Advantages And Disadvantages Of Online Learning

https://elearningindustry.com/advantages-and-disadvantages-online-learning

Discover Everything You Need To Know (Good And Bad) About Online Education

One of the most oft-used terms after the pandemic is the term “new normal.” The new normal in
education is the increased use of online learning tools. The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered new ways
of learning. All around the world, educational institutions are looking toward online learning platforms
to continue with the process of educating students. The new normal now is a transformed concept of
education with online learning at the core of this transformation. Today, digital learning has emerged as
a necessary resource for students and schools all over the world. For many educational institutes, this is
an entirely new way of education that they have had to adopt. Online learning is now applicable not just
to learn academics but it also extends to learning extracurricular activities for students as well. In recent
months, the demand for online learning has risen significantly, and it will continue doing so in the
future.

As with most teaching methods, online learning also has its own set of positives and negatives. Decoding
and understanding these positives and negatives will help institutes in creating strategies for more
efficiently delivering the lessons, ensuring an uninterrupted learning journey for students.

What Are The Advantages Of Online Learning?

1. Efficiency

Online learning offers teachers an efficient way to deliver lessons to students. Online learning has a
number of tools such as videos, PDFs, podcasts, and teachers can use all these tools as part of their
lesson plans. By extending the lesson plan beyond traditional textbooks to include online resources,
teachers are able to become more efficient educators.

2. Accessibility Of Time And Place

Another advantage of online education is that it allows students to attend classes from any location of
their choice. It also allows schools to reach out to a more extensive network of students, instead of
being restricted by geographical boundaries. Additionally, online lectures can be recorded, archived, and
shared for future reference. This allows students to access the learning material at a time of their
comfort.
Thus, online learning offers students the accessibility of time and place in education.

3. Affordability

Another advantage of online learning is reduced financial costs. Online education is far more affordable
as compared to physical learning. This is because online learning eliminates the cost points of student
transportation, student meals, and most importantly, real estate. Additionally, all the course or study
materials are available online, thus creating a paperless learning environment which is more affordable,
while also being beneficial to the environment.

4. Improved Student Attendance

Since online classes can be taken from home or location of choice, there are fewer chances of students
missing out on lessons.

5. Suits A Variety Of Learning Styles

Every student has a different learning journey and a different learning style. Some students are visual
learners, while some students prefer to learn through audio. Similarly, some students thrive in the
classroom, and other students are solo learners who get distracted by large groups.

The online learning system, with its range of options and resources, can be personalized in many ways. It
is the best way to create a perfect learning environment suited to the needs of each student.

What Are The Disadvantages Of Online Learning?

1. Inability To Focus On Screens

For many students, one of the biggest challenges of online learning is the struggle with focusing on the
screen for long periods of time. With online learning, there is also a greater chance for students to be
easily distracted by social media or other sites. Therefore, it is imperative for the teachers to keep their
online classes crisp, engaging, and interactive to help students stay focused on the lesson.

2. Technology Issues

Another key challenge of online classes is internet connectivity. While internet penetration has grown in
leaps and bounds over the past few years, in smaller cities and towns, a consistent connection with
decent speed is a problem. Without a consistent internet connection for students or teachers, there can
be a lack of continuity in learning for the child. This is detrimental to the education process.

3. Sense Of Isolation

Students can learn a lot from being in the company of their peers. However, in an online class, there are
minimal physical interactions between students and teachers. This often results in a sense of isolation
for the students. In this situation, it is imperative that the school allow for other forms of
communication between the students, peers, and teachers. This can include online messages, emails
and video conferencing that will allow for face-to-face interaction and reduce the sense of isolation.

4. Teacher Training

Online learning requires teachers to have a basic understanding of using digital forms of learning.
However, this is not the case always. Very often, teachers have a very basic understanding of
technology. Sometimes, they don’t even have the necessary resources and tools to conducts online
classes.

To combat this, it is important for schools to invest in training teachers with the latest technology
updates so that they can conduct their online classes seamlessly.

5. Manage Screen Time

Many parents are concerned about the health hazards of having their children spend so many hours
staring at a screen. This increase in screen time is one of the biggest concerns and disadvantages of
online learning. Sometimes students also develop bad posture and other physical problems due to
staying hunched in front of a screen.

A good solution to this would be to give the students plenty of breaks from the screen to refresh their
mind and their body.

Strengths and Weaknesses of Online Learning

https://www.uis.edu/ion/resources/tutorials/online-education-overview/strengths-and-weaknesses/
All educators approach this new paradigm with varying degrees of enthusiasm and concern. Are you
optimistic or skeptical about Online Learning? Are you interested in knowing how delivering courses
online can improve your teaching and offer unprecedented learning opportunities for your students, or
do you want to know what you will be up against as you plan and deliver your classes online? It is
important to consider both the pros and cons of online learning so you can be better prepared to face
the challenge of working in this new environment as well as embrace the new opportunities that it has
to offer. Strengths or Weaknesses? You choose which link to follow first, but please look at both – it’s
only fair!

Strengths of Online Learning

There are many reasons why online programs have become a popular form of distance learning in
higher education today. The online environment offers unprecedented opportunities for people who
would otherwise have limited access to education, as well as a new paradigm for educators in which
dynamic courses of the highest quality can be developed. Here is a list of some of the major benefits of
online programs:

Anywhere…

The main advantage of asynchronous online learning is that it allows students to participate in high
quality learning situations when distance and schedule make on-ground learning difficult-to-impossible.
Students can participate in classes from anywhere in the world, provided they have a computer and
Internet connection. In addition, the online format allows physically challenged students (and teachers)
more freedom to participate in class. Participants access the Virtual Classroom through their computers
instead of having to “go to class” physically.

Anytime, Any Pace…

The Virtual Classroom is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Time efficiency is another
strength brought by the online learning format. Asynchronous communication through online
conferencing programs allows the professional juggling work, family, and study schedules to participate
in class discussions. There is no question about doing the work; just do it at the times that are more
convenient. Students can access their courses at any time of day or night. Further, they have continuous
access to lectures, course materials, and class discussions. This is particularly convenient for those who
may need to reread a lecture or take more time to reflect on some material before moving on.

Synergy
The online format allows a dynamic interaction between the instructor and students and among the
students themselves. Resources and ideas are shared, and continuous synergy will be generated through
the learning process. Each individual can contribute to the course discussions and comments on the
work of others. The synergy that exists in the student-centered Virtual Classroom is one of the most
unique and vital traits that the online learning format possesses.

High Quality Dialog

Within an online asynchronous discussion structure, the learner may reflect on comments from others
before responding or moving on to the next item. This structure allows students time to articulate
responses with much more depth and forethought than in a traditional face-to-face discussion situation
where the participant must analyze the comment of another on the spot and formulate a response or
otherwise lose the chance to contribute to the discussion.

Student Centered

Within an online discussion, the individual student responds to the course material (lectures and course
books, for example) and to comments from other students. Students usually respond to those topics
within the broader conversation that most clearly speak to their individual concerns. These situations
result in smaller conversations taking place simultaneously within the group. While students should read
all of their classmates’ contributions, they actively engage in only those parts of the dialog most relevant
to their own interests. In this way, students control their own learning experience and tailor the class
discussions to meet their own specific needs. Ideally, students make their own individual contributions
to the course while at the same time taking away a unique mix of relevant information.

Level Playing Field

In the online environment, learners have a certain measure of anonymity. Discriminating factors such as
age, dress, physical appearance, disabilities, race, and gender are largely absent. Instead, the focus of
attention is clearly on the content of the discussion and the individual’s ability to respond and contribute
thoughtfully and intelligently to the material at hand.

Access to Resources

It is easy to include distinguished guest experts or students from other institutions in an online class.
Furthermore, today’s students have access to resources and materials that may be physically located
anywhere in the world. An instructor can compile a resource section online with links to scholarly
articles, institutions, and other materials relevant to the course topic for students to access for research,
extension, or in depth analysis of course content material.

Creative Teaching

The literature of adult education supports the use of interactive learning environments as contributing
to self-direction and critical thinking. Some educators have made great strides in applying these
concepts to their on ground teaching. However, many classes still exist which are based on lectures and
rote memorization of material. The nature of the semi-autonomous and self-directed world of the
Virtual Classroom makes innovative and creative approaches to instruction even more important. In the
online environment, the facilitator and student collaborate to create a dynamic learning experience. The
realization of a shift in technology creates the hope that those who move into the new technology will
also leave behind bad habits as they adopt this new paradigm of teaching. As educators transform their
courses to take full advantage of the online format, they must reflect on their course objectives and
teaching styles. Many of the qualities that make a successful online facilitator are also tremendously
effective in the traditional classroom.

Weaknesses of Online Learning

While online programs have significant strengths and offer unprecedented accessibility to quality
education, there are weaknesses inherent in the use of this medium that can pose potential threats to
the success of any online program. These problems fall into six main categories:

1. Technology

Equity and Accessibility to Technology

Before any online program can hope to succeed, it must have students who are able to access the online
learning environment. Lack of access, whether it be for economic or logistic reasons, will exclude
otherwise eligible students from the course. This is a significant issue in rural and lower socioeconomic
neighborhoods. Furthermore, speaking from an administrative point of view, if students cannot afford
the technology the institution employs, they are lost as customers. As far as Internet accessibility is
concerned, it is not universal, and in some areas of the United States and other countries, Internet
access poses a significant cost to the user. Some users pay a fixed monthly rate for their Internet
connection, while others are charged for the time they spend online. If the participants’ time online is
limited by the amount of Internet access they can afford, then instruction and participation in the online
program will not be equitable for all students in the course.

Computer Literacy
Both students and facilitators must possess a minimum level of computer knowledge in order to
function successfully in an online environment. For example, they must be able to use a variety of search
engines and be comfortable navigating on the World Wide Web, as well as be familiar with Newsgroups,
FTP procedures, and email. If they do not possess these technology tools, they will not succeed in an
online program; a student or faculty member who cannot function on the system will drag the entire
program down.

Limitations of Technology

User friendly and reliable technology is critical to a successful online program. However, even the most
sophisticated technology is not 100% reliable. Unfortunately, it is not a question of if the equipment
used in an online program will fail, but when. When everything is running smoothly, technology is
intended to be low profile and is used as a tool in the learning process. However, breakdowns can occur
at any point along the system. For example, the server which hosts the program could crash and cut all
participants off from the class; a participant may access the class through a networked computer which
could go down; individual PCs can have numerous problems which could limit students’ access; finally,
the Internet connection could fail, or the institution hosting the connection could become bogged down
with users and either slow down or fail altogether. In situations like these, the technology is neither
seamless nor reliable, and it can detract from the learning experience.

2. The Students

While an online method of education can be a highly effective alternative medium of education for the
mature, self-disciplined student, it is an inappropriate learning environment for more dependent
learners. Online asynchronous education gives students control over their learning experience and
allows for flexibility of study schedules for non traditional students; however, this places a greater
responsibility on the student. In order to successfully participate in an online program, students must be
well organized, self-motivated, and possess a high degree of time management skills in order to keep up
with the pace of the course. For these reasons, online education is not appropriate for younger students
(i.e. elementary or secondary school age) and other students who are dependent learners and have
difficulty assuming responsibilities required by the online paradigm.

3. The Facilitator

Lack of Essential Online Qualities

Successful on-ground instruction does not always translate to successful online instruction. If facilitators
are not properly trained in online delivery and methodologies, the success of the online program will be
compromised. An instructor must be able to communicate well in writing and in the language in which
the course is offered. An online program will be weakened if its facilitators are not adequately prepared
to function in the Virtual Classroom.
An online instructor must be able to compensate for lack of physical presence by creating a supportive
environment in the Virtual Classroom where all students feel comfortable participating and especially
where students know that their instructor is accessible. Failure to do this can alienate the class both
from each other and from the instructor. However, even if a virtual professor is competent enough to
create a comfortable virtual environment in which the class can operate, still the lack of physical
presence at an institution can be a limitation for an online program. For the faculty as well as the
participants, such things as being left out of meetings and other events that require on-site interaction
could present a limiting factor in an online program.

4. The Administration and Faculty

Some environments are disruptive to the successful implementation of an online program.

Administrators and/or faculty members who are uncomfortable with change and working with
technology, or feel that online programs cannot offer quality education, often inhibit the process of
implementation. These people represent a considerable weakness in an online program because they
can inhibit its success.

Sometimes administration cannot see beyond the bottom line and look at online programs only as ways
to increase revenues and are thus not committed to seeing online programs as a means of providing
quality education to people who would otherwise not be able to access it. In such a case, an institution
that is not aware of the importance of proper facilitator training, essential facilitator characteristics, and
limitations of class size would not understand the impact that these elements can have on the success of
an online program.

5. The Online Environment

Levels of Synergy

Online learning has its most promising potential in the high synergy represented by active dialog among
the participants, one of the most important sources of learning in a Virtual Classroom. However, in
larger classes (20 or more students), the synergy level starts to shift on the learning continuum until it
eventually becomes independent study to accommodate the large class. At this point, dialog is limited as
well as interaction among participants and the facilitator. The medium is not being used to its greatest
potential.

What Should Not Be Taught Online

Even with recently generated excitement and enthusiasm for online programs, it is important to
recognize that some subjects should not be taught online because the electronic medium does not
permit the best method on instruction. Examples include: hands-on subjects such as public speaking,
surgery, dental hygiene, and sports where physical movement and practice contribute to the
achievement of the learning objectives. These subjects are probably best taught in a face-to-face
traditional learning environment. Hybrid courses may represent a temporary solution to this problem,
thus making that portion of the course more accessible to a greater number of people who would
otherwise have difficulty getting to campus. However, solutions of that sort still underline the fact that
online teaching cannot satisfy all educational needs and goals. Just because it may be technologically
possible to simulate a physical learning experience, this does not necessarily mean that it is the best way
to teach it.

6. The Curriculum

The curriculum of any online program must be carefully considered and developed in order to be
successful. Many times, in an institution’s haste to develop distance education programs, the
importance of the curriculum and the need for qualified professionals to develop it are overlooked.
Curriculum and teaching methodology that are successful in on-ground instruction will not always
translate to a successful online program where learning and instructional paradigms are quite different.
Online curriculum must reflect the use of dialog among students (in the form of written communication)
and group interaction and participation. Traditional classroom lectures have no place in a successful
online program. Education of the highest quality can and will occur in an online program provided that
the curriculum has been developed or converted to meet the needs of the online medium.

Today is a very exciting time for technology and education. Online programs offer technology-based
instructional environments that expand learning opportunities and can provide top quality education
through a variety of formats and modalities. With the special needs of adult learners who need or want
to continue their education, online programs offer a convenient solution to conflicts with work, family,
and study schedules. Institutions of higher education have found that online programs are essential in
providing access to education for the populations they wish to serve. In order for an online program to
be successful, the curriculum, the facilitator, the technology, and the students must be carefully
considered and balanced in order to take full advantage of the strengths of this format and at the same
time avoid pitfalls that could result from its weaknesses.

https://opentextbc.ca/studentsuccess/chapter/pros-and-cons-of-online-learning/

10.2 Pros and Cons of Online Learning

As you evaluate whether or not online learning is a good fit for you, it helps to consider the pros and
cons. Some of these pros and cons will be more important to you than others, depending on your
situation, so it’s important to consider your own specific circumstances and your learning strengths and
weaknesses. Here are a few things to consider:

Pros

Schedule flexibility. Increasingly, students have complicated schedules, often juggling several part-time
jobs, family responsibilities, and other commitments. For many, education has been out of reach when
traditional scheduled classes did not mesh with their busy schedules and obligations. Online learning
means students can learn when it suits them. Students can do their readings throughout the day in
between other commitments. They can work on and submit assignments in the middle of the night if
that suits them. The time flexibility literally means that students who just couldn’t take classes on a
traditional schedule can now further their education on a flexible schedule according to their needs.

Location flexibility. Online learning also opens up education for people who live in areas that do not
have post-secondary institutions, especially remote communities. People can study at home or in local
libraries or in convenient locations that eliminate the need to commute to physical institutions. This can
save students hours of daily commuting time. It can also save students substantial amounts of money if
it means they do not have to relocate to attend school. This is a significant factor for many who have
financial concerns, housing concerns, or have a family member who cannot relocate due to employment
or other obligations. Even people in big cities that do have post-secondary institutions welcome the
opportunity to forgo a long commute to and from a college or university numerous times a week.

Multi-media. Learning happens more efficiently when several modalities are engaged. It helps to see
(read or watch), hear (lecture or demonstration), do (labs, practice a skill, or write), as well as practice.
Often people think that learning online will restrict learning because they’ll have to read everything. The
opposite is actually true. With so many options for multi-media, modalities can be fully engaged through
online learning. Courses can include video clips, lab demonstrations, and virtual labs where students can
dissect something over and over until they’ve got it (as opposed to having one crack at it for an actual
dissection). Courses can include hyperactive web links which can conveniently direct you to websites,
web articles, and web demonstrations that add fascinating content. Courses can include high quality
diagrams, graphs, interactive demonstrations, video podcasts, animations, Ted-Talks, YouTube clips,
interactive digital learning games, blogs, wikis, learning objects, virtual worlds, and much more.
Edutainment is a term describing applications that incorporate multimedia entertainment with
educational objectives. Quality online courses have an array of possibilities that can keep the curriculum
current and engaging.
Classmates. Online learning offers a diversity in classmates that often exceeds that of a face-to-face
class. As you get to know your classmates through class discussions, online forums, group work, and
class presentations, you will often meet people from all over the world. This allows for some interesting
perspectives and a more global way of thinking and interpreting information.

Course selection. Making the decision to learn online means that there are seemingly limitless options in
course selection. You have the option of enrolling in a different college than the one you would have
chosen if you had to move there. It doesn’t matter how far away it is if you are learning online. You can
choose courses according to price, convenience, and interesting topics. Often you do not necessarily
have to take all your courses from one institution if there are courses elsewhere that interest you. If you
are taking courses from more than one institution, just be sure to check out transferability into the
program you are enrolled in or want to graduate from, prior to taking a course from elsewhere so you
do not lose credit for the course. See Chapter 13 The BC Transfer Process for more information.

Financial. Tuition and books are often priced the same for online and face-to-face courses, however,
there are financial considerations that can make online learning more affordable. Firstly, the flexibility of
online means you may not need to quit your job, since you can work on coursework around work hours.
(Be cautious that you don’t work so much that you don’t have time for your courses, though.) Having an
income while going to school can relieve a great amount of financial burden and reduce accumulation of
student loans. Secondly, you will not have extra accommodation fees or relocation costs taking online
courses since you will not have to move to go to school. Even if the college or university is local, you
won’t have transportation costs including public transit costs or gas and parking fees to travel to and
from the institution. If you are a parent, you will likely have less child-care costs. You can also save
money, since students are likely to eat out more when traveling to a campus.

Combination of online and face-to-face. It can be an option to do some of your courses face-to-face and
some online. This can cut down on commutes if you choose to do online courses on certain days and
work your schedule accordingly. This strategy can take advantage of the pros of both. It can also allow
you to get to know instructors from a program in person during your face-to-face classes, giving you a
personal connection with them for your online classes. Another use for combining formats is to take
missing prerequisites online so that you don’t miss an opportunity to take a course according to your
education plan. This can often save you from having to add an extra year to your education. Another pro
of combining formats is that you can choose to take electives for your program online in the summer
months, to get ahead on your education plan, or to lighten the load in the regular school year. There can
be many advantages of taking a combination of online and face-to-face courses.
Cons

Time management. You have to be very organized when you take courses online. It is entirely up to you
to stay on-track. Although this is true in a face-to-face class as well, students often feel more pressure
when they have scheduled classes. They don’t want to miss class or get behind. They have classmates
around them talking about upcoming assignments and tests, who inadvertently pressure them into
getting things done. When they know they have class Monday morning, for example, they make sure
they complete the course work that is required before that class. These scheduled things are more
conducive to keeping on track. Online students are notorious for procrastinating and getting behind. It is
vital to keep a schedule as if you were attending face-to-face classes. Once your study times are in your
schedule, don’t divert from the schedule unless it is critically important. (That doesn’t include that your
friend called you up and asked you to go to the show!) You have to get used to telling people you are
busy with your school work and that you are not available. Review Chapter 7: Time Management for
further time management strategies.

Motivation. Motivation is another key factor for success in online learning. If you are constantly talking
yourself out of doing assignments, doubting your abilities, or not willing to give it your all, this can
seriously impede your ability to be successful. Some people know themselves and are aware that they
don’t have the motivation, self-drive, and determination to be consistent in their online studies. They
will make the sacrifices required to commit to face-to-face courses. In other words, they are willing to
commute and change their schedules to accommodate their scheduled classes, because they know that,
for them personally, they are likely to be more successful in their courses.

Weak readers. Online learning most often involves a lot of reading. Some learners are strong readers
and find they learn more by reading than listening in a class. Others find reading tedious and lose focus.
If reading is a struggle, you may want to find out the differences in the amount of reading between the
specific face-to-face classes and the online classes you are interested in taking. This may have a bearing
on which format you choose.

Limited computer skills. Those who have very little experience with computers will find it more
challenging doing online courses. As well as learning the course material and expectations of the
instructor, these people will have to deal with learning computer skills concurrently. This is not
necessarily a con as they will benefit greatly, however, it would be important to allow extra time needed
for dealing with the learning curve of gaining the necessary computer skills. Of course, taking a face-to-
face course likely will require computer skills as well, so it is wise to gain them regardless. Likely, it will
initially be a little more challenging with an online course. Prior to starting online courses, it would be
beneficial to take a computer skills course at a local community college, if possible.
The social aspect. Some learners enjoy the dynamics of being in a physical classroom. They get to form a
personal relationship with the instructor. They meet classmates in person and can form study groups.
They can benefit from the answers to questions that others ask or from the class discussions that arise.
After class, they can easily discuss issues that they didn’t understand or they can go deeper into an
issue, furthering understanding. Even moral support is a beneficial perk of having face-to-face classes.
Other classmates can detect whether or not you are struggling and can offer support, lend materials,
and offer a much needed smile. Many people really appreciate the social aspect of attending classes and
being part of a college or university where they can join teams and clubs, have a drink at the campus
pub, live in residence, and develop a healthy social life. This is particularly important for young students
who have recently left home after completing high school. Older students who already have children
and jobs, may not necessarily be looking to expand their social lives.

The format of some online courses are specifically designed to include a social aspect to learning. The
course incorporates group assignments and forum discussions. Students get to know each other even
though they may all be in different locales. Other courses don’t have any social component to them.
Often in these online courses, students can feel very alone as they do their courses. If the social aspect is
important to you, find out how the courses are structured at the institution where you are considering
taking your program.