ARGUMENTATIVE ARTICLE

ELC 231

PREPARED BY :

NAME NO MATRICS CLASS

NURUL AZLIN BINTI AZMAN 2020189497 DBS 3A
NUR ANIS SYUHADAH BINTI MOHD YUSOP 2020502385 DBS 3A

LECTURER’S NAME : MADAM AZMALINDA

DATE OF SUBMITTED : 17TH MAY 2021
TITLE : ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF ONLINE CLASSES

BOHAT ALA

JULY 16, 2020

Thinking about taking online classes? Those considering enrolling for online classes should
weigh the pros and cons before placing their education at risk. Although a significant number
of the population have undergone the conventional way of attending classes, people in the
contemporary world are opting for online classes according to The 2010 Sloan Survey of
Online Learning (O’Neil, Fisher and Rietschel, 2013). This is because the schedules are tighter
and thus people need to juggle a lot more. This therefore means that they cannot find enough
time to attend classes. Additionally, online classes are flexible and thus one can even take
those in the dead of the night. However, online classes have their flip side. Interaction
between the teacher and student is minimal. This is not to mention that one does not interact
with their fellow students. Some online classes have also been known to be fraudulent thus
the certificate is of absolute no use. An online course is one that a student undertakes without
having to factor in geographical distance. In reality, online courses remove the geographical
dimension of the lesson completely. This kind of learning is best suited for students who are
located off campus. However, those who are on campus are also beginning to take a
preference for the same. Universities continue to seek different ways to serve this particular
population of students (O’Neil, Fisher and Rietschel, 2013). They have tried among others,
satellite teleconferences and correspondence courses among many others to ensure that
these students are catered for. However, technology has made it easier. The internet has
enabled continuous and cheap communication in the ‘online classroom’. Additionally, it
provides a library as well as other sources of information that they may need. Furthermore,
social networking has also increased the pace at which information is spread within these
circles. This paper shall give an in depth analysis of both the advantages and advantages of
online classes education. This paper is of argumentative nature and is therefore not inclined
to take sides.

For the student, taking an online course is a rewarding experience. This is especially so since
online courses have taken what is known as student centered learning. This mode of learning
requires that a student takes responsibility for his own path in the learning process (Moore
and Kearsley, n. d.). This is unlike the olden days where the teacher pushed the students to
acquire an education. The teacher in an online course is more of a facilitator. Thus, online
learning acts as a motivating factor for the online learner of today’s age. The millennial
student has the opportunity to learn with gadgets they are familiar with and that they enjoy
working with. Online learning opens doors for one to do whatever one feels like doing (O’Neil,
Fisher and Rietschel, 2013). There is no need to follow any program or to take any classes.
Indeed, this non traditional learning opens up one’s mind and thus is the perfect place for
innovation. Here the advantages of online learning. First of all is, flexibility. Of course, the
greatest advantage of online learning is the flexibility of the program. Indeed students from
all over the world can attend various institutions without having to be physically present. It
also allows for the students to save tie. The time a student spends when going to the
classroom is eliminated in an online setting. This is not to mention the time students in a
conventional classroom take to settle down for the lesson. Online course give one the luxury
of settling in before the classroom begins hence eliminating time wastage. This allows
students from different cultures to interact without any interference (O’Neil, Fisher and
Rietschel, 2013). This allows rich relationships to be formed that last through the years. As
they say, the world is indeed a global village. These relationships last much longer that the
classroom setting. They lead to intermarriage and exchange of ideas that does change the
world.

Next, individual attention. Furthermore, individual attention can be given to students who
request of it (Walman and Tomer, 2012). This therefore means that, students can be more
interactive with their instructors if they choose to. They can be relating with the instructor via
emails and Skype chats not to mention several social media outlets. They can then ask the
instructor questions that they have and seek clarification where need be. This is contrast to a
campus-based lesson whereby the time may not be enough for all the questions. Also, during
a traditional classroom setting class, the instructor cannot give each student individualized
attention because these students are too many.

Other than that is appropriateness particular college majors fit in perfectly with online
instruction. These are the majors that are characteristically offered online as compared to
others. Business, general studies, liberal arts, health professions as well as humanities fall in
this category (O’Neil, Fisher and Rietschel, 2013). The reason these majors show great
presence online could be that they all for socialization more than other majors. These majors
may require heightened discussions in order to properly understand and assimilate a topic.
Indeed, with the availability of online discussion, this is made possible. Additionally, these
courses require a lot of research, and since online forums give them the ability to do that,
then this is possible.

The final advantage associated with online education is accessibility. The issue of distance
from a learning institution is no longer a hurdle in the students’ access for education.
Consequently, student who pursue online education have the opportunity to utilize their time
effectively since there are various options in online studying (O’Neil, Fisher and Rietschel,
2013). All a student needs to access online education is access to the internet and a personal
computer to find the desired course. This system ensures that students dedicate all their
energies to study. Travel is one of the major concerns that affect students who reside in
remote areas and take on conventional classes. Online classes provide a solution for such
students and saves money and time.

It is hardly surprising that online classes have become the student’s preferred was to get a
degree in a faster and convenient fashion (Walman and Tomer, 2012). Online classes are
considered to be a groundbreaking concept in the education sector however, there are
several disadvantages resulting from it. Students are advised to be cautious in pursuing this
form of education. First of disadvantages is lack of face to face communication with the
instructor. This is probably the most influential disadvantage of online classes. Students do
not get the chance to interact at a personal level with their tutors which is common for the
conventional method of learning (Walman and Tomer, 2012). Learning online is not the same
as receiving first hand instruction from a tutor in a class setting.
Next is, quality concerns. Owing to the fact that the idea of online classes is relatively new,
its quality varies greatly even in courses offered in the same institution (England, 2012). In
addition to, it is difficult to establish whether an online course delivers well on the investment
before a student begins (Walman and Tomer, 2012). Validity of online classes is not accepted
by all people, there are some employers who disregard online acquired academic credentials.

Not only that, minimal socializing. There are those individuals who are more productive and
learn more while socializing with others. In an online setting there is minimal interaction
between classmates and tutors (Walman and Tomer, 2012). It can be concluded that online
classes are not appropriate for these students and they may opt for the conventional way of
attending classes.

In the nutshell is, internet connection problems and computer skills.Beginner students may
encounter difficulties in managing online learning software and computer files (England,
2012). In other words, students who are not accustomed to newsgroups, emails and web
browsers may fail online classes as explained by The Illinois Network (Walman and Tomer,
2012). Unreliable computer connections and computer problems can cause students to miss
tests and deadlines.

The conclusion from the above discussion it is clear that online classes have gained increased
popularity in the recent times. It is clear that this mode of learning has its perks and
disadvantages. Online classes have made a hallmark in the education sector by introducing a
convenient way of learning that is flexible, accessible as well as student centered. However
learners should be careful in choosing this form of learning as it minimizes the level of
interaction, has minimal supervision and requires technical computer skills among many
other disadvantages. Students are advised to be fully aware of these pros and cons of online
education before setline for online classes.