A course delivered via the internet, providing a means for content delivery, assignment completion, and synchronous and asynchronous communication for learners in different locations is online schooling. Basically, it is electronically based learning that relies on the Internet for teacher/student interaction and the distribution of class materials. Online learning is not only effective for students but also better for the environment. It’s evident that online courses equate to an average of 90% less energy and 85% fewer CO2 emissions per student than traditional courses. A well-liked proverb goes saying ‘Every rose has a thorn’. So, besides having so many leverages of online classes, it has some undeniable defects as well. Because online schools lack valuable campus resources such as extracurricular clubs and activities that can be both enriching and educational. Hence, to provide you with abstruse knowledge about the pros and cons of ‘Online Schooling’, I am scripting this article.
Pros of Online Schooling
1. Efficiency
Online learning offers teachers an efficient way to deliver lessons to students. Online learning has a number of tools such as videos, PDFs, podcasts which teachers can use all these tools as part of their lesson plans. By extending the lesson plan beyond traditional textbooks, teachers can include online resources. As a result, teachers are able to become more efficient educators.
2. Affordable
Online education is far more affordable as compared to physical learning. Studying online contrivances many financial bullets that regular students have to bear the brunt of. Transports costs can add up to hundreds per week. Moreover, the prices at the cafeteria can be, at times, outlandish and textbooks can cost you thousands of dollars per semester. The student who studies online has to pay a set of annual fees, and that’s it.
3. Accessibility Of Time And Place
Online education allows students to attend classes from any location of their choice. It also allows schools to reach out to a more comprehensive network of students instead of being restricted by specific geographical boundaries. Additionally, online lectures can be recorded and shared for future reference. This allows students to access the learning material at any time of their comfort.
4. Improved Student Attendance
As online classes can be taken from home or location of choice, so, there are fewer chances of students skipping the lessons.
5. Self-Disciplinary Skills.
In online schooling, the students are in control of their own learning where there is more freedom and trust. This may be challenging for some students but it can teach an invaluable skillset to those who put in the hard work. Students in online degree programs often walk away with enhanced skills in time management, self-motivation, self-discipline, adaptability, and responsibility. They also learn how to organize their assignments, class schedule, and other obligations, and create a realistic work-life balance. These types of traits will carry over to an array of fields and occupations down the road.
Cons of Online Schooling
1. Lack of Social Interaction
Students can learn a lot from being in the company of their peers. However, in an online class, there are minimal physical interactions between students and teachers. This often results in a sense of isolation for the students. This is especially relevant for young undergraduates who should be making friends and having a great time. University is important for your career, but don’t forget that you will meet friends at university that will last for a lifetime. In this situation, it is imperative that the school allow for other forms of communication between the students, peers, and teachers.
2. Limitations of Courses
The internet is an emerging phenomenon. Hence, it is still in the infant stage of its development. Therefore, it should be of no surprise that there are some shortcomings to online education. Courses that required hands-on experiences, such as Neurology or Chemistry, are simply unsuited to online education.
3. Health Hazards
Many parents are concerned about the health hazards as their children spend so many hours staring at a screen. This increase in staring at the screen is one of the biggest concerns and disadvantages of online learning. Sometimes, they may cause headaches, decreased attention, shortness of temper, sleep disorders, and depression, mostly among teenagers.
4. Poor Internet Connection
One of the major challenges of online classes is internet connectivity. As internet penetration has grown in leaps and bounds over the past few years, in smaller cities and towns, a consistent connection with decent speed is a problem. Without a consistent internet connection, there can be a lack of continuity in learning for the child. This is a hindrance to the education process.
5. Distractions
In the case of many students, one of the biggest challenges of online learning is the struggle of focusing on the screen for a long period of time. During online learning, there is also a greater chance for students to be easily distracted by social media like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, or other sites. Therefore, it is imperative for the teachers to keep their online classes more engaging, and interesting to help students stay focused on the lesson.
Best Platform For Online Schooling
At present, there are many platforms in demand for online schooling. The top five among them are mentioned below:
- Udemy.
- Shaw Academy.
- Skillshare.
- LinkedIn Learning.
- Treehouse.
Final Thought
To visualize the above article, I would like to recapitulate that online schooling has completely changed the scenery of both academic education and corporate training. Although online courses maintain the same academic requirements, learners may feel less challenged. This phenomenon occurs due to the advantages of online education that include academic and career flexibility, cost savings, and less stress during scheduling courses. Moreover, online learning fosters the development of important life skills like organization, independence, and self-advocacy that can help students overcome academic anxiety. As nothing is complete without flaws, so, online schooling also has some drawbacks. Because online schools lack valuable campus resources such as extracurricular clubs and activities which can enhance an individual’s personality. But the flaws can be scorned due to unreckonable benefits. To know more about different types of educational facts, stroll here regularly. Happy reading.
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