– Aamer Hussain
The internet was always intended to simplify communication and improve research. And now is when it is serving its purpose better than ever. Especially in 2020, online learning is on its peak. Testbook, an elearning site where students could prepare for government exams, was reported to double in users every quarter in 2020 as per GrabOn, a coupon and deals marketplace which also provides its users with coupons for testbook. Moreover, other elearning sites like Skillshare, Udemy and more are increasing their users day on day; thanks to the ease of learning online and the convenience that comes along with it.
Truly, online learning has changed how we learn. From kids to adults, all have seen some pros and some cons of elearning. So in this article, we will highlight the major changes that online mode of learning has brought in our way of learning.
1. Accelerated learning
Earlier when a student had to travel to an institute and attend a class, travelling would take as much time as the class itself, sometimes even more. That’s non-existent with online learning. A student can instead take 2 classes in the same amount of time. Thus the speed at which people learn doubles.
Students can also binge-learn the topic which they find interesting. Thus, they would also be able to grasp the knowledge faster as their mind is revolving around the same topics. In conventional classroom training, students needed to wait for another day, in most cases, for a session in the classroom. But there is no breakage of flow while learning in online classes.
Also, doubts can be clarified right away, or in less time than in an actual classroom setup where you may have had to wait until the next class, or hunt the teacher on the campus.
A course can be completed as per one’s schedule too. It is possible to finish learning one course in half or less time than its course duration in the offline world. It just gives a student better control over their own lives, where they can achieve things in less time.
2. Effective learning
We all are skeptical when we first begin to learn online. But overtime we get used to the online learning experience. As per ed.gov, students who learn online outperform their peers. Also, a study from Studocu.com found that e-learning increases retention rates to 82 percent on average (https://www.studocu.com/blog/
In an offline classroom it might be difficult to focus only on one student. However, as the needs and brain levels of every student is different, some might need more attention than the others. But with online coaching, personalised programs can be set up individually for every student. Students themselves can create their study plan and in some cases can also choose who they want to be coached from based on coach profiles.
Students can pause a video and get more clarity on the topic by using other online tools. This gives control of what they learn and when.
3. The inevitable distraction
Learning from one’s couch sounds amazing but it comes with its drawbacks. Although these cons may be very little of a problem, we are addressing them as they are a common phenomenon for online learners.
Many people take online classes from their bedrooms, or even the dining table. Thus, it is difficult to keep distractions away. Students may then end up even taking a phone call, or even working in the kitchen in between courses. Thus this would increase the time to read the same paper that you otherwise would have done in a quarter of its time with 100% focus.
The lack of focus might also make you learn half of the concepts or mix up the facts.
4. Collaborative learning
Online training makes it possible for students to interact with their peers in dedicated forums and tools. As learners are from various parts of the world, students can gain a better perspective after reflecting and sharing knowledge with each other.
Collaborative learning helps students in also getting feedback from peers, as opposed to from only the faculty the way we are used to. Learners can learn and grow together. It reduces the gaps between international learning bringing minds together. Also creating better opportunities for individuals.
5. Limitless learning
It is no more about studying the dedicated syllabus and thus ticking the right answers in a multiple choice exam paper. Learning online is much more dynamic where the student decides what they want to learn and how. They can choose from between videos or live sessions as they wish, and can work on multiple skills at the same time if they wish to.
It boils down the process of head-hunting for institutes and sitting in multiple counselling sessions to just signing up online. Rather, many online institutes also offer the courses that are related to the same stream in bundle packages, making it easy and exciting to learn.
Final thought
The increasing competition out there demands professionals that can cater to more than one type of role. People with diverse knowledge have the upper hand in cracking job interviews too. Online learning can prepare individuals for the high demanding job scenario. And all this comes with free trials, effective one-on-ones and the freedom to decide your own classrooms!
Also read:
Protecting children’s eyes during online learning
Coping with the online learning revolution
Aamer Hussain is a content creator working with ecommerces and startups for content marketing and strategies. He is also a food lover and loves exploring new places.
