Online Studying

Advantages and disadvantages of studying online and critically reflect on the strategies students will use to improve their experience

Introduction

Online studying has become more popular and recognized year after year. It is frequently called "e-learning" or "distance learning". Due to the pandemic, everyone was involved in online studying, facing several challenges; at that time, the government and educational institutes supported them. Later, the traditional lifestyle returned, and the students chose to continue online or return to the traditional learning method.

In e-learning, students study where it is most comfortable and favourable for them, such as, at home. Texts, audio files, notes, videos, and photographs can be used as learning materials for online classes (Bali, & Liu, (2018). The study approach does, however, have several advantages and disadvantages. Approximately 6.1 million college students are currently enrolled in online courses, and this figure is increasing by roughly 30% annually (Sumadi et al., 2022). While some consider it a good learning tool, others consider it inferior to in-class education. The advantages and disadvantages of online learning will be covered in this article.

Advantages

It offers greater flexibility

Choosing e-learning will provide students with the flexibility to learn from anywhere and at their convenient time; this point is highly considerable for postgraduate students who are working and have a family, and their time is limited during the weekdays; it is crucial for them, and it will help determine their career path (The pros and cons of online learning, 2021).

It offers technology knowledge to students

Online studying will help students become digital citizens, challenging students by participating in forums, writing blogs, preparing an electronic presentation, and even typing skills will help in the hiring process since most employers are looking for technical skills nowadays (College students on the pros, cons of online learning, 2021).

It offers convenient learning

The majority of working-class students find going back to class to be somewhat stressful. For anxious students, asking a challenging question on a particular subject might sometimes be embarrassing. Although with online classes, this is not the case. A focused and self-driven student may progress at their rate of learning. To deliver information to students, online learning includes using tutorials, eLearning resources, and video conferencing (Sumadi et al., 2022). This implies that pupils of various skill levels might have the chance to fully comprehend the course.

It enables cost savings

In general, online education programs are less expensive than those provided by traditional academic institutions. Enrolling in an online school eliminates costs for meals, housing, and transportation (Yuhanna et al., 2020). As a result, parents and students may both afford to pursue online learning. Along with the comfort of completing the program from home, students also have a fantastic chance to spend less money on their education.

Disadvantages

Lack of collaboration

Collaboration on online studying is different from traditional one. Although many tools are being offered by the institute where students can interact with their colleagues and tutors, students need to be familiar with them and Internet etiquette; otherwise, a negative impact on the students' education will occur (The pros and cons of online learning, 2021).

Online classes restrict students to online-based programs and learning resources (Bali, & Liu, 2018). Although chat rooms, message boards, email, and video conferencing software are available for student communication, the environment cannot be compared to a typical campus.

Credibility of the online degree

Online learning is still not the ideal option for many people despite its accessibility and cost because of the shortage of expert teachers. Even highly certified and experienced teachers might not feel at ease teaching in an online setting. Each course has a very different layout and method of teaching (Yuhanna et al., 2020). The teacher may not always have enough time to go over the little nuances of the subject, even though they are crucial to the student's understanding of the idea. This casts doubt on the validity of online learning degrees, in addition to various other problems, including inadequate evaluation. Since many businesses still view online degrees as having a negative image, many of them refuse to accept them.

Online education entails advanced technologies

A computer, a camera, and a steady Internet connection are among the pieces of technology which every student who wishes to participate in an online?learning program?must have (Bali, & Liu, 2018). Since the learning is done online, there is no direct or physical interaction between the students and lecturers. One major?disadvantage of online?learning is its excessive dependence on technology. The session will end if there is a hardware or software issue, which might prevent students from studying. Additionally, only students who are computer and tech competent may enroll?in online courses due to the complexity of the technology utilized?in remote learning.

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Strategies to enhance student experience

Manage your time

Students have 24 hours a day; it’s a fact distributing these hours wisely will help achieve their targets. They need to determine whether they are a morning person or night on, and they need to put targets, reduce distractions, set a time limit, and reward their achievements (Fandl, KJ, and Smith, 2016).

Organize yourself

Even if you are taking classes online, there will still be a few things other than your computer that simply will have to be utilised routinely. You will be required to use textbooks, and you will choose to utilise old-fashioned writing and paper or notecards to require notes. You ought to make a “study kit” to assist your spare time by having everything you would like in one put (Fandl, KJ, and Smith, 2016).

Have a plan B

While studying online, students may find themself dealing with an unforeseen circumstance. It might be bad news requiring them be alongside their families or having your work schedule changed suddenly.

Having said that, students should deal with worst-cases situation circumstances by planning for them proactively, and students should expect the sorts of occurrences that have the potential to get you off-track and have actions to overcome it so merely can keep up with school no matter what (Fandl, KJ, and Smith, 2016).

Get local authorities’ feedback

Most government and higher education ministries offer certificate equalization and attestation. The student applies to it and gets a certificate stating if local authorities accredit the university, programme and learning method. In addition, they provide a service students can use to inquire about the programme before enrolling, which provides them peace of mind when they return to the authorities seeking the recognition of their credentials, example of such service in the following website: Link.

Conclusion

Despite its numerous disadvantages, online learning still offers students who seek greater comfort and flexibility in their course schedules more learning chances. The main advantage of online learning is that it allows students to access a wide range of educational materials while using little to no financial resources. Using video conferencing software increases the interactivity of online learning. However, online learning restricts social connection and is perceived unfavourably by some learning institutions since it uses sophisticated technology. Any student considering an online learning certification or degree should assess the advantages and disadvantages to determine whether it is a wise decision. In general, working students may find online learning to be the ideal option.

References List

1.????Bali, S., & Liu, M. C. (2018, November). Students’ perceptions toward online learning and face-to-face learning courses. In?Journal of Physics: Conference Series?(Vol. 1108, No. 1, p. 012094). IOP Publishing.

2.????'College students on the pros, cons of online learning' (2021)?New Orleans CityBusiness, 29 Dec, NA, available:?https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A688548269/ITOF?u=livuni&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=0fa53f71?[accessed 19 Sep 2022].

3.????Fandl, KJ, & Smith, JD 2016, Success As an Online Student : Strategies for Effective Learning, Taylor & Francis Group, London. Available from: ProQuest Ebook Central. [accessed 19 Sep 2022].

4.????Sumadi, C.D., Hidayat, A. and Agustina, I., 2022. Literature Study: Analysis of Learning Facilities in the Pandemic Era on the Effectiveness of Online Learning in Elementary School.?Widyagogik: Jurnal Pendidikan dan Pembelajaran Sekolah Dasar,?9(2), pp.183-190.

5.????‘The pros and cons of online learning' (2021) Indianapolis Business Journal, 42(35), 30b, available: https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A681749002/ITOF?u=livuni&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=6feb4c3e [accessed 19 Sep 2022].

6.????Yuhanna, I. ., Alexander, A. . and Kachik, A. . (2020) “Advantages and disadvantages of Online Learning”, Journal Educational Verkenning, 1(2), pp. 13-19.