In recent years, there have been radical changes in terms of technology and innovation in every industry, and the education sector has not been an exception. With the recent global pandemic, these changes have played a meaningful role that was unprecedented. The closure of learning institutions in a bid to curb the spread of the deadly virus has forced the sectors to adjust to online learning. This adjustment has been a new norm that both the students and the teachers have learnt to live with. Further, these changes have at a large percentage eliminated the traditional learning setting, thus raising the question as to whether one day, e-learning will fully overrun traditional learning.
Online learning offers access to learning programs, particularly college degrees, to a wider number of students as opposed to a traditional setting. With online learning, factors like lack of time for those having part-time jobs, family obligations or reside far away from the institution have been neutralized. They are allowed to work at their own pace and in an individualized environment which is hardly possible in the traditional classroom setting (Goodwin University, 2020). This, therefore, gives a wider array of students the opportunity to pursue higher learning with minimal constraints. Additionally, online learning is beneficial to students who want to study abroad since they are not obliged to travel and incur another cost, such as accommodation. This means cutting cost while at the same time attending their dream colleges.
Online learning also promotes discipline among learners since it gives them more control and independence over their education (Goodwin University, 2020). With a traditional classroom setting, there is no flexibility. This means that students have to attend the classes in person and according to a tight and strict schedule. Online learning, on the other hand, means that attending the classes will be out of the students’ will and will move with their own personal schedule. Even though deadlines are involved with assignments, the learner has to choose their own time to complete them and attend other classes as well. Therefore, for the learner, this impacts the discipline to manage their own time. Whilst these skills are needed for the traditional setting as well, with e-learning, it needs self-motivation to get things done.
Notably, the traditional classroom setting involves more personal interactions as opposed to online learning; however, there is a substantial amount of interaction in online learning too. Using different collaborative resources such as blackboards and video conferencing online learning facilitates regular communication, discussions and brainstorms, which in turn promote interaction (Goodwin University, 2020). However, this might not be a perfect choice for students who value social interaction and enjoy meeting their instructors and peers face to face.
The recent global pandemic has opened the world as well as the education sector to new possibilities. The pandemic has highlighted that online learning is possible, and with the pre-existing advantages tied to it, it is the future for education. Prior to this, institutions were already adopting online learning, even though it was not highly accepted in society. However, the Covid-19 pandemic has shown that it is possible for one to also conduct their learning online; thus, the possibility of online learning overrunning traditional learning in the future is high.
Reference
Goodwin University. (2020). Online Classes vs. Traditional Classes. Web.