Internet has transformed the process of learning and the way people access information. The field of education has also witnessed a revolution with the growing trend of online courses and degree programmes. Distance learning has been around for long now. Online learning not only enables the students to use an interactive mode of study but also stay connected with their tutors and other students. Traditional methods of education require of the students to attend a college or university on a regular basis, which could be difficult for people for various reasons. Some students fail to fulfil the merit criteria of institutes, and they struggle to pursue their education in the desired fields.
Internet has transformed the process of learning and the way people access information. The field of education has also witnessed a revolution with the growing trend of online courses and degree programmes. Distance learning has been around for long now. Online learning not only enables the students to use an interactive mode of study but also stay connected with their tutors and other students. Traditional methods of education require of the students to attend a college or university on a regular basis, which could be difficult for people for various reasons. Some students fail to fulfil the merit criteria of institutes, and they struggle to pursue their education in the desired fields. Moreover, people who work and those who live in remote areas don’t find it easy to attend classes regularly. Online learning is a decent option in many cases- the question remains how effective it is compared to traditional methods?
Universities that offer online courses and degree programmes often provide an online learning interface to their students, enabling them to access lecture videos and other documents. This helps the students to follow a focused study route. The video lectures help them understand the concepts better than provided in the notes. Making this process more productive depends on the institute and on the students as well. The institute can provide means for the students to stay in touch with their tutors, ask questions and discuss the thoughts that arise in their minds. The student also has to be proactive by paying attention to video lectures, taking notes and jotting down questions that could be asked through email or some other means later.
If it is asked, “what makes online learning effective?” - one simple word to answer it is ‘determination’. Online learning can be more focused because pupils are aware of their responsibility to cover the syllabus on their own. However, it misses out on a lack of motivation and competition that one gets while studying with fellow-students. The sense of loneliness, the desire to communicate face-to-face and getting to know the tutor and other students might make one depressed. In such situations, students should find ways for self-motivation and cheer themselves up by indulging in other social activities.
In some aspects, online learning is more fruitful than traditional learning. Today’s education system in colleges and universities not only provides a vibrant atmosphere to grow, learn and socialize, but many distractions and aimless things also come along. A person enrolled in an online programme does not have the overwhelming distractions of winning over other classmates, or having to take part in unproductive activities.
Online learning can make us more research-oriented and cognitively active. Internet is always accessible with its infinite storage of information. Getting stuck in what has already been provided to you through lectures and books is not helpful in the enhancement of intellectual abilities and knowledge.
Other than degree programmes, online learning also makes it easy to develop other skills through short courses. If you are a university student or professional and do not have time or resource for enrolment in expensive institutes to achieve extra skills- online learning is just the thing for you.
