Advantages & Disadvantages of on-line classes

The spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has been an awful time for the whole
world. It has been classified as a pandemic, a threat that does not only call for face masks or
social distancing. Lockdowns and/or community quarantines are implemented. However,
the online class sessions became a platform to continue with the educational training of the
students.

Advantages
 You´re safe in the comforts of our home
- Online class is not a new approach in the Philippines. In fact, even when
students are in school, the use of interactive media (Kahoot, Genyo, and the
like) paves the way for entertainment all while picking up on the focus of
today’s lesson/s. But with the coronavirus scare, online classes are being held
for the main purpose of safety and precaution.

 Students also learn the values of responsibility and priority

- The word ‘responsibility’ applies to this because, even without the usual way of
going to class, the fact that the student and teacher compromised to meet up via
social media should be one of the day’s priorities.

 The power of technology gets utilized

- Imagine if we do not have the kind of technology we have now, then online
classes would not have been an option easily brought up in times of crisis. Our
devices have always been by our side for both entertainment and emergency
purposes.

Disadvantages
  Technical problems are inevitable
- By technical problems, we don’t only mean the stability of one’s Wi-Fi or
mobile data connection at home. We’re also referring to the devices involved for
online communication: headset, laptop (or computer), mic, speakers, etc.
Sometimes, even when we think that we’re good to go, things start to get
complicated during the communication process. The Wi-Fi signal gets laggy, or
there are possibilities when our devices just start to malfunction.

 Not all students can go online

- This is especially difficult for those who do not have their own set-up: laptops
and all. The fact that not all students are the same, considerations should be
placed on those who does not have the same privilege as those who have
complete requirements for an online session.

 There are plenty of distractions

- If there’s one thing we learned from communication class is that communication
itself can be disrupted by any form of disturbances. Whether it’s a noisy
atmosphere, your younger sibling constantly asking for attention, or messages of
friends that don´t have classes at that hour — the kinds of distraction for an
online class are endless.

In conclusion, online classes should be seen as a complement and extension of classical

forms of learning. Not even the best because it can´t fully replace the personal contact with
a teacher, or the human relationships that develop in a group. So, traditional classes
shouldn’t be replaced with online learning.