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
ReplyDeleteI think online learning is right for me. I personally like online learning because I can attend online classes anytime, anywhere I have Web access. I can access course materials 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It also helps me to learn from instructors across the country and around the world, broadening your perspective. It allows me to enhance my ability to communicate effectively through the latest technology. I can access instructors immediately through chat, discussion thread, or email, without having to wait for office hours. I really enjoy online class. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Raisul! Thanks for the comment! You brought up really great points about online learning. I do agree that the course can be completed anywhere and at anytime. It works for so many students, including full-time working people.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I really liked the visual you posted about the benefits of online learning. I think it is really easy to think about all of the things that could go wrong when using online learning, but that really helped to put into perspective all of the positives associated with online learning!
ReplyDeleteThis was a great breakdown of the advantages and disadvantages. I have completed courses in both and definitely like the live interaction much better than the virtual afforded by online learning. You are required to be in class on a specific day at a specific time so that has to work with your schedule, which is hard for some. Whereas, the online classes do allow a lot of freedom and convenience to complete the work when you have the time during the week. Having had some hybrid classes, this is a tolerable compromise for me because I know that I will get to meet the other students and teachers because they add so much to the learning experience. I have met some great people in the classes I have been taking for my current degree and wouldn't give that up for the convenience of online learning.
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