COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically transformed the education system all over the world. The study process has transitioned from in-person to virtual experience. As a result, modern students face numerous challenges caused by modifications in schools and colleges. Distant learning is quite controversial; it combines both advantages and disadvantages which will be considered in this article.
Advantages
Comfort
One of the most significant benefits of online education is its convenience. Students can stay in their comfort zone as there is no need to leave home. One shouldn’t worry about commuting or juggling work and classes. Online lessons can be completed in any place with internet access that works best for you.
A comfortable environment gives students more time to study and gain knowledge. According to the recent article published in the New York Times, online learning is praised by many students as it offers more time for topics that require greater effort. What’s more, one can be more productive while learning from home due to some personality traits and learning style features.
Young people can also spend spare time with family and friends instead of getting to and from campus.
Affordability
Learning during the pandemic has become more affordable. Online education is typically more financially accessible because online platforms require fewer expenses than college campuses. One doesn’t need to spend money on dormitories and campus staff, so this can significantly cut costs. Reduced commuting and housing expenses ease the financial burden of traditional college.
Soft skills development
The online study usually offers a flexible schedule, so students can take classes at their own pace. There is nobody to tell them when they need to arrive at college so young people are in control of their own learning.
Such freedom makes students develop responsibility and boost time-management skills. Those of them who lack self-discipline often turn for online help. Young people might ask a tutor or a writing service to provide essay examples or edit an assignment. One of the most common ways to get help is to order online essay writing by Edubirdie, which is a service delivering high-quality papers. Anyways, students who put in the hard work have a chance to gain more self-organization skills and increase their adaptability.
Most importantly, the soft skills gained during online learning can be carried over to other life aspects.
Individualized approach
Traditional classroom settings allow students to get more individualized attention. Students may feel uncomfortable asking questions out loud in the presence of others, especially when it comes to introverted individuals. Sometimes, young people feel like they are competing for the professor’s attention. Online classes eliminate this problem and provide a more personalized approach that most students crave. They can always email their professor directly or set up a one-to-one video session.
Disadvantages
Curricular restrictions
Unfortunately, not all classes and degrees can be accessed online. Some of them require in-person interactions and hands-on experience that one cannot get via the Internet. For instance, healthcare professionals have to get a number of hours in a clinical setting. The same works for science classes that demand a practical component, such as physics or chemistry. Manufacturing and machining industries also require training on equipment.
Less social interactions
Many students feel isolated in home settings due to the lack of interactions with peers and educators. Besides, clubs and sports facilities are not available during the pandemic, which makes young people feel lonely.
The diminished level of social interaction often makes it difficult to navigate the education process. According to the study conducted at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania, social isolation is the main reason for withdrawing from the studies, which leads to the stigmatization of online education.
Sometimes, the lack of emotional bonds weakens the college experience because it’s not that stimulating and engaging.
More distractions
Inevitably, the number of distractions at home is bigger than in a classroom environment. Most people live with roommates or partners, which imposes additional challenges. People around you may make noise, draw your attention, or distract you with errands.
There are also numerous domestic chores like laundry and washing up that need to be done. Such things don’t exist in campus settings, so students can focus on study much more effectively. In general, home is less likely to provide a quiet space dedicated to studying.
Procrastination challenges
Students struggling with procrastination experience more difficulties with online learning. This kind of studying is really difficult to coordinate, so it may affect motivation in a negative way. Unfortunately, learners often struggle with self-organization because it requires highly developed self-discipline and adaptation skills.
Author’s BIO
Connie Elser is an academic writer and coach. She creates papers and projects for students who need help with their studies. Connie also helps young people become more efficient at learning and achieve college success.