Online learning, also called eLearning or distance learning, is the knowledge acquisition process through electronic technologies and media. In other words, it is conducted on the Internet, where learners can access learning materials online at any time and place. It takes place in the form of online degrees, online courses, or online programs.
Online learning has become increasingly popular in recent years as an alternative to traditional classrooms. As a result, different stakeholders have attempted to switch to these methods and strived to make online education a reality.
Types of Online Learning
Here are different types of online education methods that are being used frequently;
Synchronous online learning
Synchronous learning is considered one of the prominent online learning types. It enables learners to attend and participate in learning activities online at the same time. Moreover, the synchronous form of learning focuses on real-time interaction through video meets and chats. Using different tech-enabled features, students can interact with teachers or get their queries resolved.
Asynchronous online learning
Asynchronous online learning is in strike contrast to synchronous learning. This study method revolves around no real-time interaction between students and teachers. Instead, instructors help learners in their educational journeys through assignments. However, this learning mode offers students greater flexibility and is considered a student-friendly online learning type.
Adaptive eLearning method
In an adaptive method of education, the teaching techniques and study materials are designed to the needs and capabilities of individual students. This approach offers a personalized learning touch and goes one step further in aiding students to achieve their educational goals.
Hybrid online learning
It is a unique method of interactive learning. Hybrid learning allows students to interact in real-time with a personalized experience. This mode emphasizes live classes and in-person training, where students can meet teachers to get their doubts resolved quickly and learn effectively.
Interactive online learning mode
Interactive online learning mode ensures proper communication between students and instructors. It is one the most important types of online learning and works by converting senders into receivers. Learners and educators communicate with each other interactively to give continuous feedback.
Collaborative online learning
Collaborative learning is one of the latest modes of online education. Learners are divided into several groups to guarantee they learn together and cherish the spirit of teamwork. Each learner is tasked to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of others in a particular group. Hence, this practice enables learners to work together constructively and communicate effectively.
Benefits of Online Learning
Just like attending classes physically, virtual classrooms also have advantages and disadvantages. Among its benefits, online learning allows learners to enjoy a flexible schedule, reduces degree costs, and empowers them to develop their careers and further their education.
Reduced cost
In-person traditional education can be expensive, but online learning provides several ways for students to save money. First, it helps them save transportation costs as they do not have to commute to campus. Furthermore, virtual coursework benefits from virtual resources, which means students will spend less money on textbooks.
Flexibility
Online classes are great for students who want to advance their education while working. However, lectures are scheduled in face-to-face classrooms at a specific time, and you must plan your day around them. So, juggling studies and work becomes a challenge if you are employed and courses are unavailable after working hours.
This is where online learning on virtual campuses allows far more autonomy in scheduling your classes. Therefore, you can study at your convenience and avoid distractions easily.
Enhanced course variety
Online school is a much better option for some students because it provides various education options. Since they do not have to travel to campus for lessons on specific days and times, they can easily enroll in an online course. They can take the path they want and complete the coursework at their own pace without rearranging their schedules. In addition, learners can gain the knowledge to earn their degrees or grow in their profession through online courses.
Improved collaboration
A benefit of online learning is that it allows students to collaborate with classmates through virtual group meetings. In addition, message boards and grouping tools allow learners to post their feedback on readings, lessons, and other assignments and respond to their classmates.
Learners can also get more one-on-one time with their instructors with virtual education, helping them to learn and network simultaneously. Additionally, they can communicate directly with their teachers and upload assignments for review.
Better career opportunities
Online learning can offer you many career advancement opportunities like traditional courses. Because students can control their schedules in virtual learning environments, they are better able to continue working while pursuing their academic degrees. For learners who are not employed, academic work makes up for any discontinuity or gaps in their resumes. Whatever the case, online education’s benefits are visible on the resume.
Instant feedback
The integration of coursework with technology offers numerous benefits. Rather than waiting days or weeks after your exams, you can get instant and immediate feedback. Students can upload their assignments digitally for review by their teachers. Instructors review students’ work online and submit feedback through the same medium. Consequently, learners receive feedback right away. When students receive instant feedback, they can learn faster and make necessary adjustments for future tasks and assignments.
Personalized learning
Students who feel distracted in classroom activities can benefit from online classes. Also, learners who need more assertiveness may have better opportunities to participate in online class discussions. Online education offers a personalized learning experience as students work from their environment.
Moreover, they choose the time that works best for them to complete their assignments and readings. Finally, since the course material is online, learners can complete them from anywhere there is an internet connection.
Enhanced management skills
While students enjoy the liberty to complete their assignments at the most convenient time, they still need to manage their time wisely. As a result, online courses teach students how to manage their time better since learners are responsible for engaging with the material independently. They are no longer just showing up to a class on an assigned day or time; instead, they are actively involved in the course material. Therefore, students not only gain knowledge from a virtual course but also get to sharpen their time management skills.
Course materials are accessible repeatedly
In traditional lectures, students are left at the mercy of their note-taking skills. Whereas learners can watch and revisit video lectures when necessary. If learners need help understanding a concept in a video presentation, they can go back to it as often as they want to grasp the meaning. Also, they can use video lectures as additional tools to complete their assignments.
Tips for Effective Online Learning
Here are the go-to tips for learning online;
Set daily study goals
In your course, ask yourself what you hope to achieve each day. Small, measurable goals can keep you motivated and prevent procrastination. Your goal should be specific and measurable, for example, “I will watch three videos and complete the first psychology assignment.” Most importantly, do not forget to reward yourself for completing your goals.
Set up a dedicated study space
Being in the same place as when you first learned something makes learning it easier. Therefore, setting up a space at home for taking online courses can improve your learning. Make your space distraction-free, and if feasible, make it away from your bed or sofa. Keeping a clear distinction between study and break areas can help you focus.
Schedule your time
Select a predictable and reliable time on your calendar to watch lectures and complete assignments. It helps to ensure that your coursework isn’t the last thing on your to-do list.
Accountability is essential
One way to keep yourself on track and accountable is to tell your friends and family about the courses you are taking. You can also post achievements to your social media accounts or blog about your course assignments. Having your friends and family as a support network to cheer you on makes a huge difference.
Participate in discussions
Students learn best when they participate in conversations about the learning materials. So, course discussion forums are an excellent place to ask questions about assignments, share resources, discuss topics, or make friends.
Take things slowly – one at a time
Concentrating on one thing at a time is more productive than multitasking. Because students who are bombarded with several streams of electronic information find it hard to concentrate, recall information, or switch between jobs. Therefore, staying focused on one task at a time is crucial. As a result, students will absorb more information and complete assignments with greater accuracy and productivity than if they tried to do many tasks simultaneously.
Take regular breaks
Taking breaks at regular intervals during learning is critical to high performance. For example, take a break if you are working on a challenging assignment for an hour without any progress. Talking to a friend, walking outside, or taking a shower can help you re-energize and give you new ideas on how to take that project head-on.
Disadvantages of Online Learning
Looking at the online industry brings forth a lot of enthusiasm. However, there are also some challenges to it. Here are a few downsides of online learning.
Social isolation
Some eLearning methods tend to make participating learners undergo contemplation, remoteness, and lack interaction. Consequently, many teachers and learners who spend much of their time online start to experience self-isolation due to the lack of human interaction and connection in their lives. Social isolation and lack of communication often result in several mental health issues like anxiety, heightened stress, and negative thoughts.
Self-motivation and management skills
When students lack self-motivation, they are less likely to complete online courses. In traditional classrooms, many factors push students toward achieving their learning goals. For example, peer-to-peer activities, face-to-face communication with educators, and strict schedules prevent students from losing focus while they are studying.
However, in an online learning environment, fewer external factors push students to perform well. Mostly, learners are left to fend for themselves during educational activities. Learners taking virtual classes are often required to learn complex concepts in a comfortable home environment without any added pressure typically linked to traditional classrooms. Thus, keeping up with regular deadlines in eLearning courses becomes difficult for students who need more time management skills and self-motivation.
Lack of communication skills development
Online learning methods improve the academic knowledge of students. Whereas instructors often neglect to develop the communication skills of the students. Due to the need for in-person communication between the students and teachers in an eLearning environment, learners might find it challenging to work effectively in teams. Therefore, neglecting students’ communication skills will lead to graduates with excellent theoretical knowledge, but failing to pass on the knowledge to others.
Face-to-face communication is absent
Having no face-to-face connection is a primary disadvantage of online learning. If in-person interaction is missing, it inhibits student feedback, leads to social isolation, and causes students to feel a lack of healthy pressure to complete their studies. Constant nudging by educators may be undesirable for many learners, but it effectively improves student retention.
Requires computer literacy
96% of the American population owns a smartphone, and approximately 73% own a computer. Therefore, we might argue that online education is accessible to most students. On the contrary, these statistics are misleading. Even though there is booming growth in technological capabilities, computer literacy rates are far from perfect. Many students need help accessing online learning as an educational method.
Lack of quality assurance in online education
If online learning is to be considered as effective and authentic as traditional learning, different stakeholders must ensure that virtual schools are qualified and accredited. However, there are currently several online education platforms unaccredited, and the learning materials are quality checked by none besides the instructors. So, poor quality assurance and lack of accreditation continue to weaken the legitimacy of online education.
Solutions to Online Learning Drawbacks
Although online learning has certain disadvantages, these issues can be resolved.
For example, to combat loneliness and social isolation in online education, promote increased interaction between online learners, use blended learning environments, and monitor the students for signs of social isolation.
Moreover, you can help students build strong self-motivation and disciplinary skills, which are key to success in online learning environments. Additionally, online communication and peer activities can be an alternative to in-person communication in virtual classroom settings.
Hence, peer-to-peer group activities and online lectures requiring communication must be utilized in an online learning environment. Doing so will develop students’ communication skills to succeed in real working environments. Online learning platforms can use discussion boards, video chats, or other chatrooms to deal with the adverse effects.
Conclusion
To decide whether an online degree is right for you, it is essential to evaluate the pros and cons of online education. Learners who are comfortable setting their schedule, completing assignments, and collaborating with peers remotely, will likely succeed in an online program. However, students should also understand that an online course covers the same content as a traditional in-person course. Degrees earned online are the same as degrees earned in face-to-face settings.
