What are the advantages and disadvantages of Online Education?
From the last 20 years, the digital market has grown from being nearly a non-existent entity to the largest one; it has become the most accessible platform of information ever created. Internet and online environment have changed the lives of people, the way people communicate and do business, the way people shop and socialize, and think about learning and gaining knowledge.
Students, instead of going to school and practicing the old traditional methods can now learn things and gain knowledge through their home computers or laptops. Online schooling has changed the face of a traditional classroom which is making education more accessible than ever before. Students who are not able to enroll in a traditional classroom course are given the opportunity to learn things online via the internet. This gives them the liberty to work on their own and at their own pace with any such restrictions. Students from different fields are given the opportunity to accomplish the degree they want through online platforms.
But, always keep in mind that everything comes with certain advantages and disadvantages. Though many of them do enroll for such online courses on the internet, but only a few of them complete it. This means that this type of education has some advantages and disadvantages as well. If you really want to know whether online education is good for you or not, then consider these pros and cons mentioned below.
Advantages of Online Education
The benefits of online education merely depend on the personality and nature of an individual. Where some students are fond of going to school and learning things in a traditional classroom, others choose to stay at home, sitting in pajamas with the most comfortable space, to learn things online. So, the biggest perk with the online degree program is that it offers an utmost level of comfort and easement. You can simply pursue an online course by staying at home. Individuals who find it difficult to manage their studies with hectic schedules and work are the ones who best suit the needs of online education. Not just this, but online education also plays a vital role in the lives of people who are thinking about developing their career; the work that can be done along with online education. The primary benefits of online education include-
Flexible environment: flexibility in taking classes and working things at their own pace and time
Comfort: submission of assignments with great ease and comfort; stay back at home and learn things online with location convenience; face no commuting or parking hassles
Lesser cost: affordable than contemporary learning methods; online-learning courses are cost-effective
Freedom to learn: voice your own opinions and thoughts; share views and debate on issues with others; learn from other students during group discussions, responsible for your own education and information
Disadvantages of Online Education
While there are benefits, online education does have many drawbacks as well. If you do not use online education as a merit, it is going to turn out as a demerit for you. This would mean that you are not the right person to learn and practice from online education.
Time is not managed: pre-schedule your entire routine or else your efforts and time get wasted; things get mingled-up; none of the things or work is completed on time; it turns out to be a failure
Written online material: you cannot listen to classroom lectures; written context is what not everyone can deal with
No interaction with teachers: no interaction with teachers in case of any queries or doubts; one-sided education; in case of any issues, it’s a pretty long process; no opportunity for any face to face interaction
Limited technical support: find the access to the necessary technology challenging; availability of technical support limited
Future of Online education
Online education is here to stay. Students today mostly prefer the online classroom environment since it offers comfort and flexibility in their busy schedules. With the growing proliferation of knowledge and information among the youngsters, they must become the lifelong learners in today’s world, and online learning plays a crucial role in helping individuals access the self-directed and learner-centered platform. With enhanced technology and increased internet access, more opportunities are being given to students to be a part of this online environment. Students are now being enrolled much faster in the different online course, and this is helping them become more proficient with technology. Online education has become a new means to meet the daily requirements of students, and this why the future of online education is here to stay and grow forever.
