In the last decade, there has been a great increase in the number and variety of online

courses available to adults. This has been welcomed as a great opportunity by many
students; however, other students see these courses as less effective than classroom
teaching.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
An online course is a form of education that allows students to attend lectures and do
homework via the internet. An online course usually consists of pre-recorded lessons or live
lectures, interactive and off-line tests, synchronous and asynchronous discussions.

The Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated a mass transition to E-learning across the globe. While
many people embrace this as a positive development, others are less optimistic and deem
virtual courses less effective than the traditional classroom. In my view, considering the benefits
and challenges of online learning, a blended approach is the most desirable.
On the one hand, digital education offers a number of advantages. Firstly, online learners can
enjoy a personalized learning experience. That is, when attending online courses, people can
freely choose from a wide array of formats and delivery methods that match their preferred
learning styles and interests. For example, a visual learner may receive instructions in the form
of videos and PowerPoints, which does not only make learning more rewarding but also
significantly improves retention rates. Secondly, digital education promotes social inclusion.
While attending traditional brick-and-mortar schools may be a premium for many, online courses
are accessible everywhere and require nothing more than an Internet-connected device.
Therefore, even those who live in remote areas or have disabilities can obtain the necessary
qualifications to participate in the workforce.
On the other hand, the transition to digital classrooms abounds with radical challenges. Chief
among them is the absence of hands-on experience. Unlike brick-and-mortar classrooms, digital
learning platforms afford limited opportunities for experiments, projects, and other interactive
activities in which people can apply their theoretical knowledge. Therefore, learning may
become less effective due to the lack of information reinforcement. Furthermore, online learners
are deprived of much-needed contact with peers and teachers. Although teleconferencing may
make peer-to-peer discussions possible, connectivity issues like poor Internet connection mean
that learners may not reap the full benefits of class discourses, namely, broadening their
perspectives and critical thinking.