Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Learning

Online learning has become a reality primarily because of advanced technology but also due to COVID-19. After being forced to attend online classes, some people have fallen in love with the system, and the rest cannot take it anymore. Nonetheless, the concept of online learning is growing steadily.

However, students want to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of online learning before making any decision. So, in this write-up, I'll discuss the pros and cons of online learning so that you can go with an informed decision. So, let's dive in.

What Is Online Learning?                                             

Over the years, we have seen online learning platforms growing pretty fast. That's because students have accepted the concept wholeheartedly. Online learning is also known as e-learning. It's a system of education where teaching and learning take place on the internet.

In this system, teachers teach, and students learn in a virtual setting using computers, the internet, and other tools. It's internet-based learning in one word. Online learning has become a thing right after the introduction of the internet. But it wasn't accessible to mass people until the last decade.

There is no physical or geographical barrier to online learning so students can participate from anywhere in the world. Now you can take lessons and participate in exams online. That's why online learning is a complete education now.

What Are The Advantages Of Online Learning?

People often ask about the advantages and disadvantages of online learning. There are more advantages than disadvantages. Let's see the 10 advantages of online learning first.

Easily Accessible

Online learning is easily accessible. You can learn online from any corner of the world. Since it's virtual learning, you can be at home and attend an online course or training in another country. Students are also using online learning for higher studies. Universities are now offering virtual courses.

Less Expensive

Online learning is always less expensive than offline in-person learning. Suppose you want to go abroad for higher studies. It involves a lot of expenses, all of which you can avoid by enrolling yourself in the online version of that degree or course. Besides, online courses itself are less expensive.

More Interesting

Online learning is often more interesting and exciting than offline learning. You will have many tools to explore in this setting. Besides, online learning content is always interesting compared to in-person classes. They are created to keep students engaged.

Always Available Class Materials

Class materials like notes and lectures are always readily available for online classes. You can avail of them anytime, even if you miss a class. But that's not the case for offline classes. If you miss any in-person classes, you will have to ask people for notes and lecture sheets, which can be painful.

More Convenient

Online learning is more convenient. You won't have to go to a particular campus to attend classes. You can join from anywhere if you can access the internet and devices. Plus, many online learning platforms and courses are self-paced. So you can take classes and exams at your convenient time.

More Courses In A Single Platform

One of the most significant advantages of online courses is the accessibility to many courses in a single platform. So you won't have to go to different places for courses or classes. Besides, online learning platforms often offer discounts on bundle courses.

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Teaches Self Discipline

In online learning platforms, nobody's there to force you into studies. You will have to listen to the lectures, take notes, and participate in exams on your own. Nobody will ask you to do anything. It creates a sense of responsibility and discipline among students. Students become self-driven because of it.

Foster Flexibility

Online learning is all about flexibility. You can choose a flexible time to attend the classes and exams. It's even better for self-paced online courses. You can take classes and exams anytime you want. Since those are recorded classes, you will have a lot of flexibility, which is unthinkable in offline classes.

Less Time Consuming

Online learning is less time-consuming. You can log into your online portal and start doing your classes or exams—no need to take any preparations for going to the campus. Plus, you won't have to spend your time on transportation. You can save a lot of time.

For Greater Audiences

Physical classes are limited, and only a limited number of students can attend there. However, online learning has no such issues. Any amount of students can enrol in online learning courses. So, it has the power to reach a wide range of audiences and learners.

What Are The Disadvantages of Online Learning?

I've already said you'd find advantages and disadvantages of online education. Now you know about some of the advantages. Now, let's see some disadvantages of online learning:

No Face to Face Interaction

The main disadvantage of online learning is that there is little face-to-face interaction between the students and the teacher in online learning. It's all in the virtual space. So, they do not feel the human connection between them. It creates a distance between people in the long run.

You Will Require Functioning Devices

Online learning is entirely dependent on devices. You will need at least one properly running computer to attend to online learning; otherwise, you won't be able to participate. So, if your computer is broken during an online course, you can no longer continue it unless you fix it or arrange another computer.

Need A Stable Internet Connection

A  secure and stable internet connection is a must for online learning. If your internet connection is slow, you cannot attend the courses properly. A slow internet will drop you out of the class, and you won't get to hear lectures properly. So, a slow internet connection is a significant disadvantage of online courses.

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No Hands-On Experience      

Online learning will not give you any hands-on experience in many fields. Some study areas require practical or hands-on learning, but online courses won't be able to deliver it to you. Besides, in physical classes, teachers can point out your error and help you solve your problem hands-on, but it's not possible online.

Needs Tech Literacy

If you want to attend any courses or classes online, you must have sound knowledge of techs and how they work. You should also have a good understanding of the online learning platform. So, students who need to gain these skills will find online learning very challenging.

Procrastination

Procrastination is a severe problem for inline learning. Students who are not self-driven can quickly lose their focus and start procrastinating. It happens more frequently when the courses are self-paced. Some students get busy scrolling social media while attending classes, and there's no proctoring.

Sitting For Exams

Many students find online exams very tough because they have to type their answers on the keyboard. A lot of people do not have fast typing skills. So, they suffer immensely. Besides, online exams require excellent time management skills.

Health Issues

Health issues have become one of the most significant disadvantages of online courses, and sitting in front of a screen for so long can damage health. It can affect the eyes of the students. Also, sitting in a chair and watching a screen can create posture problems. Many students are suffering from physical and psychological problems because of online classes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do students feel about online learning?

Students have mixed feelings about online learning. Some of them have praised the system, and it's a fun and convenient way to learn for them. But some students have expressed their disagreement. They felt less connected and lost their concentration several times during online classes.

How effective is online learning?

Online learning can be very effective if you can use it correctly. It has a higher attendance percentage than offline courses. Plus, online courses consume up to 90% less energy than in-person classes. Teachers can also keep their focus on every student as they appear on the screen.

Why is online better than in-person learning?

There are multiple reasons why online learning is better than in-person. Online courses are flexible. They are more effective and convenient in many ways. Plus, you will have to spend less money on online learning and invest less time compared to in-person learning.

Is online learning better than classroom?

There are advantages and disadvantages of online learning for students. If you like the convenience and flexibility online learning offers, then you will like online learning better. But if you feel disconnected or have less tech knowledge and typing skills, you will find classrooms more favourable.

How do online classes help students?

Online classes help students in many ways. They provide flexibility and access to a lot of tools. Plus, you will require less time to learn online because you can do online classes from home. It will also reduce your cost.

Final Thoughts

After knowing the advantages and disadvantages of online learning, you can decide which is good for you. Just figure out what will give you maximum ROI. But in conclusion, regarding the advantages and disadvantages of online learning, I must say online learning is the future ahead.