Online learning refers to a learning system where an individual learns from anywhere other than the traditional classroom once he has an internet connection, this type of learning can be done through webinars, recorded videos, face-to-face learning via a device like a laptop or mobile phone.
Online classes have made it possible for people to acquire a degree without leaving the shores of their homes, it has provided a manageable schedule where you can work and learn because you can choose the time that’s comfortable to attend classes or you can watch recorded classes at your convenient time.
Online education effects on learning
Online Education became more prevalent during the pandemic because learning had to continue despite the pandemic, despite its importance, it has both pros and cons.
Pros of online education on learning
Self-discipline: enrolling in online education will increase your level of self-discipline because you might have no one to remind you about classes, and you will learn to avoid distractions from your device and concentrate on your learning
Financial benefits: with online education, you only need to pay for tuition fees and have data to access the knowledge, and most times, you can have access to this knowledge without paying on most platforms, unlike the other way around where you have to consider the cost of transportation, food, and parking space.
Time frame: online education isn’t affected by economic factors such as strikes and public holidays, if the stipulated time for a program is 3 months, resources for the 3 months will be available and the scheme completed by the end of 3 months.
Research enthusiasts: for you to succeed and complete your online education, you must be ready to research to complete a milestone before you can be awarded a certificate.
Flexibility: you can learn anywhere, in transit, on your way to work, in your bed, in your kitchen, in a crowded place, in your comfort zone, in the early hours of the day, and late at night, online gives flexibility that traditional classrooms can’t give.
Cons of online education
Procrastination: most classes are recorded videos with stipulated time to finish them but due to certain reasons, you begin to procrastinate on when to go through them, you fix a time to watch and learn, but because you are learning from the comfort of your home, you might get carried away with other activities.
High dropout rate: there’s a higher rate of drop in online education than in traditional education and this is because of a lack of accountability and social interaction, a learner needs to be accountable to someone to know how far and well they are doing with their learning, a learner also needs social interaction to learn, they sometimes need to feel the physical presence of the instructor for learning to be effective.
Health issues: staring at the screen too much can cause health issues like headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes, itchy eyes, difficulty focusing, worsening an eye defect.