Here comes the last Debate and both teams- Britney S., Kayla, and Colton vs. Arkin, Kat, and Chris did a great job and as said and discussed in the class online as well as in person teaching and learning is important nowadays. As said by Dalton in the discussion that, “its ironical to have this discussion as we are having online education.” Their are many who is very comfortable in taking online education as you do not need to present in class to take education and education is not restricted to four walls classroom now. Covid-19, Pandemic is one of the biggest example which states and shows how important Online education is and any pandemic can not stop teaching and learning. There is no doubt in saying that person touch is missing in online Education; However, I also felt many challenges when we started online education but slowly and steadily everything took place and education didn’t stop. The advancement of the internet and technology has always helped mankind with an abundance of resourceful information. During the time of happiness, we make use of the virtual world, equally during times of adversity, the internet can bring a smile to our faces and help with loads of information. The online and virtual world has a humongous contribution, especially to the educational landscape. Let’s go through what are the core benefits or advantages one can derive from online learning.
Efficiency
Teachers can provide lessons to students more efficiently through online learning. Teachers can employ a variety of online learning tools, such as videos, PDFs, and podcasts, as part of their lesson preparations. Teachers can become more efficient educators by expanding their lesson plans beyond standard textbooks to include online resources.
Accessibility of Time and Place
Another benefit of online learning is that it allows students to take classes wherever they want. It also enables schools to reach out to a larger network of pupils rather than being limited by geographical limits. Online lectures can also be recorded, preserved, and shared for later viewing. This allows students to access the instructional materials whenever it is convenient for them. As a result, online learning provides students with the flexibility of time and location in their education.
Affordability
Another benefit of online learning is the cost savings. When compared to traditional schooling, online education is significantly cheaper. Because online learning reduces the costs of student transportation, lunches, and, most significantly, real estate, this is the case. Furthermore, all course or study materials are available online, resulting in a paperless learning environment that is both more economical and environmentally friendly.
Improved Student Attendance
There are lower risks of pupils missing lectures because online classes can be attended from home or any other location.
Suits a Variety of Learning Styles
Every kid has a unique educational experience and learning style. Some pupils like to learn through visuals, while others prefer to learn through sounds. Similarly, some students excel in a classroom setting, while others prefer to work alone and are easily distracted by large groups. With its variety of options and resources, the online learning system can be customized in a variety of ways. It’s the most effective technique to create the ideal learning environment for each learner.
Challenges Posed by Online Learning
While online learning opens up a range of new opportunities for imparting education, it comes with its own share of challenges as well. India still needs to go a long way in order to make online learning available to all the students in the country through proper developments in this regard. Some of the challenges that online learning presently faces in India include:
Inability to Focus on Screens
One of the most difficult aspects of online learning for many students is the inability to focus on a screen for lengthy periods of time. Students are more likely to be quickly distracted by social media or other websites while they learn online. As a result, teachers must maintain their online lessons concise, interesting, and interactive in order to keep students focused on the topic.
Technical Issues
Another major issue with online classes is the lack of internet access. While internet penetration has increased by leaps and bounds in recent years, maintaining a stable connection with adequate speed remains a challenge in smaller cities and villages. There can be a loss of continuity in learning for children if pupils or teachers do not have access to the internet on a regular basis. This has a negative impact on the educational process.
Sense of Isolation
Being in the company of their peers can teach students a lot. However, there are little physical encounters between students and teachers in an online class. The students often feel alone as a result of this. In this case, the school must allow for alternative channels of communication between students, classmates, and teachers. This can include things like online messaging, emails, and video conferencing, which allow for face-to-face engagement and alleviate isolation.
Teacher Training
Teachers must have a basic understanding of how to use digital modes of learning in order to teach online. However, this is not always the case. Teachers may have only a rudimentary understanding of technology. They don’t always have the resources and tools they need to offer online classes. To overcome this, schools should invest in providing teachers with the most up-to-date technical training so that they can easily conduct their online classes.
Manage Screen Time
Many parents are concerned about the health risks of their children looking at a screen for long periods of time. One of the most serious problems and downsides of online learning is the rise in screen time. Students may acquire terrible posture and other physical problems as a result of sitting crouched in front of a screen for long periods of time.
Online Learning is one of the most popular trends that have surfaced in the pandemic world. All of us are working from home or studying online, thus in some way using the internet to carry out the tasks we would normally do in a world without the pandemic. Online Learning has become a true saviour for students who are unable to attend regular classes at schools or colleges. However, for teachers bound to traditional classrooms, online learning was an initial challenge but as they learned its essentials and workings, it has helped every teacher connect better with their students during the pandemic.
Thankyou
Gunpreesh Kaur:)