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What are the pros and cons of online education?

If you have been thinking lately, about switching to online courses or a full-time online degree course, then you are not alone. The past decade has been more and more about online and digitized versions of education, where students and working professionals turn towards online studies. Yet, many employers and senior professors do not take online education seriously as they think it is not as good as the traditional education curriculum. So, before heading towards online education understand its pros and cons.

Pros of online education are following:-

1. Customized learning experience:-

Students always feel more productive when they are explained with relatable examples and methods. With online education, they can always learn courses or do classes according to their requirements and specifications. The teachers/tutors can focus on each student as the intake for online courses are usually limited. Also, in such cases, students may find a new skill and direct their course towards it under the guidance of the tutor.

 

2. Easy access:-

Online education may need just a stable internet connection which is accessible at any place you stay or travel. Also, most courses have reference videos and guides through online websites and links. This study material can be downloaded for later viewing and understanding purposes. Learning courses through online classes is a great option when you are working or have some injury.

3. Low overall costing:-

This is the most important reason for people opting for online education. Learning online cuts down the cost of traveling, class materials, textbooks, etc for which students have to pay in thousands of dollars annually. Online courses are more affordable than the traditional education style where online courses have discounts on fees, payment in installment options, and you can always eat at home.

 

4. Convenient and flexible:-

Students can make their own schedule and take classes at flexible hours. There is no target to reach or hurry to complete the syllabus. A learner can always set her/his own pace and discuss the doubts as per her/his convenience. The tutors are available almost the whole day, so you have access to them for any queries at any time. If you have any unexpected guests, sudden sickness, power issues, or any interruptions you can always set up your sessions in later hours or the next day.

5. Improved digital skills:-

Students would be exposed to the latest software and internet tools as soon as it is fresh in the market. Many online courses have some assignments to be done on a particular software or involve some digitized presentation. Practicing all these tasks on a regular basis will enhance the technical skills of the learner and also promote innovative and creative teaching.

6. Time Management skills:-

Online education saves a lot of time as you have to just sit in front of the computer screen at the decided time in your homes. There is no traveling involved, so you can use a lot of time for other important things. Some students also study two courses at a time according to their abilities. However, you can also take up some guitar lessons or other physical activity sessions to utilize your saved time.

7. Adequate time for absorbing information:-

The flexibility in online courses gives you the time for analysis and deeply understanding whatever you are being taught. You have the time to gather all the aspects regarding the topic and then you can come up with your doubts or even some self-made theories.

8. Fun element:-

Online education is mostly served in the form of online lectures or digitalized presentations. These can be fun as many teachers also introduce teaching techniques involving games for better understanding. Apart from games, there are videos and creative presentations involved in the tasks for the students.

Cons of online education are following:-

1. Availability of limited subjects/courses:-

Online education is popular in the current world and is needed by the hour, but some universities still haven’t put all their courses for networked learning. Since new and unique programs are the trending attractions for students, such courses may not be available online which may push students to go for other “undesired” courses. Some high-level courses are too difficult to be available online as they are more practically oriented studies.

2. The strong necessity of self-discipline:-

Most of the online courses are taken from the home. So there could be a lot of distractions apart from connectivity issues and other technical problems. The environment around and the dedication of sitting comfortably when you can go offline just by a click will play a pivotal role during attending online classes.

3. Limited Social interaction:-

Though online courses largely promote group projects and activities, students might feel the lack of sharing physical space with other students. Along with that, it is inconvenient for teachers and professors also to concentrate on students individually without face-to-face interaction. The liveliness of campus, the hangouts at college, and quickness in making new friends could be a miss for students in a fully online degree course.

4. Delayed responses and communication breakdown:-

Internet connectivity is the most significant factor on which the whole online education thing is relied upon. Though internet connection is not rare for today’s gadgets, there are still fluctuations and network issues found mostly in rural areas. Some students also complain about getting late responses from tutors/teachers and that the waiting period is exhausting. A similar problem is found with teachers who face difficulties in understanding the doubts clearly and theoretically convey to every student.

5. Lack of practical learning and experiences:-

There would be less scope for actual practicing and conducting experiments related to the theories you learn. The feel of specific labs, apparatus, and demonstrating in front of your professor would be missing in online education. Though some programs offer weekend sessions for such issues, it would be time-consuming and less productive as compared to the traditional process.

6. Conducting exams can be tough:-

It is difficult for teachers or professors to keep up with advancements in technologies to continue with online teaching. Moreover, conducting exams would be another hurdle to tackle for test-takers, as it would be difficult to monitor the students throughout the exams. Also, to set up an online examination center with guidelines for so many various courses would take immense time and money investment.

7. Accreditation:-

Many online courses are not accredited, which directly impacts the value of your degree in the professional market. Most of the employers, even today, prefer traditional education methods when it comes to hiring for a competitive position. This may result in a higher risk in terms of money and time if you choose a non-accredited university.

8. Isolation:-

You are not always going to go to your professors for queries or doubts; you will need your senior friends to get an easy understanding of some topics. Also, getting out would become a rare thing and you will end up being on your own most of the time. The regular short distance travel or limited movement may affect the overall active behavior of students.