Traditional colleges and universities face many challenges, including higher costs, budget cuts, and currently, a global pandemic. Consequently, students are desperately finding alternative ways to continue their education. Online education comes up as one of the best alternatives. Today, over six million people are studying online. However, like any innovation has positive and negative aspects, online education doesn’t come without a few disadvantages. Here are the main pros and cons of taking online courses.
PROS OF E-LEARNING
SCHEDULING FLEXIBILITY
There is no need to stick to the set hours – if a student studies via the Internet, he independently plans the schedule. It is easy to combine with additional activities throughout the day. For example, you don’t have to sacrifice your morning workout for the sake of sitting at a desk.
PERSONALIZATION OF THE PROGRAM
Learn what interests you! A big plus of e-learning is the ability to tailor the curriculum to individual ambitions and needs. Does a schoolboy want to enter the Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics at the University of California? Not a problem – the program focuses on physics and mathematics. Is the student interested in the humanities? Get into languages and history at the comfort of your home.
LEARN AT YOUR OWN PACE
Each learner works at their own pace. In case you are faster than the others, there is no need to wait for them. The reverse is also true: if you are slower, you can take your time without disturbing anyone. Training can also be tailor-made according to the level of learning.
FREEDOM OF ACCESS
Another advantage of e-learning is that it doesn’t limit you to a specific location. It doesn’t matter where the student is – in Europe, Asia, The U.S, or New Zealand. All you need for training is a computer or tablet with Internet access. It is now easier than ever to get an accredited online high school diploma. Thanks to e-learning, you can gain knowledge and information from anywhere globally, which makes education accessible.
SAVINGS
The traditional study requires supplies, uniforms, teaching aids, workbooks, a bag, and regular throw-off for the class and the parent committee’s needs. Online education does not need any of the listed expenses. All textbooks and manuals are digital, and you can study even in your pajamas.
QUALITY EDUCATION
An ordinary school does not guarantee the quality of education. It much depends on the specific teacher or the policy of the school administration. The advantage of e-education is that you choose your teachers, textbooks, and program. Accordingly, education will be of better quality than traditional options according to the standards.
CONS OF E-LEARNING
ADAPTATION
Rebuilding in a new way is not always easy. It will take time to get used to the new learning regime. Everything will be different – no need to wake up early, get dressed, and go somewhere for the first lesson. But there will be new responsibilities – to connect to the webinar on time or complete homework on the site before the deadline. The solution is to choose a platform where mentors will help you adapt.
LEGALITY
E-learning is gaining popularity. There are tons of all kinds of courses and online schools on the web. Not everyone has documents confirming such activities’ legality, and not everyone issues documents confirming the program’s credibility. An educational license is a document that gives an organization the right to carry out educational activities. It is necessary for organizations and educational institutions that implement educational programs in any format, remotely or in person. Therefore, e-learning does not relieve an organization of responsibility under the law. The solution is to check potential courses or online school for documents.
UNPREPAREDNESS OF STUDENTS
E-learning is carried out via the Internet, which means that you need to be a fairly confident computer user. A large portion of the population is unable to study online. They think online education seems to be a terrible and incomprehensible beast. The solution is to find a platform with a friendly and intuitive interface.
LACK OF STAFF
Another disadvantage of e-education is the lack of competent professionals who can teach online. E-learning and face-to-face training are very different. The teacher must convey information through the computer screen to be bright, understandable, and interesting. The solution is to choose online courses with trusted teachers who have been working on distance learning for a long time and are familiar with the features of e-education.
LACK OF LIVE COMMUNICATION
Suppose a student is an extrovert and learns online. In that case, he may lack communication with peers because all the study takes place on the computer. Chatting and social networks are also not always enough. The solution is to compensate for the lack of communication by visiting sections, circles, travel, and excursions.
CONCLUSION
This article covered the pros and cons of e-learning. Note that you can easily compensate for each drawback. For example, mentors will help in adaptation, and you can replenish the lack of socialization by taking additional classes.
