Introduction
In recent times, there has been a paradigm shift in the education industry around the world, due to so many factors, particularly the unexpected COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to the pandemic, traditional classroom teaching was the preferable way of learning, and a lot of educational institutions did not take cognizance of online education, but that has changed.
The global effect of the COVID-19 pandemic has made it imperative for educational institutions to have some level of online presence for the continuous education, convenience, and safety of their present and prospective students. Online education is a virtual form of learning, without the physical boundaries of traditional classroom teaching.
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Online education has its benefits and challenges, just like traditional classroom teaching. Due to the present economic realities around the world, the advantages of online classes outweigh that of the traditional classroom approach.
Benefits of online education
Online education is more flexible than the traditional classroom approach, students can fit classes around their personal schedules, and training materials are also easily accessible for learning and also for reference purposes, at the convenience of students. It is how people get to travel everywhere with virtual development, and the presence of their own homes. (Kyei-Blankson, 2019).
Online education has become very popular and effective because it is a cheaper solution for learning, some courses are also free or heavily discounted. With physical classes, the cost of education is higher and it's a hindrance (Jansen, 2018)., and in some cases, students do not get to enroll in their course of interest, due to several limitations. Also, due to budget constraints, some organizations are unable to train their employees in the traditional classroom method but can afford to enroll them in online classes.
Online education also has shorter courses than traditional classroom courses. In some cases, there are courses that can be finished within a day. The course syllabus may be the same or similar, but due to the flexibility of time, students can learn at their pace with online classes, without the physical pressure of their peers within the classroom environment.
Confidence level is also built in the process of learning at convenience and personal speed. In some cases, students can also interact with their teachers on a one-on-one basis, which is without criticism from fellow students. Student retention rates have increased to about 54% as compared to traditional learning methods.
People are able to combine work with studies with the online option availability. The E-Learning option allows people to split their time effectively. The time that was previously invested solely in education can be used to achieve other personal goals. People also get more time to spend with their loved ones while learning, thereby having a more balanced life and in some cases, a more fulfilled life.
Students tend to think more critically because there is a higher level of self-reliance in E-learning than in the classroom approach, which radiates to other aspects of life. The 'spoon-fed' approach that the traditional classroom offers has its limitations, it does not broaden the horizon of the mind. The mind has the capacity to do much more than the traditional classroom utilizes.
The internet gives everyone an opportunity to have a global and broader perspective on education, work, and life in general. There are no limitations to what can be learned on the internet. During classes, research can be done while studying, job opportunities can be researched, and students have access to more opportunities in general.
Challenges of online education
Proof of authenticity is one of the issues people face with online certifications because there are thousands of courses, institutions, and people. There are different sources of online courses that cannot be traced back as being authentic, this has created numerous dilemmas. For employment purposes or further studies, where references are required, this could pose a problem for students who took courses online.
Interpersonal relationships are not built upon in most cases during online classes, which could affect the students in the long run, in aspects of life where solid relationships are important. Online study is a more lonely way of studying, people tend to be isolated, especially when dealing with some challenges in the courses.
This type of learning process is less reliable, which will later be proven by various HR consultancy firms. Skills are not determined when using online learning to portray people learning about a particular development. This has the potential to develop a futuristic approach that will make a difference in the coming years. These are formulated to the extent of better results for individuals who are reasonably inclined to take online courses at this time.
Skillfulness is not determined when people with online learning are depicted to learn about certain developments (Jansen, 2018). This can be a development for a futuristic approach leading up to producing an effective change in the periods upcoming. These are formulated within the better outcomes for the people that are usefully inclined to the usage of online courses in the current time period.
Conclusion
The benefits of online learning cannot be overemphasized. It is the 'new normal' and it is here to stay, the world has embraced the versatility and opportunities that come with it. There's room for active and passive learning with online education. These are opportunities that the rigidity of the traditional approach does not offer.
Considering convenience and costs, there are a high number of students that opt for the E-learning option because, in recent times, it has become an easier way of learning (Martin, 2020). There are some set skills expected of a 21st-century employee, and easy accessibility to online classes has given a lot of people the opportunity to learn and unlearn, people are constantly moving with the current trends. Getting certifications are good, but opportunities to take advantage of the numerous online resources are a huge plus.
Active participation in online classes can be easily detected by fellow students and teachers compared to learning through face-to-face interactions. It can give people full control over learning and working at their own speed. (Kyei-Blankson, 2019). There are many offline courses that can be studied with online courses. Currently, student retention rates have increased to about 54% as compared to traditional learning methods. It is a lesser investment of time with the current online learning systems, making it easier for people to traditionally opt for the current developments. It is important to understand that the E-Learning option can allow people to split their time effectively into so many areas, which are currently being invested in one or fewer areas. (Jansen, 2018).
There has to be constant development of the methodologies involved, this was a tactically important idea for recognizing the methods contained therein. One of the biggest things that exists in online courses is that during the current development, it has become an easier and better experience. There are various tests developed in a more improved way (Martin, 2020). There is a more general rating system with online development that facilitates access to learning by improving student involvement. Various studies from Harvard have shown that help is available to people today through past opportunities. E-learning has become a better option for people in comparison to traditional classroom settings.
We acknowledge that the traditional classroom approach has its advantages. It has served us for centuries, so that proves that it's also a good approach, with its own advantages as well as its disadvantages, which have been leveraged to discuss the effectiveness of online learning.
The world is evolving and we should evolve with it, the online approach is more appropriate and effective, with the current realities of the world, and also for the existing generation. The older generation can equally agree, most of them have accepted the internet as part of their lives and people learn through the available resources on the Internet everyday.
It seemed like the COVID-19 pandemic and other economic factors forced the world to go the E-learning route, but we can all agree that the world has been pushed in the right direction, with the positive impacts that online learning has had in recent times in the lives and careers of so many people.
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