Is Online Learning Right For You?

In my last blog, the information posted was about online learning and why it has become a trending topic for some time. The infographic and YouTube video explained the different terms related to it, such as e-learning, blended or hybrid learning, and digital.  In this blog, I will focus on both the advantages and disadvantages to this emerging trend.

Advantages

The Internet is buzzing with positive information about online education. It’s no wonder why millions of people have opted to study taking online courses instead of the traditional route. The advantages are numerous, from lower costs to accessibility to flexibility.

I strongly believe that the future of our education is heading towards more and more online learning. This week for my Twitter post, the question everyone responded to was the pros and cons of it. Many people responded saying that it was convenient and it made it possible for people with jobs and families to still continue their education. In the article, “The Benefits of Online Learning,” the author mentioned that in today’s job market, taking online courses help workers remain competitive and they don’t need to take time off from their jobs to do this (Synder, 2013).

Click here to read more on Advantages of Online Learning.

Disadvantages

Are there any cons to online learning? Well, there are a few. It’s a little more difficult to build a relationship with the instructor because there is no face-to-face student-teacher interaction. It takes more effort and time on your side to get into the groove of studying and completing assignments on your own. Students may face challenges like not knowing what to expect from instructors, understanding how to use certain programs, submitting assignments, and even adjusting to the teaching styles of different professors.

The article I read, “The Benefits and Drawbacks of Online Learning,” states an important reason why some may not favor this type of learning style. Although it offers ease, flexibility and the ability to remotely access a classroom in the student’s own time, learners may feel a sense of isolation. Because learning is never done in the classroom physically, students may feel they are alone and

isolated.

Lastly, a major disadvantage to online learning may be the intense requirement for self-discipline. When all the course readings, assignments, tests, and discussions are all completed online, time management and procrastination plays a role. For someone, who works a full-time job and has a family to take care of, balancing everything might take some time and effort.

Click here to read more on Disadvantages of Online Learning.

In conclusion, online learning has many advantages and disadvantages. It really depends on the student and the situation they are in. The question to ask, “Is it right for you?” 

References

Hickey, R. (2014, December 5). 5 disadvantages to consider about online education. Retrieved February 19, 2017, from https://www.petersons.com/college-search/5-disadvantages-to-consider-about-online-education.aspx#/sweeps-modal

Synder, T. (2013, January 30).  The benefits of online learning. Retrieved February 19, 2017, from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tom-snyder/the-benefits-of-online-le_b_2573991.html

Benefits and drawbacks of online learning. Retrieved February 19, 2017, from https://www.talentlms.com/elearning/benefits-and-drawbacks-of-online-learning

Online Learning

We live in a world where accessing information is at our fingertips. Technology has forever changed the way how we view and learn things. With the constant changing of the online environment, it is important to discover how to learn using all available communication channels. Online Learning is an example of an emerging trend that has slowly become an alternative to the traditional classroom setting.  

What exactly is online learning? It is basically when students learn from home or wherever there is internet connection. Online learning requires a high level of independence since there is no one physically there telling you what to do. The learner needs to get used to the idea of learning and studying on their own. They may need to reach out to someone, like a classmate to collaborate or keep each other accountable.

Click here to read more facts!

There are different terms related to online learning, such as e-learning, blended or hybrid learning, and digital. When students learn strictly from online and never interact with the instructor in a physical classroom setting, this is called e-learning. Blended and hybrid learning are similar and offers the student the opportunity to interact with the instructor in a face-to-face classroom while also taking the course online. Lastly, digital learning encompasses everything, which includes blended learning and e-learning, and information about using digital products.

After reading an article written by Devon Haynie, she mentioned there was a shift in age amongst people taking online classes. “While distance education students are often assumed to be older, the report found the popularity of online undergraduate programs is growing among those under 25” (Haynie, 2015). Haynie also stated thirty-four percent of undergraduate online students were under the age of 25,​ up from 25 percent in 2012, according to the report (2015). The reason contributing to an increase in the number of students taking online courses may be due to the fact of economic pressure to work while going to school and because students are now becoming more familiar with online classes.

Click here to read more about, “Younger Students Increasingly Drawn to Online Learning.”

Besides the pressure to work while going to school or taking an online class due familiarity, there are many advantages of online learning. The list below are just a few reasons why it has become popular with people of all ages.

Top 7 Advantages of Online Learning

• Convenient
• Flexible
• Cost effective
• Can be tailored to different needs
• It's immediate
• It's unrestricted immediate updates 

While online education is becoming practiced more and more, there are myths and misconceptions about it. Click here to read more about the myths and recognize the difference between fact from fiction. 

When I first started the program for my master’s degree, I had never taken any online courses. As an undergraduate student, I only took classes that required face-to-face instruction with my professors. So, this online learning was all new to me. I had to learn how to manage my time while working full time as a teacher because I was inundated with so many reading and assignments. Although, I prefer the traditional classroom setting or even blended learning, I have become accustomed to completing online courses. I have realized it has made it easier and convenient for me to almost complete the program. 

References

Haynie, D. (2015, July 17). Younger students increasingly drawn to online learning, study finds. Retrieved February 6, 2017, from http://www.usnews.com/education/onlineeducation/articles/2015/07/17/younger-students-increasingly-drawn-to-online-learning-study-finds

Pappas, C. (2015, October 17). What are the advantages and possible limitation of online learning. Retrieved February 6, 2017, from https://elearningindustry.com/advantages-and-possible-limitations-of-online-learning

Williams, T. (2015, March 9). 7 Myths about online education. Retrieved February 6, 2017, from http://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/articles/2015/03/09/7-myths-about-online-education