Before covid-19, distance learning was a mere alternative to traditional learning. During the pandemic, stakeholders invested significantly in online education to overcome limitations arising from movement restrictions and other containment measures. This period became a pilot stake for internet-based education systems, revealing significant benefits that the system has over offline education. During this period, learners and educators enjoyed the associated convenience and flexibility. States and other stakeholders capitalized on reduced education-related movement improving their ability to contain the pandemic. These benefits also translated to massive savings for all stakeholders due to reduced commuter costs and facility maintenance.
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Online Education vs Traditional Education: Benefits of Technological Advancement
Information and communication technology has revolutionized many industries, including the education sector. Some of the most notable transformations include presentation techniques and changes in stakeholder relationships. Notably, the technology has enhanced communication in various settings, including online group discussions and examinations. Students can also submit assignments virtually and receive the professors’ remarks without attending physical meetings. However, the most notable contribution of ICT in education is distance learning, where learning materials are transmitted over the internet. Through teleconferencing and other communication strategies, institutions have developed e-learning platforms with specialized content for distance learners. From lessons to assignments to group discussions, online classes have become increasingly dominant.
7 Reasons Why Online Education is Better Than Traditional Learning
Convenience
One of the most significant reasons online education is better than traditional education is the convenience for all stakeholders. Learners and tutors can access materials online from the comfort of their homes. Similarly, they can disseminate education-related items without leaving their residences. As a result, online education is more convenient than traditional. Besides, improved learning platforms provide access to multiple resources from linked databases and libraries. This level of convenience eases the research process and enhances the accuracy of findings.
Flexibility
Online education is also flexible compared to traditional education. Flexibility in this context applies primarily to individuals who study part-time. While traditional learning forces learners to adjust their schedules to match slated classes, online education allows students to access materials conveniently. One can learn during lunch breaks or reschedule classes to fit their working time. Flexibility also extends to types of content and level of access. On some free eLearning websites, one can opt to audit a course with no interest in certification. You can change such arrangements and pay for the certificate when you can afford it.
Affordability
Assessing the cost of online education vs traditional education also illustrates significant differences. Other than reduced tuition fees, some expenses are eliminated when you study over the internet. Notably, online learning eliminates commuter expenses such as transport. Additionally, you need to rent a different house from your family to learn at your preferred institutions. You can attend your classes during your free time at home.
Better time management
Online learning allows you to focus your energy and attention on more critical life aspects such as family time and work. You can also get paper help from a professional essay writing service like CustomWritings. With trained experts and years of experience in academic writing, custom writing entities provide an additional research tool for students. They have access to multiple databases beyond your school library, enabling them to complete high-quality assignments with verifiable peer-reviewed resources. Their experts can write a custom paper for you from scratch or help improve your working document.
Improved collaboration
Online education also eliminates student engagement barriers, such as language and cultural biases. By enabling virtual discussions, examinations, and classrooms, these forums ensure that a student’s contribution is judged based on merit. For instance, tutor-moderated discussion posts accommodate learners with diverse cultural backgrounds. This strategy eliminates prejudices and misconceptions that lead to discrimination. As a result, it improves collaboration by encouraging merit-based discussions.
Refined critical thinking
While most educational systems struggle to foster critical thinking, online learning has no such challenges. The self-motivation and self-paced learning force learners to think critically and create solutions to their new and existing problems. Students develop time management skills due to reduced monitoring and in-person instructions. The flexibility and convenience associated with online learning also create a challenging environment since learners must balance between various important tasks or risk failing.
Advanced technical skills
Comparing online vs traditional education also reveals the former’s capacity to advance technical skills. Students must have basic computer skills when studying online to operate complex educational platforms. They must also learn to access and manipulate vast amounts of data available on the internet and other sources. The learners utilize digital learning materials and interact with sophisticated software regularly, sharpening their technical capabilities. As a result, online learning equips students with the technological know-how required in contemporary organizations where virtual teams have become the norm.
Disadvantages of Online Education You Should Know
Exposure to multiple distractions
While flexibility and convenience may sound attractive to some, these characteristics of online learning may create an unforeseen challenge for most students. The freedom associated with these platforms also amounts to increased distraction from the internet, especially when using mobile devices. This situation may be considered a welcoming challenge that could improve people’s time management, technical, and critical thinking skills. However, having multiple distractors can lead to significant time wasting and procrastination.
Vulnerability to technological problems
Online learning is also vulnerable to technology related-problems such as cyberbullying and hacking. System failures may also interrupt the learning process, leading to the loss of valuable time and materials. Other problems may arise from limited connectivity in remote areas and small towns. Most eLearning platforms require sustained connections and reliable internet speeds to operate effectively. Such requirements may limit access to individuals in remote areas.
Sense of isolation
Humans are social beings and often require social interactions to excel. Online education eliminates the need for human contact, isolating learners and educators. Besides, learning goes beyond classroom materials and content. Students learn through other means, including imitation and emulation. They copy or compare with peers and role models, enhancing their learning styles and knowledge retention. In other cases, spending time with peers can improve one’s social skills, a critical component of everyday life. Hence, a lack of social interactions can create a sense of isolation.
Focus on theory
Online platforms also limit teaching to theoretical content. Since practical exercises require physical participation, learners are restricted to theory lessons. Attempts to train practical skills over the internet may have significant cost implications for learners and increased risks. For instance, teaching a laboratory chemistry experiment to students may require acquiring the materials for each learner at home. Besides, unsupervised access to some lab items may be more harmful than beneficial. Learners are also limited to written contributions, as they can only write their responses through academic papers, essays, or group discussion posts. Verbal communication is minimal.
