Is online education a good substitute for face-to-face education?
1. YES
- There is no need for commuting to campus, which not only reduces traffic and air pollution, but also allows the students to save time and money.
- There are no geographic location constraints.
- You can learn at your preferred pace and study at your convenience.
- Students can work full-time or part-time while taking classes.
- There is no accommodation cost, and tuition fees are often lower.
- You could work with students from all over the world.
- There is no discrimination among students due to race, nationality, age, clothes, etc.
- It is better for those who are introverted
as well as those who require more time to understand the points and learn the lessons. - The video and audio instructions that are provided can be rewound and seen and heard again and again if you do not happen to understand the topic the first time around.
- You do not have to depend on anyone for anything.
- Through discussion boards, you are able to interact with others and clear your doubts, if any.
2. NO
- It would be difficult to develop relationships with classmates.
- There is no personalized attention and feedback from the instructors.
- There is no campus atmosphere to create social interaction.
- Students may be required to learn new or advanced computer skills.
- Additional cost of high-speed Internet would have to be paid.
- Traditional instructors, who believe in lectures and handouts, may find it tough to adapt to the new system.
- The assessments are only knowledge- based, not practicality-based.
- It would not be suitable for those who are not organized and self-disciplined.
- Though you will be communicating regularly with faculty, nothing can replace face-to-face interaction and team work.
- E-learning requires using a computer and other such devices. This means that eyestrain, bad posture and other physical problems may affect the learners.
