Online classses

Online classes have had a massive impact on our lives, and have definitely changed the world in a small period of time through the versatile ways of teaching. This mode of education is very flexible and allows students to study via the internet at home. Basically, online Classes don’t exactly need student-teacher face-to-face meetings, and the flexibility of the internet allows us students to study from all over the world, with the help of WiFi or hotspot.

There are several types of Online Learning, and I will mainly refer to Online Education where students meet their teachers through a software like Zoom or Microsoft Teams. There are many pointers that differ Online classes from offline classes. Technology has played the biggest role in the development of Online Classes. Online classes are basically the brand ambassador of Technology, and the duo are almost ahead of their time. And looking at the current situation, I thought this is a perfect time to write about Online Classes, because we’re nearing the end of online classes, and very soon, offline will definitely return back to its stronger self.

So, here we look upon the benefits and disadvantages of Online Education.

Benefits

Location and Time

Location and Time is the biggest and main benefit of online classes. While offline learning takes place in a fixed location and area, with a fixed schedule and requires us to travel, Online education is the exact opposite. For example, You’re a parent of two kids, and wish to get a degree, but have to stay home and also look after your kids, Online Learning has made this thing possible.

Expenses

To get quality education is expensive, we all know that. And I am not only speaking about the school fees, but also the travel to the place of learning, the accommodation if the training center is not nearby, the textbooks, extra-curricular activities and so on. Since we are learning from home you won’t have expenses in petrol for your car, or for public transportation to the training center

Disadvantages

Self-Discipline

The word Self-discipline means to have the ability to control and motivate yourself, which is definitely not easy. Studying in class in school is challenging, but studying online is no piece of cake. There’s the temptation of chatting with your friends, daydreaming, playing with your dog, etcetera. With no classmates sitting next to us, we’re not as charged up to complete our work as we are in offline classes. There are innumerable distractions during an online class, such as Social Media, Tv, having a snack, and also our family is distracting sometimes.

In an offline class, there is a lot of self discipline with the teacher checking if students are really focusing on studying, and if not, coming to them and physically reminding. None of this happens in an online class, thus leading to indiscipline and not being punctual with work.

Social Interactions

Online learning is far less expensive, more flexible and versatile but the one important thing to mention is lack of interaction with students in an online class. And by that, I mean that we can’t enjoy the morning breakfast with our friends, small chats during self-study, and the Precious Lunch Break to play and have fun with all. With online learning, student to student interaction has become very low.

There are no spontaneous debates between classmates and exchange of ideas between students and teachers, as everyone is comfortably seated in front of a screen. Another aspect of online learning we might take into account is that, over time, and especially if the online class concerns younger students, this distance in relations with other people might cause a lack of social skills development and interactions with others.

During offline classes, teachers wanted us to reduce screen time and read more books, and spend as less time possible on laptops, tablets and phones. But in online classes, teachers want us to spend plenty of time on screen and attend online classes. Funny how things change so quickly, huh?

If we want to compare between Online and Offline classes, and declare which is more effective, then it’s really tough as everyone has different opinions. Being part of an online class is all about motivation and self discipline. Online learning requires a lot of self-discipline as students will have less interaction with their teachers, and thus also need a strong motivation by parents. Teachers have been taking a lot of efforts to keep students occupied during tough times, and it is really admirable.

The conclusion on this topic is, if we’re motivated, well organised, and have self discipline and would prefer to study at flexible schedules and a location of your own choosing, Online Learning would be perfect for us, and as efficient enough as offline learning. Both online and offline learning have benefits and disadvantages, and that is exactly why and education programs including both learning systems with the help of technology, would create a powerful mega giant education system.

It was because of online classes that we learnt to find things on our own, and self learnt a lot. We also made most of our time by doing some hobby of our own liking. Utilising our time during this tough period was the most important, and I’m proud to say that all of us utilised our time properly and did not waste it.

That’s all about online learning, and I’m sure everyone has different opinions regarding it. Do tell which is your preferred form of learning in the comments section down below. Until next time, stay safe, healthy.

Adios.