Online Learning: As Good as Face-to-Face Learning or Waste of Time?
Technology has transformed several sectors and the education sector has not been left behind. Apart from transforming the styles of learning, online learning has become increasingly popular. But, is online learning as efficient as face-to-face learning? That’s what you have come here to find out.
Improvement of technology and accessibility of the internet has made online learning achievable and a preferred alternative for many. Now, let’s look at some reasons why online learning is better.
1. It offers a flexible schedule and environment
In normal face-to-face learning, students have to be present in a classroom to learn. They are also supposed to follow a particular schedule for their studies. In online learning, however, you do not need to be in a specific place in order to study or learn. As long as you can access the internet, you can study.
A change of environment gives the mind a new perception and better retention of information.
For example, imagine that you plan on studying in South Korea. In addition to all the preparation errands, you have to learn a different language. In this case, online tutoring is actually the solution because you can have online language lessons on a platform like Assignment Writing Service or Chegg from the comfort of your home.
If you are planning on taking online classes, you can say goodbye to commuting to school or the worry of missing important classes.
2. Online learning has a higher retention rate
As opposed to physical classroom learning, online learning is characterized by interactive and engaging multimedia content. Your brain becomes more attentive and productive when it is interacting with the content you feed it.
According to the Research Institute of America, online courses have increased learner’s retention rate from 20% to 60%. Offline courses often struggle with retention due to the kind of content served to different kinds of learners.
3. You can learn more
Sometimes in a normal classroom, the tutor goes with a slower or faster rate. That changes in online learning because you choose to work with your own speed.
Since online courses give you full control over the learning exercise, you can choose your study speed. As an online learner, you have the liberty to move faster in the sections you feel comfortable with and take a slower speed in difficult areas.
This effectiveness in online learning enables students to learn more content than in ordinary classroom set up. IBM suggests that learners can take 5 times more learning content in online learning compared to offline.
4. Online learning is cost-effective
There are different logistics to be met in the ordinary one-on-one learning. For example, you have to pay for transport, accommodations if you are far from home, etc. In online learning, however, the cost is brought down significantly. So, is online learning as good as face-to-face learning? Some statistics would argue it’s better.
IBM, in its annual paper, The Value of Learning, was able to deliver five times in online learning with only a third of the cost. While this is true for IBM, it is also true for any other online learning platform.
5. Online learning requires less time
In face-to-face learning, there is a lot of time wastage. Factors such as waiting for other students and tutors, switching between classes, and timetable instabilities consume considerable time.
Online learning does not have the above time challenges since you only need to have an internet-enabled device and access to the internet.
6. Studying online instils self-discipline and responsibility
According to Minnesota State University, online learning requires more time management skills and self-motivation. Since online studying means no presence of someone to keep you in check, you will need to know how to restrain yourself to learning and avoid other distractions from the internet.
In the end, you will finish your online course with not only technical knowledge but also be more responsible and self-motivated. These are crucial traits that will make you stand-out in the corporate world, which is another remarkable reason why online learning is beneficial.
Endnote
While I’m not suggesting that face-to-face learning should be done away with, online learning can be a great alternative. If you need to have flexibility in your study schedule, reduced cost, the option to learn at your own pace, and get richer content, you need to consider it.
The advancement in technology has taken learning to a different level. You came to know whether online learning as good as face-to-face learning, and you’ve now been given reasons to choose it. Effectiveness of online learning is incomparable. While change is hard to adapt to, there are many people taking advantage of the benefits of online learning. You can get online tutor, learn that foreign language you have always wanted, or enroll in any other course that would help you climb the career ladder.
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