Ekaete Inyang

English Composition I

July 31, 2024

The Online Mode of Education

Over the past few years, online education has become more popular as a way of learning

that replaced traditional physical classes. This paper offers a context for learning about the

advantages and disadvantages of the online mode of learning with regards to traditional face-to-

face lessons. It will include issues such as ease of learning which is experienced in online

classes, the cost aspect, and skill in dealing with technology among other pros and cons like

inadequate social contact. Apparently, online education offers distinct advantages, particularly in

terms of flexibility and cost, though it may present challenges in fostering social engagement and

immediate support.

With the online education, the student can learn at his/her own pace which is quite

orderly in terms of time management. Classes can be taken at the convenience of the student and

in accordance to their personal, professional timetables. Such flexibility implies that working

professionals can further their education without dropping out of their working places (Vallee et

al., 2020). Computer-based education is normally a flexible form of learning as it comprises the

use of online classes whereby students can complete their assignments at their own convenient

time. Such convenience assists students to effectively balance between studies and other

commitments, hence making education flexible to those with other commitments (Vallee et al.,

2020). Most online courses have lectures which are recorded and other resources that students

are able to study repeatedly thus acquire deeper knowledge and improved memory of the course

content.
 Also, the online for of education exposes students to many programs and courses that are

not available locally through online education. This access enables the learners to fully benefit

from education from various established institutions and tutors across the world. Students in

remote areas hence can be able to enroll in specialized courses offered by universities in other

countries, this expanding their options of education (Selvaraj et al., 2021). There is a course

variety on the internet that is not available within local universities, which allows students to

develop a specific interest or field of work (Vallee et al., 2020). The option of taking many

courses also makes it easier for the students to select programs of their choice in terms of their

persona and career aspirations. Online education acts as a means of redressing the inequality of

education by making it easier to access tutorial resources hence enhancing learning for everyone.

Again, online education depends on technology and has lower expenses than face-to-face

education since students reduce their transportation and accommodation expenses. Students do

not incur transport costs, which can be very high especially to those students who come from

rather distant areas. Fewer costs are also incurred by students when taking an online course since

tuition fees are comparatively cheaper. Antecedent factors the use of E-books and online libraries

make the purchase of costly hardcopy text books unnecessary (Selvaraj et al., 2021). Most of the

firms that provide online programs also provide flexible payment schemes or ways through

which students can be granted sponsorships to further reduce the costs. For instance, a student

does not spend cash on transport, billeting, or bulwarks, as well as physical books when taking

online classes. In line with the present study, the general decrease in the cost notifies that online

education can be afforded by students from middle to low-class income bracket.

The last benefit of online education is technological skills. Research indicates that it

improves and enriches students’ digital literacy as well as readiness for the digital workplace
((Lo and Hew, 2020). Taking courses online, students have to rely on numerous applications and

interfaces; thus, practicing flexibility and digital literacy. Students learn how to use Virtual

Collaboration Tools such as Zoom, Google Meet and Learning Management System. This

familiarity is vital in today’s society that is prioritizing digital skills, for example when creating

an online presence for a business venture. They also acquire skills in using and solving technical

problems hence boosting more on their problem-solving skills (Muller and Mildenberger, 2021).

Sharing of instructional materials through digital means in distance learning exposes students to

use of modern technology. For instance, most of the courses offered entails tutorial on software

and applications that are common in various disciplines, thus offering tangible skills that are

useful in the workplace. Therefore, the improvement of the technological skills that students

attain via online education prepares the learners for the contemporary world job market.

Counterargument

Despite the various benefits, there are several drawbacks of online education. This if for

one, students do not get a chance to interact directly with the tutors as it is the case with the

traditional face to face classes. Ideologically, in the long run, this can affect the learning-practice

of the learners (Vallee et al., 2020). First of all, while being enrolled in an online class the

student might not be able to catch some real-life conversation that takes place in class. School

closure reduces time for group performance and other organized activities hence it affects

interpersonal skills development. Students may have issues in the process of creating networks of

interaction with other students as well as instructors in virtual classes. Courses involving

assignments and tests with no possibility of feedback and help from instructors can also be an

issue. For instance, students struggle to organize an office hour conversation or study in groups

as they used to before. For this reason, some of these limitations may impact the quality of
education as well as the growth of proper social behaviors. Thus, despite the numerous benefits

of the being able to educate online, the process entails certain social concerns touching on

interactions and encouragement systems.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this paper has looked at the benefits and disadvantages of using online

classes as opposed to the traditional face-to-face classes. The inference was that online education

is better than traditional education by offering flexibility, low costs, and prepare students for the

practical use of technology. Basically, online learning may lack some social interactivity and an

opportunity to address difficulties instantly as traditional learning does. Even as education

undergoes future transformations, factors such as these will be critical in helping define the best

ways to learn.
 References

Lo, C. K., & Hew, K. F. (2020). A comparison of flipped learning with gamification, traditional

learning, and online independent study: the effects on students’ mathematics achievement

and cognitive engagement. Interactive Learning Environments, 28(4), 464-481.

https://doi.org/10.1080/10494820.2018.1541910

Müller, C., & Mildenberger, T. (2021). Facilitating flexible learning by replacing classroom time

with an online learning environment: A systematic review of blended learning in higher

education. Educational Research Review, 34, 100394.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.edurev.2021.100394

Selvaraj, A., Radhin, V., Nithin, K. A., Benson, N., & Mathew, A. J. (2021). Effect of pandemic

based online education on teaching and learning system. International Journal of

Educational Development, 85, 102444. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijedudev.2021.102444

Vallée, A., Blacher, J., Cariou, A., & Sorbets, E. (2020). Blended learning compared to

traditional learning in medical education: systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal

of medical Internet research, 22(8), e16504. DOI: 10.2196/16504