Since the start of COVID-related lockdowns in 2020, the majority of students all across the world have participated in some type of digital learning.
Most institutions transitioned to entirely online instruction, but some created blended learning approaches that combine online and conventional features. Today, perspectives on digital education are diverse, but we’ve tried to highlight the essential benefits and drawbacks below.
Advantages
Accessing the classes from a wide range of places
One of the most significant advantages of remote learning is that students and teachers can attend lessons anywhere. It saves time by reducing the time spent commuting to and from schools and then returning home. Furthermore, there is no need to purchase additional public transportation tickets or car fuel, making this a cost-effective option.
Recorded lectures aid in understanding
Most online lectures may be simply recorded with a single button, allowing students to watch them as many times as they need to fully comprehend the topic. This is especially advantageous for students who study or take notes more slowly, as it allows them to catch up with their classmates. Students who are unable to attend a class (for example, due to illness) benefit from recorded lectures because they will not miss anything and will not have to rely on others for notes.
Can be easily personalized
Thanks to ever-evolving technological breakthroughs and learning programs, classes may be easily customized to a group’s or even an individual student’s needs. Some people like visual aids, while others find them distracting and prefer to learn through audio. Teachers can construct smaller online break-out rooms without reorganizing an “actual” classroom, which makes managing group sizes easier online than in person.
Environmentally friendly
Digital learning reduces transportation expenditures and pollution and greenhouse gas emissions caused by commuting. The amount of power, gas, and paper utilized by institutions was also reduced, as was the amount of waste produced by schools.
Creativity
Although the transition to digital learning was first tough for teachers, many gradually discovered ways to harness technology developments to make their online lessons more entertaining and engaging. Animoto, for example, is a simple video creator that allows students to create 30-second videos about what they’ve learned in class.
Disadvantages
Technology problems
Unfortunately, internet access is one of the most significant roadblocks to digital education, which most individuals face daily. It is challenging for students and teachers to communicate effectively and participate fully in a class without a reliable connection. Furthermore, not every household has the necessary resources for remote learning, such as laptops and tablets. Although the UK government intended to provide laptops to underprivileged students, they primarily targeted a small group of students, which did not involve the bulk of struggling students.
Lack of social contact
Physical touch with peers and teachers, which is missed in digital lessons, is vital for students’ school lives. Face-to-face contact cannot be replaced by emails or chat conversations, making children feel alienated and lonely. It is also far more difficult for them to learn from one another, which is crucial for the social development of younger students.
Time management skills and self–motivation are needed
Remote learning necessitates excellent time management abilities, which most younger children lack. Even adults struggle to strike a work-life balance, let alone students who must manage schoolwork with other responsibilities such as household duties. Additionally, students must motivate themselves to sit down, spend several hours in front of a computer, and study diligently.
In conclusion, digital learning is unlikely to be entirely eradicated from educational systems even when children return to school shortly. Teachers, students, and parents all experienced the ups and downs of this method of instruction and developed differing perspectives on it. Although technology might cause many problems, we should not overlook its advantages, including efficiency, personalization, and cost-effectiveness.