Future of Education: online or offline?
The coronavirus pandemic has rewritten the curriculum for the 2020-2021 academic year all around the world. Masks, socially distant classrooms, or remotely learning via electronic screens is the new normal of 2021. While both teachers and students face new challenges, this new teaching method has sparked a discussion: whether eLearning app development helps or hinders learning. This article will analyze these debates critically to understand the future of education.
Online Vs Offline Learning
Location
Traveling is the most important concern in offline learning. Whether the lecture is in a lecture hall, college, or classroom, students must get up, dress appropriately and be punctual. On the other hand, online learning can be done anywhere globally and requires only a good internet connection. Participants can easily connect from their house, office, or even a nearby coffee shop and attend the lectures without hassle.
The advantage of in-person learning is student interaction. Students are accompanied by fellow companions who are passionate and can engage in face-to-face debates without worrying about internet charges. Offline learning also promotes administration and student interactions where students can help their professors in short-term projects and gain more knowledge.
Comfort
Another distinction is the degree of versatility. Online learning promotes learning in comfort. You and other course members benefit from a more relaxed, versatile approach for online workshops and training. Since the courses are not limited by place or time, any learner may profit from them. Students can opt to join at the last minute and not be worried about formal attire or clothing. Instead, they can opt to turn off their camera and take part only vocally.
It is easier to ensure that participation and student’s attention in offline learning because teachers can easily point out those who are not paying attention. However, because all student is taught the same topics at the same speed, 100% retention of knowledge cannot be guaranteed. Many students find it far easier to retain understanding and skills learned during online classes instead of offline classes.
The online courses will provide you with information 24×7. Even when the educators are not present, you can revise by playing the recordings of previous lectures. This methodology cannot be adapted in offline learning because most colleges don’t promote video taking. Students instead have to focus on rigorous note-taking, which can be referred to in the future. Online courses have a great deal of versatility in time, recording presentations, and personal space. In traditional classes, students must uphold rigid discipline, which comes with a slew of limitations.
Mental health
According to a study published by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, India (NIMHANS), virtual classes are not appropriate for children as young as six. The prescribed screen time for children in this age group is only one hour. According to research, children who are exposed to the internet are at risk of being groomed online. It can lead to internet addiction, lack of interpersonal skills, or develop anxiety or stress disorders. Excessive Internet usage can affect children’s emotional and social quotients, to the point some find it difficult to interact socially and instead prefer online messaging.
Inequality
While we live in a modern era, the reality remains that most students do not have access to any electronic device and the internet. It is especially true in rural areas of developing countries or mountainous regions with poor network services. Even though the current generation is referred to as the “internet generation”, most students have no understanding of what the word entails since they have never used digital systems. Education should encourage people to be equal and united. Regrettably, online learning in India may lead to inequity due to lack of access to resources and poor financial conditions.
Teacher’s perspective
Classroom education is very different from e-learning. Several teachers find the new system overwhelming and don’t understand how to utilize eLearning app development gadgets or incorporate technology into the curriculum. When teaching online, even the best classroom teacher can struggle with communication.
Teachers find offline teaching because it provides personal interactions. While online teaching sounds simple, the reality is it requires more energy and attention to keep students engaged. It will be impossible to make online education successful without first training teachers and adapting to new teaching methods. There are no risks of technical problems in a physical class, and the lesson can proceed smoothly without interruption. It cannot be said for online classes, which depend completely on internet connection. Inexperienced teachers and learners can find these technical difficulties frustrating.
Technical problems triggered by adverse weather, intermittent glitches, or machine errors are among the most important obstacles because these cannot be solved by human intervention. These usually require all classes to be put on hold, breaking the flow of learning.
Contrast in learning
Online classrooms prefer to refrain from constant group interaction, and the primary emphasis is usually on studies with no extracurricular events. In physical classrooms, group interaction and extracurricular activities are easily included. The classroom setting has been important in encouraging and stimulating collective learning. Collaborative learning raises a student’s understanding of how other students think and helps them learn efficiently.
Several e-learning platforms include well-designed virtual library experiences that students can access, but these cannot be integrated into an online classroom. The learning methods available in online classrooms are limited. When engaging with students in online courses, a teacher is limited by the resources available to them. As a result of this narrow learning style, teachers find it difficult to create an engaging environment which causes students to lose focus.
In contrast to online classes, offline classes have established more comprehension approaches. The teachers and students have access to varied sources, including gymnasiums, libraries, sports grounds, and field trip options which can all be used to teach a subject. As a result, students can learn more widely than they can in online classrooms.
Time-saving
Research has shown that a student has more chances of completing an online course in a third of the time than that required on campus. Traditional courses require meticulous attention to detail, which requires time and cannot be fast-paced. This affects the effectiveness of physical learning because the student can lose interest. Online classes do not provide any of the activities that online classes do (like science labs and sports lessons). While these save time for all students, the student’s physical health and skill development are affected greatly.
Feedback issues
While offline classes promote interaction, teachers are unable to provide individual feedback to all students. Furthermore, students have to voice their concerns and anxiety, and uncertainty in front of their peers which can get daunting. In contrast, since a teacher has comparatively more time to word an answer in an online class than in a traditional classroom, the level of input or answer appears to be more informative and concentrated. A teacher can also opt for an extra session online after the class to provide more answers. This option isn’t available offline, where students have to adhere to a strict schedule decided by the school.
Online education raises student-teacher interaction, resulting in individualized attention for each student. If a pupil is reserved, they can freely express their question to the instructor through an email or chat without the fear of embarrassment and not think about the question’s relevance.
Skill development
Conflict resolution skills, public speaking, team spirit, and how to get along with people from diverse cultural backgrounds are taught in an offline classroom. These interactions aid in developing a students’ verbal skills, listening skills, emotional growth, and maturation. This cannot be said for online classes, which require students to remain on mute until addressed or unless they have questions.
Online classes can encourage technical skills development. Online examinations usually include powerpoints, essays, or presentations that need to be recorded and emailed to the teacher. Through this, students can easily develop technical skills that will give them an edge over others. Despite not promoting group projects, online classes provide students with the opportunity to discover their voice and become more independent.
E-learning is expected to become the future of the education industry, and students should be prepared to spend more time in front of a laptop. While a significant number of learners will continue to attend conventional classrooms, the pandemic has taught several people that online education is the most convenient option.
This current reality necessitates that we accept modern eLearning app development in the classroom and adapt accordingly. We have to ensure that our teachers are familiar with these innovative classroom developments.
With online learning being adapted by several educational institutes, it is no surprise that Edutech companies are producing custom eLearning solutions and techniques. Developing a good platform with various tools is the key to providing students with an engaging teaching experience. While Edutech companies look for a partner to help them develop their vision, Knovator is the ideal choice.As an IT giant, Knovator has experience developing engaging, detailed, and user-friendly eLearning app development platforms and custom eLearning solutions that will likely keep all students engaged.
27 Sep 2022
