Online learning is a very versatile term. It can mean something different to everyone. For some, it may reference COVID-19. In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak as a pandemic. As a solution to continuing schooling while maintaining social distancing, online learning has been implemented in thousands of schools and institutions. Since then, online learning has boomed globally, especially throughout the United States.
Other people may think of this as the opportunity to take online classes in high school (e.g. via dual enrollment) or online courses in college. These classes may be offered in addition to one’s schedule, and allow students to take a class that their first school may not offer otherwise. Online learning might also be offered to older students as an alternative to in-person classes.
It is without a doubt that online learning has shaped the education system along all grade levels and careers by establishing self-paced learning, increased collaboration, and a comfortable learning environment. However, others may argue that this form of learning is not beneficial in the long run because it leads to procrastination, isolation, and distractions.
Is online learning a blessing or a curse?
The Pros of Online Learning
Self-Paced Learning
One of the most valued characteristics of online learning is that students are able to learn at a pace that best suits them. Those who enjoy working ahead or may feel restrained in a traditional classroom setting are more likely to thrive in an online classroom. Students that may need more time to master the course may adjust their pace accordingly.
Increased Collaboration
Thanks to online learning, students are inclined to use more and more resources to collaborate with other students. This includes resources like Zoom, Google Meets, Remind, and Google Classroom. This also allows students to adapt to using modern technology to communicate with peers. Since these resources are also commonly used in the workplace, online learning helps students adapt to using various softwares and learn communication methods for their future careers.
Comfortable Learning Environment
As long as students have a device (e.g. phone, laptop, tablet), they can attend their online class. With this in mind, students can essentially work anywhere, anytime. The convenience of online learning ensures a comfortable learning environment. Whether they are in their bedroom, living room, or favorite coffee shop, students can learn wherever is most appropriate for them in which they are most calm and can be the most productive. This further highlights the flexible nature of online learning and why it is so esteemed.
The Cons of Online Learning
Procrastination
Although online learning is known to accommodate individualized pacing, one of its detriments is that students are more likely to procrastinate. Students must already have time management skills and the self motivation to work on assignments at a comfortable pace. However, those that do not have those characteristics tend to procrastinate. This has become a very common issue and may lead to students getting behind or cramming all of their work last minute thus resulting in poor work.
Isolation
Students that learn online may be more isolated socially because students are not meeting in-person and have limited face-to-face interaction. On top of that, there may be less teacher involvement since students are expected to take the responsibility for their learning, so they are also isolated academically.
Distractions
While online learning is convenient, there also may be distractions unfortunately. A typical classroom may be designed to have minimal distractions, and students know that a classroom is a place to learn. However, students that may learn online in their bedroom may feel inclined to turn on the TV or lay in bed. These can become distractions and limit productivity and learning.
Thank you to Ruoxi Lin for editing this article!
Sources:
- https://www.concordia.edu/blog/pros-and-cons-of-online-learning.html
- https://www.boisestate.edu/online/2023/07/26/the-pros-and-cons-of-online-learning-exploring-the-good-the-bad-and-the-wifi-drops/
- https://www.montgomerycollege.edu/academics/online-learning/distance/advantages-and-disadvantages-online-courses.html