in a work environment.
Online learning has its positives and its negatives, just like any other teaching method. Understanding and decoding these negatives will allow institutes to create strategies to deliver lessons more efficiently and ensure students have a seamless learning experience.
What are the Advantages of Online Learning?
1. Efficiency
Online learning allows teachers to efficiently deliver lessons to their students. Teachers can make use of all the tools available online, including videos, PDFs, and podcasts. Teachers can become more effective educators by extending their lesson plans beyond traditional textbooks and including online resources.
2. Accessibility
Online education also offers students the opportunity to attend classes at any place they choose. Online education allows schools to reach a wider audience and not be limited by geographic boundaries. Online lectures can also be recorded and archived for future reference. Students can access the learning material from their computers at any time they choose.
3. Affordability
Online learning also has the advantage of lower financial costs. Online learning removes the need for student transportation and student meals. Online access to all courses and study materials makes it easier to learn.
4. Increased Student Attendance
Online classes are more convenient than ever because students can take them from their homes or any other location.
5. There are many learning styles and suits
Each student is unique and has a different learning path. Some students learn best through visuals, while others prefer audio. Some students excel in the classroom, while others struggle with large groups.Online classes help to cater to different types of students and help them to learn at their own pace.
What are the Disadvantages of Online Learning?
1. Inability to focus on screens
Many students find it difficult to focus on the screen for long periods. Online learning presents a greater risk of students being distracted by social media and other sites. Teachers must keep online classes engaging, interactive, and clear so students can focus on the lesson.
2. Technology issues
Internet connectivity is another key issue for online classes. Although internet penetration has increased exponentially over the last few years, it is still challenging for smaller towns and cities to have a reliable connection at a decent speed. A lack of a reliable internet connection can disrupt the learning process for children. This can be detrimental to the education process.
3. Lack of friendship
Being with peers can help students learn a lot. Online classes are a lot more isolated than traditional classrooms. There is very little physical interaction between students and teachers. Students often feel alone and bored because of this.
4. Teachers need training
Teachers must have an understanding of digital learning and online learning. The fact is that, teachers often have very limited knowledge of technology. Sometimes they don’t have the resources or tools necessary to run online classes. Schools will have to invest in technology training to ensure that teachers can seamlessly conduct online classes.
5. Controlling screen time
Parents get worried about the health risks of their children spending so much time staring at screens. Students can develop poor posture or other problems from sitting too close to a computer screen. But, this can be solved by giving students breaks from the computer screen to recharge their minds and bodies.
