Exploring the Advantages and Disadvantages of the Two Forms of Education

 

During the COVID-19 Pandemic, the traditional education system was entirely reformed as it shifted towards online learning. This reform has brought several benefits but has caused disadvantages among students as well. According to Naveed et al. (2017), online learning offers convenience, flexibility in time schedules, and cost-effectiveness, since there will be no traveling and the only thing required, is a good device and internet connection. However, that argument fails to consider inequities in technology and computer skills access, lack of socialization with peers, and the absence of a conducive environment for learning among different households (Beaunoyer, 2020). In addition to that, students are mainly evaluated by teachers, who are the main sources of learning and information. Whereas in online learning, evaluation of students can be carried out by tools and the quality of learning does not only depend on the teaching style of the professors but also their level of digital training. Furthermore, online learning may not have the same impact as face-to-face classes. This is demonstrated in a study by Galy et al. (2011) wherein as opposed to face-to-face learning, the attention span of students is much shorter in online classes and students are more likely to miss deadlines in accomplishing tasks. Although there is no denying that there are advantages in online learning such as comfort, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness which can benefit everyone provided that inequities associated with these are properly addressed, it is worth noting that face-to-face interactions cannot be excluded in a student’s learning process.

 

MINERVA L. SIONGCO
Teacher III/ Liputan ES

References 

 

Beaunoyer, E., Dupéré, S., & Guitton, M. J. (2020). COVID-19 and digital inequalities: Reciprocal impacts and mitigation strategies. Computers in human behavior, 111, 106424. 

Galy, E., Downey, C., & Johnson, J. (2011). The effect of using e-learning tools in online and campus-based classrooms on student performance. Journal of Information Technology Education: Research, 10(1), 209-230. 

Naveed, Q. N., Muhammad, A., Sanober, S., Qureshi, M. R. N., & Shah, A. (2017). A mixed method study for investigating critical success factors (CSFs) of e-learning in Saudi Arabian universities. methods, 8(5), 171-178.