There has been a drastic change in learning patterns, having various options within the past few years. Physical presence in a learning room is no longer the only option in education especially with the internet revolution and breakthroughs in technologies. All you need is a computer and an accessible internet and you will be on your way to acquiring quality education at your own time and place. Digital learning is not only easily accessible but also it is all-inclusive. It takes away the physical barriers that prevent a lot of people from achieving their academic and career aspirations. Education now takes place on a multi-dimensional level with cutting-edge technologies and customized course content and delivery. Although learning activities like reading notes or essays and watching instructional videos online but there is still a high need for learners to complete assignments and tests to assess their knowledge.
Already, many experts through globally analyzed surveys have concluded that e-learning is the future of education especially as technology will increase in availability and learners will continue to become aware of the rising possibilities that their career prospects can be actualized with the numerous online content that they can use to improve their knowledge. Quite interesting, developing countries will seize this as a window of endless opportunities through the learning of courses like, computer programming, data computing, coding, artificial intelligence, automation, robotics, etc. thereby creating a balance in knowledge and innovation globally.
The following points identify the revolutionary potential of online education.
Realities of remote learning
Even though online education presents so many opportunities, there are some indicated drawbacks that learners are likely to encounter. Just as much as there are numerous courses to match their choices so it is, that there are huge differences in the quality of teaching techniques, online resources, and student support. Regardless, an institute’s credibility can be confirmed by checking out its accreditation. More so, while online education gives the kind of flexibility a lot of learners are looking for, some underestimate the impact of a tutor offering guidance while they work; others will start feeling isolated dissipating long hours as they study alone, especially if they going through the studies after a very long break.
The human side of virtual learning
Developing a real-life connection with tutors and fellow learners is an important aspect of online education. This makes the difference between success and failure. Quite several learners drop out of learning programs due to how difficult it is to engage in solitary learning. Since there is no form of one-on-one attention during the training, learners become less motivated and eventually give up. But this can be curtailed, if there will be increased one-on-one contact with the tutor, organizing social meet-ups and team exercises – this will increase their sense of community and validate their efforts.
Future of learning
For many, there is a belief that a combination of online and hybrid education will play a key role in ensuring their longevity. Many learners are discouraged by the exorbitant course fees associated with the full-time, campus-based course. While for others, studying full-time clashes with their various responsibilities which can be their on-going career or raising a young family. As a result of these, more tertiary institutions are now offering online educational resources and as well encouraging learners to apply to extend it to those who stay within the same area or a different geographical region. For sustainability, there is a need to continuously be in tandem with the gradual increase in demand and the changes that will occur in technology usage. Therefore, this concludes that e-learning is not only here to stay but is ready to become an epicentral part of the future.