E - Learning: The New Normal ?

 

            Online learning is not new, it has been used way back in the 1960’s. Although the internet was not yet invented back then, students from University of Illinois, USA began learning from computer terminals that were interlinked to form a network. However, in 1984, the first-ever completely online course was offered by the University of Toronto. This was the start of a revolution whose potential was largely unknown to the public long ago, but one that will make learning greatly accessible and close of what people could have ever imagined.

It was a Friday of March this year when the local government of Baguio City announced class suspension. I remembered how my face lit up after hearing that we’ll be having a week of “break” I would say because that time we were feeling exhausted from all the requirements. Back then, I did not really think of Covid – 19 as a serious matter but here we are turning nine months of lockdown. So, what do I think about the transition of learning from the traditional to online?

Here, I made a list of summaries of the pros and cons of online learning.

Pros of online learning:

1.       Convenience

Online learning is convenient especially in this time of pandemic because students do not need to go to school and school fees can be paid through online banking which lessens the risk of getting the virus.

2.       Flexibility

Tasks are available anytime (except past the due dates) which benefits working students or students who have other responsibilities or commitments to take care of. Internet connection may not always be stable and so is the electric power, thus making the tasks be available 24/7 could be very useful especially in times of calamities.

 

3.       Documentation

Information and presentations such as PowerPoints or live discussion will be recorded and saved in an online database. Canvas is an example of an online database which can be accessed if there is anything that needs to be clarified.

4.       Resources

Internet has a pool of reliable resources which can be useful and can be easily accessed especially for those which are not physically located in the student’s area. Some instructors also compile various resources with links to scholarly articles and all you have to do is read and understand them.

5.       Creativity

According to research, Generation Z has an attention span of about eight seconds which makes them appreciate creative and innovative online presentation or learning. I am not saying that this should be applied in all subjects and courses because not everything can be applied to another.

 

Cons of online learning:

1.       Procrastination

Asynchronous online learning gives students control over their learning experiences which can make them procrastinate, especially the dependent learners. No one’s going to tell you to wake up and do your requirements on time and some students would only do their tasks because of the due. Thus, time management is very crucial not only on the part of students but also to instructors because if you do not manage your time properly, you will find yourself buried under a mountain of course works.

2.       Connection

Stability of internet connection and power interruption are two problems that we encounter especially in times of typhoons where there are strong winds. Our country is an internet- challenged which caused delays. There is never a day that a student has not voiced out complains regarding this problem. Video conferences sometimes feels like someone is being summoned when instructors ask, “Maria are you with us?” or “Maria can you hear me?”

3.       Technological literacy

Not everyone has the knowledge to utilize computers or the internet, instructors and students need to possess a minimum level of computer knowledge to function successfully in the online environment.

 

Online learning has its pros and cons, but it comes to each of our personal preferences and knowing how we learn best. This platform has its perks, but this should not stop us from being sensitive and aware of the different situations that each of one is facing. Online learning whether synchronous or asynchronous require self – discipline to set aside things that are not on the list of our priorities and prioritize our studies.  We should not take time for granted rather let us grab the opportunity to explore and learn while we are on lockdown.