Is online learning as effective as traditional education? Yes, and no ...

Is online learning as effective as traditional education? Yes, and no.
The advancements of modern technology have taken over major aspects of day-to-day life – education being one of them. No longer does learning require a classroom when essential communication and interactions of education migrate conveniently all onto one electronic device. Are the benefits of digital education enough to outweigh its cons or does traditional education provide benefits to learning that could never be replicated digitally? What will the future look like when painting the picture of digital learning in education?
(1) What are the effects of online learning?
Learning through a digital environment provides both unique and practical benefits unachievable in any other way. However, along with its benefits are unavoidable downfalls particularly resulting from the digital divide. In every group of students there will be individuals with unequal access to digital resources essential to online learning. Digital divide is a real issue amongst students displaced through geography, socioeconomic status, and/or political criteria.
Here are some of the pros and cons to online learning:
read more at efaglobal.org
With digital education’s benefits come unavoidable downfalls: the digital divide. In every group of students there will be individuals with unequal access to technology and/or internet connection. Digital divide is a real issue amongst students displaced through geography and socioeconomic status.
(2) Is online learning as effective as traditional education?
Digital learning, albeit new, is presenting itself as the new future for education. However, controversy still holds strong around whether the benefitsoutweigh the disadvantages of leaving the physical classroom.
Traditional education is the world’s tried-and-true recipe for education, and it is not a surprise why. In-class learning allows face-to-face interaction and thus an environment where understanding and experience can be gained on an intrinsic level. To fans of traditional education, nothing could replace the physical person-to-person aspect of in-class learning.
Only, despite these protests, reports and students themselves are proving that while digital education lacks in the physical environment, it increases learning results everywhere while being more environmentally sustainable. Digital learning presents itself to be just as effective as traditional education, and in some cases, prepares students for employment and income opportunities even more successfully.
How has online learning statistically improved learning?
Studying content through digital learning takes up to 60% less time than traditional classroom learning.
Retention rates are higher from e-learning at around 25 to 60%. This is compared to 8 to 10% retention rates of classrooms.
E-learning is energy saving, with 90% less energy used by the Open University when turning to digital education outlets.
80% of US students said that virtual learning could improve their grades.
E-learning bolsters the self-motivation of the student rather than motivation being enforced by a teacher.
Online school is a good option for students with learning disabilities, as different softwares can help them process information more effectively, they can work in their own comfort zone, and online learning provides more flexibility than traditional schooling methods. Therefore, more students with long-lasting disabilities enroll in some form of distance learning than students who do not report any disabilities.
For students who don’t have to worry about internet access, online education can be incredibly effective, and here’s why:
They can learn at their own pace
There is more time for students who need guidance
Students who learn quickly can advance fast
Suitable for adults who are busy (ex: continuing education while working)
Saves time, money, and energy (especially without a commute)
Can be taken from the comfort of an office or home
(3) What is the role of online learning in the midst of COVID-19?
COVID-19 has resulted in online learning becoming more prevalent than ever before, because social distancing guidelines prevent classes from gathering per usual. Online learning was implemented as an alternative.
Take a look at the role of online learning before and after:
read more at efaglobal.org
What does the future of online learning look like?
The immediate necessity of online learning for everyone may be the spark we needed to rethink and reform our education system. Now that online learning accessibility is being addressed, it is very likely that it will be much more prominent in the future.
How can you support your online journey?
Proper time management is more important than ever before. It’s easy to fall behind in class because there is much less of a connection between student and teacher.
Persistence is key: because of COVID-19, students are largely the leaders of their own education and the pace they work at. Remember to regularly ask questions and keep in touch with your peers and teachers, so you don’t fall behind or get lost.
Keep yourself productive and occupied. Too often does one fall to the comforts of mindless scrolling through social media. Remember to take advantage of all the free time and keep yourself productive by exploring new skills or renewing old ones.
Keeping healthy eating and living habits. Eating a balanced diet, practicing good hygiene, getting fresh air, and staying organized is essential to maintaining your mental and physical health during quarantine.
What does this all mean?
Online learning has its own benefits and drawbacks compared to traditional learning. The current COVID-19 situation is increasing its usage, and is forging the pathway for online learning to become the norm.