VigorBuddy | The Best and Worst Things about Online Learning | Even though online learning has been around for some time, it was often seen as a rarity or oddity. Simply put, it wasn’t as prominent or as important until the pandemic hit two years ago. People started working, shopping, and meeting online, and online learning became a staple in many households all over the world. This change has brought many great things, but it’s important to state that online learning isn’t all fun and games. Today, we will explore the best and the worst things about online learning.
Good: Promote life-long learning
The sad truth about learning is that we often forget what we earned in a matter of weeks. When the classes end, there is simply no need to dwell on the course material any longer, which means that sooner or later, we will forget what we have learned. One of the best things about online learning is that the information you need will always be available because you will easily find it online. This way, that thirst for knowledge will never go away, and the spark of interest in a subject will remain with you for a long time. Online courses teach you to find information and use it to provide an answer to virtually any question that pops into your head. Besides, no matter how old you are, as long as you have a computer and internet access, you can enroll in different online courses and not worry about what others might think or say about it.
Bad: Missing hands-on practice
However, no matter how thrilled to learn we might be, there is one thing about online learning that keeps a mission: hands-on practice. While some subjects are very convenient to learn through online platforms and books, there are others that are simply incomplete without in-person practice. This means that there will be some subjects that you will not be able to learn online, no matter how dedicated and motivated you might be. It’s not a shame to admit that it isn’t for everybody. That being said, if your education establishment offers a chance to combine these two approaches, you might be getting the best of both worlds.
Good: You can learn practically anything
Not so long ago, we didn’t have a chance to learn as many subjects as we do today. Our course options were limited, and so was the availability of resources that we had access to. Fortunately, with online learning, the situation has improved drastically. You can now attend lectures at a university that’s literally on the other side of the world. The learning process is much simpler, too, because you only need to find a course you’re interested in, get the adequate RTO training resources for it, and dive into the material. You will have to do some hard work too, but the options for learning are many, and you should make the most of it.
Bad: Staying motivated is a challenge
Another serious disadvantage of online learning is that a lot of people who do it find it difficult to stay motivated after a while. Getting inspired to do something is one thing, but staying motivated to pursue it for a long time is something completely different. Because you will not be sitting in a classroom surrounded by fellow students, it might be difficult to say focused and put in as much effort as you otherwise would. Try out different ways to stay motivated and focus on those that work best for you.
Good: You get more individual attention
Unlike traditional courses at the university, where you would have to wait and see the professor at a specific time of the day and week, online learning allows you to contact them via email whenever it’s convenient to you. Of course, it might take them a while to respond, but it will be much easier than chasing them and trying to fit their office hours into your schedule. Professors and instructors will answer your questions directly but not in person and in front of everybody, which is great for those who are shy or anxious in front of others. As long as you feel comfortable reaching out to your instructor and asking them questions, the anonymity of the internet can keep your fears at bay.
If you’re considering taking up a course or enrolling in school at this time, online learning is probably one of the best choices you can make. Not only does it offer you plenty of flexibility with your time and other obligations, but it will also allow you to learn at your own pace. Despite its incredible popularity over the last two years, online learning still has a long way to go. However, suppose we keep focusing on the negative sides. In that case, we will never grasp the full potential this form of learning offers.