The year 2020 marked itself in history as one of the most problematic and troubling years. We witnessed the outbreak of COVID-19, which speedily took over the world. At the end of January 2020, the World Health Organization stepped forward and declared the novel coronavirus as a global pandemic. It was then when things started going downhill for the whole world.
Medical professionals advised against social interactions and suggested that the only way to counter the pandemic was to avoid contracting it. It sounded simple; however, the fundamental human life routine took a toll. A society is based entirely on social interactions and adhering to the guidelines became extremely difficult. People started preferring online dealings as opposed to physically visiting a place. Likewise, universities, colleges, and offices all turned towards the internet for communication and conducting routine work and classes.
This whole scenario highlighted the importance of online platforms. While COVID made things challenging overall, it also brought to attention the ease and online accessibility mode of communication provides. People started realizing the significance and benefits of virtual space. It further revealed the importance of online education and the benefits communities could reap from it.
Below we list down some of the significant aspects of online education and how they ease the life of
learners:
1. STUDENTS REALIZED THE EASE ONLINE EDUCATION OFFERS
Online education provides a flexible mode of learning. Adults and children alike can save lectures, take up notes, and reach out to teachers for help anytime. It gives the flexibility of revisiting classes and revising keynotes; this is not something you can do in a physical classroom. It is normal human behavior to have small attention spans and miss out on essential details. Students are more prone to this. However, online lectures provide a solution to this problem.
It also reduces the hassle individuals may face in traveling to the institute. If you had previously quit taking up an educational course just because you could not travel out of the city or somewhere far, you can do it now! Enroll yourself in an online high school diploma, and that’s about it!
Even though online education was readily available earlier as well, however, the year 2020 reinforced the benefits of this route. Since people had no other option than to shift online, they experienced firsthand the numerous advantages online education delivers.
2. ONLINE LEARNING PROVIDES OPPORTUNITY FOR THOROUGH DISCUSSIONS
Often the physical aspect of being in a classroom overpowers the ability to think ideas and have productive discussions. Students can get worked up and feel nervous about their physical presence and ignore the sole objective of being in a class, which is learning. Online education eradicates this hurdle. It gives students the time and space to focus entirely on the discussion and provide valuable
input to the conversation. It is also supportive in enhancing the confidence and morale of the students.
3. VIRTUAL INTERACTIONS ARE LESS INTIMIDATING
It is common for students to feel scared in a classroom environment; a class is full of diverse personalities. Some are too shy while others are too outspoken. However, the level of interaction or speaking power rarely defines aptitude. Some students may feel left out of the classroom discussions only because they are intimidated or shy being a part of it. Such students may suffer since they may prefer staying quiet and pass on seeking help rather than confronting their fear.
However, an online setup is a perfect arrangement for such kids. It provides them a barrier and eliminates the factors that make them uncomfortable. These platforms may also encourage such students to seek help from teachers and put forward their concerns more openly since they do not have to do it face-to-face. Consequently, online education can improve the grades of the students overall and prove more productive than a typical classroom setup.
4. ONLINE COMMUNICATION EASES TEAM COORDINATION
Now that everybody is tech-savvy enough, thanks to COVID, online education has the potential of simplifying group meetings and coordination. All educational programs require some degree of teamwork. It is often in terms of group projects assigned by teachers.
Executing team projects turn into a hassle to coordinate days to meet up, defining tasks, scheduling reviews, etc. But with online education, communication now is super convenient. It saves time, resources, and energy and encourages improved productivity.
5. ONLINE EDUCATION PROVIDES DIVERSE CHOICE OF COURSES
You may wish to study a specific course to determine that the universities near you do not offer any such programs. What do you do? You quit.
However, the option of online learning has now eliminated this barrier. It provides students with a wide range of programs and courses they can choose without worrying. If you wish to join a particular foreign university, the online education option provides you the accessibility now. With virtual learning becoming a norm in the year 2020, many colleges now offer diverse e-learning courses. The mode of travel is not a hurdle anymore in your aspirations and career choices.
CONCLUSION
Even though online education was always available, the year 2020 allowed people to experience the ease and comfort it serves. Due to the pandemic, all activities moved to the online world, including classroom and lectures. As a result, virtual classrooms gained popularity. It is accurate to say that many learners would now believe virtual learning as a viable option in the years to come.
