Does online learning have the potential to replace traditional learning?

Today, I would like to discuss about the two modes of learning and finally come up with a conclusion as to which one is better. I actually wrote this months back for school purposes but I thought that since it is a controversial question nowadays, why not use it?! After all, they are my own views though I’ve made some structural and grammatical corrections.

At the peak of the covid era when hasty measures were being taken, virtual learning turned out to be the sole option left for the students. This method has its own pros and cons.

Now, if we talk about the perks of taking online classes, we can attend classes in solace, no matter where we are because we don’t have to commute long distances.  We can wake up late and simply open up our devices and join the meeting. Whereas taking classes usually means getting ready as per a dress code, reaching the class at a particular time, sitting through a somewhat lengthy lecture and then going directly to the next class. However, online learning provides periodic breaks and there is no specific dress code or uniform. Adding to this, we can very easily communicate with our teachers for any queries by sending them a direct WhatsApp message or calling them. Also, there is a wide array of online resources which can play a vital role in getting our heads around complex concepts and in helping us prepare for our examinations. It also enables us to acquire technological skills as online classes compel us to step outside of our protective shells. There is a need to learn how to join our classes and submit assignments and tests through the medium of various online platforms. This not only helps us to boast about our tech-savviness but also would help us a great deal in this cyber world.

Despite of a large number of advantages, online classes also have drawbacks.

• Firstly, it becomes difficult to focus on screens for an enormous amount of time. We often get deviated at the hands of social media platforms and tend to spend time on them instead of being attentive in the classes. For instance, if we get a call in between we may answer it and start talking and put the class on hold.
• Moreover, online learning requires stable internet connection. Due to excess usage of internet all over the world, the net quality is worsening day by day.
• We can embibe a lot from our peers. However, e-learning keeps us from doing so and hampers our social development. This has resulted in a gradual decline in human connections. Although this is very beneficial for anti-social people like me (lol!) but it has a bad side for us as well because in the long run, to live life we need to intereact with people and this way we won’t be able to get accustomed to maintaining relations with the world. Also, don’t we miss our friends and the notorious school mischiefs? Of course, we do and it further requires our education system to retain its normalcy.

To conclude, no one actually wins because each of the modes has its set of advantages and we can use them as per our convenience. I feel that a mechanism should be evolved comprising of a blend of both conventional and online learning.

This was my take on this topic, what is yours? Comment down below and put forward your points and even if you have a different outlook, I would love to acknowledge!!

Kindly don’t mind the errors if any. Not an expert in English. Thanks for reading!😊