Is online learning the future of education?

The world of education—like so many aspects of life—has completely transformed over the last 20 years. With the emergence of mobile devices, improved connection speeds, and increasingly smart artificial intelligence (AI) applications, the world in 2020 is almost unrecognizable from that back in 2000.

The virtual worlds allowed by computers and technology are increasingly merging with the real world, and are providing a vastly enhanced user experience and considerable advantages to most areas of life. Here are a few reasons why online learning might replace traditional practices.

Technology and education 

Education, too, has seen considerable changes over the last two decades. Where once computers were a rarity in classrooms and lecture halls, these days, laptops and tablets are an everyday part of learning. 

However, it’s the developing world of online learning that holds the most intriguing promise. Purely online courses, such as those provided by https://online.bankstreet.edu/, offer the perfect mix of convenience and affordability that is simply not possible in traditional learning experiences. 

Online learning has proven so successful over recent years that there is convincing evidence to suggest the future of education may move fully online sooner than we think.   

Online education is cheaper than its real-world counterpart

In almost all cases, learning online is cheaper than attending real-world classes—and is always considerably less expensive than one-to-one learning. By structuring lessons online, course designers can think about featuring reusable content that can be used repeatedly to achieve the same goals (for example, pre-recorded tutorials or interactive assignments). These considerable cost savings can then be passed on to the student.

Also, real-world learning comes with an inherent cost overhead—the price of the lecturer’s time, rent and rates for space, utility bills for lighting and heating, etc. In addition, students will also likely incur travel costs to get to college or university. With online learning, everything becomes considerably cheaper.  

There is a vast range of courses available

Partly because of the reduced overhead—partly because of the diverse nature of the internet itself—there is a far wider range of course subjects available online. As well as online versions of existing courses, there are also programs designed specifically for web-based students—everything from music creation to astrology or quantum physics. If you search hard enough, you’ll likely find the course you’re looking for already exists. You could also utilise an online learning platform which brings together lots of different courses, you only have to look up “Masterclass reviews” to see how popular these learning platforms have become in recent years. 

Online education is flexible

Traditional, fixed lesson times simply can’t compete with the flexibility offered by online learning. For many people, taking further education is a juggling act trying to fit study around existing family, social life, and work responsibilities. With online learning, both students and teachers can schedule lessons at a time that suits both. Furthermore, many classes and assignments are pre-recorded, meaning learners can view them anytime, anywhere. Students are far more likely to engage positively (and learn more) when they can work at a pace and time that suits them. 

Learning online is more immersive and collaborative

Learning online means having access to the internet’s vast library of media and resources including photos, maps, videos, 3D models, Google Earth, etc. Moreover, improved connection speeds and technology can mean students can take part in virtual debates with fellow class members—or work on projects together using collaborative work platforms.   Online learning has completely turned the education world on its head but in my mind this is a very positive step in an increasingly global world.  You can now pretty much learn from anywhere in your own time.  Take for example, with online learning provided from tutors at www.tutorcity.sg both students and teachers can schedule lessons at a time that suits both. It really is a fantastic step forward and one we need to all embrace. 

Online course content is customizable

As most courses are built in digestible modules or sections, students can mix and match the particular skills they want to learn. Moreover, entirely new classes can be constructed that are aimed at specific levels of ability or the individual skills needed for particular vocations. Real-world learning simply can’t compete on the same level in terms of customization. 

Note: This is a collaborative post