Introduction
The COVID-19 crisis has significantly affected many aspects of human life, bringing problems considered unlikely only a few years ago. It is frequently about the necessity of wearing masks, maintaining social distance, and the phenomena of online learning at colleges and universities. While this approach has helped specialists to handle the situation and reduce risks during pandemics, many students criticize the system believing that institutions should charge less for distance learning. Schools are closed for the duration of the quarantine, and their administration does not need to pay for electricity, water, and food, which significantly reduces costs. Moreover, all staff members are at home and already receiving state benefits. However, with a closer look, maintaining the same charge is a relevant strategy as it is fair for teachers and preserves the same quality of education.
Main body
Particular reasons demonstrate why it is inapplicable to cut prices for an online school. This decision determines that educational institutions will earn less profit, which leads to lower staff salaries. Although some courses are fully presented on the Zoom platform, educators still have to spend a significant amount of time preparing materials and reviewing assignments. The location of the classes does not affect the amount of time spent at work. Government payments cannot sufficiently cover a full-time job with the same amount of work as before. Besides, the high demands and standards for teachers and professors are even higher than before the pandemic. New realities challenge fast and efficient adaptation within a rigid framework and a total change in the education system. Lower tuition fees have a tremendous possibility of influencing the quality of education and damage it. For example, low wages can undermine teacher motivation and force experienced professionals to leave their positions for better conditions. All arguments above indicate that a reduction in tuition fees can potentially lead to numerous disadvantageous outcomes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it should be mentioned that advocating for lower prices for distance learning is unwise and not recommended. While many students believe this approach is better, particular reasons suggest contrarily. Since the lower payments can lead to financial instability and significantly reduce the quality of education, the most appropriate approach is to keep the same prices for online training. The constancy of costs can be attributed to the high requirements on teachers during the pandemic and the resources spent on reassembling the educational system.