Since COVID-19, many people were confined to their homes and had to get used to a new way of acquiring knowledge through online learning. With restrictions eased, some learning institutions have kept both in-person and online learning options. Although the latter option has its perks, it also has its challenges.
If you are considering online learning, here are a few pros and cons listed by the publication eLearning Industry.
Pros
Affordable
Compared to in-person learning, online learning is more cost efficient. This is due to the elimination of the cost of transportation, meals, and student accommodation. An added bonus is that the learning materials are available online which can also be beneficial to the environment.
Efficient
Educators can efficiently deliver lessons to their students via several engaging tools including videos, PDFs, and podcasts.
Accessibility of time and place
With online learning, students have the advantage of attending their classes from any location. It also allows learning institutions to cater to students abroad, instead of being restricted by geographical boundaries. Regarding the accessibility of time, online lectures can be recorded and shared, allowing for the students to refer back to the necessary information.
Cons
Technical issues
A challenge both educators and students may face is internet connectivity. If it is not consistent, the technical issues may hinder the student’s learning process.
Inability to focus
Another challenge for students may be the struggle to focus on their screen for long periods of time. Students may be surrounded by many distractions such as the television or social media.
Sense of isolation
Although it is an advantage to learn from the comfort of your home, minimal physical interaction with your peers can become a challenge. It is therefore crucial for learning institutions to allow for other forms of communication between the students and their peers and educators.
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