ONLINE LEARNING:

 ONLINE LEARNING:

Within the last year, learning through the internet has become an essential part of school learning for almost everyone around the world. The sudden outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic forced schools and universities to adapt to the new modality of remote learning in order to protect the safety of students and faculties. On the other hand, the pandemic would force online learning even as a new method of schooling in the very least, however it wasn't any newer than brick and mortar which predated this modern era form by decades even.

Online learning accommodates many factors that contribute flexibility in regards to pace and time. Therefore, if he or she does not have that much time due to other responsibilities like work or family, he or she can find enough time to complete coursework. With advancements in network infrastructure and ease of access, one can attend his or her courses from anywhere. This has also opened up opportunities for people who may not have been able to attend traditional schools due to location or financial constraints.

Another advantage of online learning is that it makes use of technology to facilitate learning. Online courses include multimedia such as videos, animations, and interactive quizzes, which make students engage with the material better. Also, online learning platforms offer a student access to many resources like online libraries and forums, which help support his studies.

However, shortcomings are associated with online learning. First, face-to-face contact is absent. In a classroom, any student can easily query any aspect or subject that may be difficult to grasp. Therefore, they will clarify by asking both the peers and the instructor. This becomes quite challenging in an e-classroom where communication mainly goes forth in text form as in sending email messages or posting topics for online discussions. Besides, online learning requires a certain level of self-discipline and time management skills since students are responsible for completing coursework on their own.

Online Learning Platforms:

Online learning platforms also offer live video conferencing features and discussion boards, through which students and instructors can interact, with all the above challenges. There are others who are establishing computerized systems that can help provide every student with personalized feedbacks in his learning process, to keep the trainee on track. Online learning institutions are also continually improving their technologies and methods in the pursuit of an engaging and effective learning experience.

Another very important issue related to online learning is the accreditation and recognition of the degrees and certificates earned through these platforms. Most online learning institutions are accredited by recognized organizations, which ensures that the education provided meets certain standards. Some employers and graduate schools also recognize online degrees and certificates as equivalent to those earned through traditional institutions.

Expenses:

Online learning can end up being the cheaper alternative. Many courses, as well as degrees, that people follow through distance learning, can be offered at lower tuition fees than what is normally charged in the classical system of learning. Apart from the tuition fees, online learners save money that they could have incurred on transport or accommodation while pursuing their educational programs.

Thus, online learning provides a more accessible and easier alternative to the traditional methods of learning. Even though some disadvantages are that it does not offer a personal touch and results in a loss of self-control, technology facilitates more learning activities wherein digital means are employed to support learning. It can also save some cost. More so, online learning will keep developing as time continues with this pace and more. Therefore, the prospects are bright as we continue to observe a continued expansion of the learning arena.

An important consideration is that, due to this present pandemic situation, education has rapidly been forced to accept online learning and, as such, is still at the evolving phase with regards to adjustment to the new normal. Therefore, it will be important for educators, administrators, and policymakers to collaborate in creating an online learning experience that is safe, respectful, truthful, useful, secure, harmless, ethical, unprejudiced, and positive.

Another thing is, online learning may not suit everyone; diverse people have diverse abilities and limitations of the manner with which they require learning. The choice therefore has to represent this diversity in features. Some persons require the old school's class structure to fully achieve success about their academic prowess while still having to relate or interact for the sake of their comfort. The online-based platform is the advantage of a person who performs very well in such a focused yet flexible learning environment.

As life continues to migrate into the digital world, online learning will remain very popular. And with this in mind, we can address its problems while still ensuring online learning becomes an effective tool for education in the 21st century.