discuss both views
There is no denying that online-based learning has
revolutionized our ways of learning in many aspects/facets.
However, there still exits/remains such a heated debate as
to if/whether this tread is beneficial or vice versa. Within
the framework of this writing, both sides of the view will be
taken into consideration, before coming to the final
conclusion.
On the one hand, it is reasonable of advocates/proponents
to claim their support for this trend because of its merits.
First of all, never before can knowledge be accessed regardless
of location and time by dint of this technology. Take an online
IELTS writing course as a salient example. IELTS learners in
developing countries, who used to/ previously have/had little
chance to get/have their writing practice checked/commented
by top-list experts from the native English-speaking countries,
now stand a good chance of being trained or instructed by those
thanks to enrolling in/ signing up for such courses. Another
strengths worth being noted is that not only learners but also
lecturers financially benefit from e-learning. Explicitly, having
not wasted a huge amount of money on travel expenses as well
as enrolling fees, course takers are also able to spare the
supposed fees for other courses in need. This, however, does
not necessarily mean a reduction in the revenue for course
holders. As a matter of fact, online courses can be accessed by
much larger number of students when compared to traditional
ones, in this sense, ensuring the profit for course
administrators.
On the other side of the argument, there remain opponents
expressing their disapproval of the trend/ their concern
over the trend. First and foremost, the main drawback of
online learning lies in its lack of interaction. Apparently,
attending these courses, students may run a risk of losing their
It is common knowledge that online-based platforms have
revolutionized our ways of learning in many aspects.
However, there still exists not only merits but also demerits
of this trend. Within the framework of this paper, both
sides of the phenomenon will be taken into consideration.
On the negative side, the downsizes of this are innumerable.
First and foremost, the main drawback of the trend towards
distance learning lies in its lack of direct interaction.
Apparently, attending such courses, course-takers may run the
risk of losing the opportunity to engage face-to-face with
lecturers. Likewise, students of internet-based courses do not
have a chance of benefiting from peer to peer comments,
discussions, and group work that face-to-face work can bring.
Secondly, but not less importantly, online learners have less
chance of accessing other equally important values, besides
knowledge. Admittedly, it should be born in mind that not only
is knowledge gained in classes, but the moral support or peer-
to-peer appraisal also play integral parts in shaping students’
qualities. Consequently, there is no doubt that integrating into
a virtual learning environment somehow restricts the learners’
all-round development.
On the other side, it is reasonable to realize the merits of
this. First of all, such a platform/ technology has undoubtedly
facilitated the way of learning by bridging knowledge to all
regardless of location and time. Take the IELTS online courses
as a salient example. Thanks to these courses students in
opportunity to engage face-to-face with their lectures.
Likewise, students of internet-based programs are likely to
learn nothing from peer-to-peer comments, group work as a
result of the shortage of classroom management and
disciplines. Secondly, but more importantly, moral values and
life skills, the ones which are supposedly of equal significance
to knowledge, cannot be easily accessed by means of online
courses. Being different from teaching knowledge, to instill
these qualities into learners requires direct integration of a real,
rather than virtual, environment where students can benefit
from teachers’ appraisal and moral support.
In conclusion, from what has been presented above, it is of
no doubt that each point has its own strengths. However, on
balance, it should not be treated as the one which replaces the
traditional one. Instead, it should be applied flexibly,
depending on specific scenarios.
developing countries – those who have little chance of
accessing to top-list/ eminent IELTS trainers- possibly get their
draft checked/ rectified by worldclass experts. Another point
worth noting is that not only learners but also lecturers
financially benefit from the courses. Initially, having not
wasted a huge amount of travel expenses, course takers are also
able to spare the supposed fees for other courses in need. This,
however, does not mean a reduction in the revenues for the
lecturers. As a matter of fact, online courses can be accessed
by an unlimited number of learners, consequently ensuring the
profit for course administrators.
In conclusion, online educational platform, in general, is
both a positive and negative trend. On balance, I firmly hold
that the merits of this technology dominate the demerits.