A new learning landscape: the benefits of online education.
Online Education was forced upon us just about a year ago when COVID-19 began to take its heavy toll. With our backs against the wall, we could only but bow to fate and go along with the only alternative at hand; e-learning. Even though learning online felt like navigating uncharted territory at first, it has gained ground and become standard practice. Naturally, the new state of affairs has triggered ongoing heated debates among all key stakeholders. “Is it a boon or bane?” In this post I’ll be rooting for the notorious outsider. Read on to find out why!
The merits of online learning.
How do learners benefit from online classes?
- Accessible to all. Online education caters for everyone. It promotes access and equity for students unable to attend a traditional school for any number of reasons. From people with disabilities to those who move or travel frequently, e-learning and digital technologies can be saviours. The same goes for people who live in remote areas.
- Flexibility & convenience. Learn at your own pace in the comfort of your home. Taking a course online is the best fit for work-life responsibilities, as you can tailor your learning to your schedule and lifestyle.
- Variety of options. Online education offers a vast range of courses, seminars and workshops to choose from. Some might not even be offered offline. Moreover, you can find excellent tutors who offer one-on-one online tutoring in various skills.
- A personalised learning experience. You benefit from an experience that revolves around your individual needs and abilities. So, the content and instruction style are adapted to you, not the other way around.
- Instructor availability. In an online environment, your tutor is available, at least theoretically, 24/7.
- Fewer distractions and obstacles. Traditional classrooms harbour numerous distractions. These could be pertinent to other students, class-size or time spent to address disruptive behaviours.
- Online access to course materials & resources. Having access to digital course materials and resources is not only convenient, but also practical.
- Develop transferable & tech skills. When studying online you develop a set of in-demand skills needed at work and school. Organisational, time management and computer skills are excellent examples.
- Save time & hassle. Want to enjoy the stress-free benefits of not having to commute while investing in your personal development? Opt for an online course!
- Affordable. Online education is cost effective. Compared to a course taken in a traditional school, its online counterpart costs a lot less.
Why should teachers go online?
- Work from anywhere, at anytime. Speaking from experience, a location-independent life is truly great, as you can work wherever and whenever you want!
- Better work-life balance. You can plan your day to suit both your work and personal responsibilities. Teaching online allows for maximum personal time which, in the hustle and bustle of modern life, can make a huge difference for the better.
- Higher level of adaptability. There are virtually countless free online resources you can use to adapt your teaching and lesson plans to various learning styles.
- Information sharing. Create a knowledge sharing culture by integrating digital technologies, like Social Media, in online teaching. In this way you will encourage and enable the free exchange of knowledge between the instructor and students.
- Technology makes teaching easy. Advanced online tools can provide real-time assessment marking, issue tests and track student progress, among other extremely useful assessment tasks. Solutions are just a click away!
- Better learning outcomes. Teaching online allows you to focus your energies solely on pedagogical goals. This is because your home-office is a more controlled, and therefore less stressful, environment than a conventional workplace.
- Fun & exciting. Virtual classes can be interactive and participatory by adding online games, creative reward systems, flashcards or an online whiteboard, to name but a few.
- Save time & money. Eliminating the daily commute can save you time, money, but most importantly the hassle. In addition, you reduce your monthly expenses significantly, since you save money on gas, car maintenance, parking fees, a professional wardrobe and having to eat out .
How can the household profit from e-learning?
- Participation fosters mutual learning. Household members get more actively involved in the learner’s education when it takes place online. This is vital, as both parties learn to communicate and collaborate effectively.
- Freedom. Your household enjoys the freedom digital education affords in your schedules.
- Budget-friendly. The financial decisions of a household affect the prosperity of all the members. A factor worth considering is that the total average cost of an online course is about 80 times less than its traditional counterpart.
- A happier, healthier life. Studying remotely gives learners more free-time to pursuit interests, freedom of mobility and leaves room for manoeuvre. This flexibility improves the student’s well-being and, by extension, the welfare of the whole household.
Give online education a chance!
The pandemic has accelerated digital integration and transformation in Education. How do we harness this rapid change? To that end, leveraging technologies is key as we are anticipating more flexible learning and immersive lessons. Therefore, rather than demonising or glorifying traditional or online learning, I propose a blend of the two, co-existing and complimenting each other in the name of Education in the Digital Age. Because one thing is certain; Online education is here to stay!
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https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11125-020-09477-y
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https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/future-of-work/the-future-of-work-after-covid-19
https://socapglobal.com/2018/10/characteristics-future-work/