Everything nowadays is virtual. People are turning to more and more virtual solutions to help them be more productive, save time, and save money on anything from the big company meeting planning to team luncheon planning.
Virtual or online learning came into the spotlight recently thanks to the global pandemic. With many schools being forced to adapt to the situation of not being able to hold live classes, new alternatives came out quickly.
Since the pandemic began, we have had time to observe some of the characteristic traits of virtual learning. Some of these traits point out the usefulness and, maybe, a slight superiority of virtual learning over traditional live learning. However, there are others that prove that virtual learning can not fully replace live learning. Let us check out these benefits and drawbacks.
Benefits
1. Convenience
We are all aware of the convenience that the internet brings. You can watch any videos you missed and catch up on class at a later time. Virtual learning allows you to attend lessons in the comfort of your own home while wearing your favorite slippers.
Take an online course on the bus or train home to make the most of your commuting time. All you need is an internet-connected computer or smartphone.
2. Affordability
Having to attend a traditional classroom increases your student costs significantly. The main advantages of online classes are the huge cost savings for the educational institution, which no longer needs to reserve a physical location for course delivery.
This equates to more cost-effective classes for students. You save money on books and materials, as well as lunch and travel expenditures when you take classes online.
3. Interactivity
Some people believe that the most natural and successful way to interact is through traditional classroom instruction. This isn’t always the case, though. In an online class, no one sits in the back row.
Everyone has an equally good view of the materials of that class. Additionally, those who are uncomfortable asking a question in front of the class can now start a live, private chat with their instructor.
4. More Learning Opportunities
Have you ever wanted to learn something but simply couldn’t find the time to do it? Was your ideal class even available at a nearby school? Through online education, students can study from teachers in any time zone around the world, at any time of day.
Your laptop or smartphone might open up a world of possibilities all of a sudden. Virtual learning makes it so that you have many new ways of learning and training.
Now, let’s focus on some of the drawbacks of virtual learning.
Drawbacks
1. Isolation
Some students prefer to study alone, while others like to be a part of a campus community where they may interact with lecturers and other students. Everyone learns at their own pace.
The good news is that online virtual classroom platforms have been working to bridge these gaps by building a set of technologies that allow learners to actively participate in live sessions, re-creating a sense of community in the virtual world. Online education must increase the social component of learning to match the effectiveness of traditional classes.
2. Necessary Self-Discipline
If a student does not believe they are receiving appropriate teaching, they may lack the self-discipline necessary to participate fully in class. Switching to virtual, real-time classes rather than simply online courses is more accountable.
Live quizzes and breakout rooms promote group interaction and real-time exam learning.
3. Technical Issues
The most common downsides of online learning are technical issues. The most prevalent causes of online lesson disruption are audio, video, and connection issues. Thankfully, online lessons may now be accessible by simply clicking a link without having to download anything. Internet connectivity has vastly improved globally. In addition, people’s gadgets have considerably improved.
4. More screen-time
Although we spend an awful amount of time in front of screens, it will almost probably be inevitable by 2022. Excessive screen time can lead to a variety of health issues, including poor posture and headaches.
However, students who have trouble learning from or focusing on displays may be dealing with a personal problem. The top online learning systems and software offer a wide range of tools and features to help students stay focused and engaged.
Conclusion
As we can see, there are plenty of, both, benefits and drawbacks when it comes to virtual learning. Virtual learning is, as we can see, not a perfect form of learning. However, it offers some distinct advantages that should be considered if you ever need to choose the best method for yourself.
