“New Normal” has become the most used term after the pandemic. In education, the “New Normal” paved the way for the rise of online college. The Covid19 crisis has certainly triggered a new way of learning for the education sector, and with technology and education working hand in hand, your concept of education will most certainly be transformed.
All around the world, schools are looking toward online learning platforms to continue the learning process despite the threat of the Covid19 virus. Digital learning emerged as an indispensable resource for students who wish to continue learning in the safety of their homes.
This is an entirely new way of learning for some students. And as expected, many will find themselves struggling in an online environment. But despite the struggles, distance learning has its share of benefits that will help students earn a degree, especially for those who have other priorities aside from school.
So what are the pros and cons of online college? Here are some of them:
Pros
- Accessibility. Many students are deprived of a college degree only because they are busy at home or because they are holding a full-time job. With online learning, students no longer need to compromise their work for education as they can now choose to study and join classes at home. Wherever they are, students can get access to their curriculum as long as they are connected to the internet.
- Adherence. A student’s commitment to schoolwork can sometimes be compromised when they have to commute for hours from home to school and then from school to home. Traveling can take a lot out of a student due to the stress of traveling. This can result in poor adherence or even absenteeism. Thankfully, online classes eliminate the stresses of traveling by giving students access to courses in the comfort of their homes.
- Affordable. Despite popular belief, online college is more affordable than traditional classroom-based classes. High tuition fees that come with school-based institutions include building costs, electricity, staff, and maintenance. Students need to spend more on transportation, food, and boarding. Online classes cost less due to the elimination of the above factors.
- Efficiency. Technology helps Universities find efficient ways to deliver lessons to their students. Many online platforms such as Microsoft’s Team, Skype, or Google’s Meet give the teachers a suitable platform for seamless learning.
Cons
- Unforeseen technical issues. An online learning environment is bound to face technical struggles. This can be in the form of hardware or software issues, or internet connectivity problems.
- Students may feel isolated. It is known that students learn a lot when they are in the company of their peers. In an online class, students are unable to physically interact with their classmates, leaving some to feel isolated. This can be minimized by finding alternative ways for students to interact with each other such as through conference calls, email, or chat.
- Focus. The biggest challenge that most students face in distance learning is having to focus on the screen for longer periods. Distractions also play a part in a student’s loss of focus. It is, therefore, imperative to keep their students engaged and participating to keep them from losing interest.
- Training. The sudden shift to online classes is not only a struggle for students but teachers as well. Many teachers are not technology savvy and may need further training to be more efficient in teaching students online.
