Livestreaming and online learning have become a current trend, especially with the proliferation of technological development in the last few years. As of 2018, six million students are currently enrolled in at least one online class. That said, online learning has been gaining momentum over the past few years. For most individuals who have access to a fast and responsive data highway, online classes are a privilege compared to those currently learning through traditional means.
As much as schools want to impose traditional learning, many areas have been hit by an endemic contagious disease that can have crippled not just the educational sector, but most of the business sector. As such, schools have taken drastic measures to ensure that physical transmission of infections is kept at a minimum.
While online learning is possible for schools and Universities that have the right equipment and funding, this is not entirely the case for most schools. Notably, some third-world countries do not have the necessary means of conducting responsive and secure online classes. However, this still begs the question: are online courses practical?
No worries, we will be discussing the practicality of online classes in both the national and local level to clear up any doubt.
Is Online Teaching Effective?
Most of the time, schools have been sanitizing their facilities and buying shop rags in bulk to ensure that local and physical transmission is minimized. However, there will be times that the best option would be to migrate learning towards a more digital platform.
Before anything else, we will be doing a comprehensive look at the advantages of online learning on the student body.
Affordability
Compared to the traditional means of education, online classes are more affordable. Even though the tuition fees and other universities’ rates might not change, not having to move or rent an apartment, pay for commutes, buy cafeteria food, and facility fees can help save money on different forms of expenses. As such, many students find it easier and more convenient to stay at home than spend excessive amounts of funds.
Convenience
Most individuals will not have to restrain themselves to the four corners of the classroom. They will be able to participate in classes at home, a public area, or a cafe, as long as there is a stable connection. Recent studies have shown that stability can create boredom in the classroom, which can slow down the learning process. Moving from one venue to another can help stimulate the brain to learn and experience more.
Gone are the days when students will have to walk or even drive for miles to get to their classes. That saves time and ensures that no students will be late for their classes, and almost everyone can start on time.
Better Retention
For the most part, many courses that use the traditional classroom set-up will have a more difficult time retaining an interested student body throughout the school year. Studies have suggested that online courses can help increase students’ retention from 25% to more than 50% of the time.
Growing an International Network
Reaching an international audience has become more comfortable and more convenient for learning institutions.
For a student body, being part of a culturally diverse and competent university and the school can have several different merits. Most multi-national companies are always vigilant in looking for employees that are well-versed socially and culturally. Being able to walk with individuals from all walks of life can help improve an individual’s career.
An Advantage in the CV
In the face of an international healthcare emergency, most businesses and organizations face a slump in activities.
However, academic institutions need to press on with their operations—students who are participating in online classes exhibit and initiative to learn and commitment to their career.
There has been a long-standing debate on whether online classes are feasible or not. Even before the declaration of a public health emergency, most schools are already in the motion of setting up online courses, especially to a more international audience.
It is important to note that online teaching and education is useful in the United States, but the statistics can be quite different for other countries.
During these times, online learning is seen as an alternative to the traditional means of education. There are many different benefits in online learning, and it is undoubtedly an effective way of learning, especially when most individuals are urged to stay at home. Of course, online learning is not the be-all-end-all solution and will never phase out the traditional means of education.