Introduction
Online education is a form of learning with the help of technology from home. Online education has gained popularity over a non-traditional system of education. The 21st century is a time when everything is changing.
The online learning system can be a very effective and alternative learning method for mature, disciplined, and motivated. It is beneficial for those students who are well organized and have a high level of time management skills but this learning methodology is not fit for those students who are dependent and have trouble doing the tasks required for online courses.
Every type of learning environment has advantages and disadvantages therefore, It is essential to reflect on the advantages and disadvantages of online learning to prepare for facing the difficulties. Learning depends on individual motivation to learn. Therefore, the most important thing is that the efforts made by each student in their education determine how much they will maintain and how useful the overall experience is for their future careers.
Students must consider the strengths and weaknesses of aspects that contribute to making decisions about the direction of their career and goals.
Pros
• There is no traveling to campus as a result which reduces carbon emissions and no travel costs.
• Student is free from the geographic location which helps him with an easy selection of the learning option.
• Learner can achieve study outcomes according to his convenience.
• Learner has the ability to reflect quality thinking on provided topics.
• Students participate to read all of the content actively and engaged only in those parts which are most relevant to their needs.
• It is easy for students to include resources and information from around the world.
• Generally courses have less cost than traditional academic courses.
• Learners can stay to work at a job while taking classes.
• Online course provides opportunities to learn technologies and participate in the use of soft wares, apps, and the Internet.
• Equally participation from all students, there is no discrimination due to race, sex, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, age, or dress contributed to physical appearance.
• These courses are better due to visual effects and easy to understand the material.
• High level of dynamic interaction generated between the instructor and students as well as among the students themselves.
• Online education is an interactive learning environment that contributes to creativity, self-direction, and critical thinking.
Pros and Cons of Online Education
Cons
• In online education, there is little opportunity for face-to-face interaction between professors and students.
• It is difficult to develop relations with classmates.
• Communication is carried out through online mediums, but no offline meetings.
• Learner cannot avail personal attention of the instructor.
• Absence of a campus atmosphere does not create social interaction.
• Learner faces difficulties with computer boot-up time, software programs, and connection to the Internet.
• Students require to update and learn computer and troubleshooting skills which may lead to additional charges and the cost of high-speed Internet.
• About any problem in the course, the response from the instructor or classmates leads to time waste.
• Instructors also face difficulties in the preparation of lectures and handouts and need to update their skills in coping with problems in the system and software.
• Only those students show progress who are self-motivated and disciplined.
