WEEK 5 - ONLINE LEARNING

Hi! It's me again, Putry. For today's blog, I would like to share about Online Learning.

        Generally, online learning existed before the outbreak of Covid-19 hit the world. Online learning is for students who take courses abroad so the online learning helps to reduce the cost for students. All of us think that online learning started when the outbreak of Covid-19  hit the world. The former 8th Prime Minister announced the lockdown started on 18 March 2020. So since then, all education platforms have been introduced with online learning. With technological advancement, we can go into digital studies. We never expected that we could learn from home. Before this, we iron clothes, sleep early, and wake up early in the morning to prepare ourselves for class. That is our routine. 


        Now, we still wake up in the morning but just turn on the laptop and wait for the invitation link from our lecturer to join the class. It seems easier. But sometimes we need to struggle if we have an unstable internet connection. So, we need to make sure that we have a strong internet connection. All the assignments were just submitted through the email or platform that was asked from our lecturers. 


I will explain in detail about advantages and disadvantages online learning in wide opinion.


Advantages 
of Online Learning 

Online learning is open to access by anyone to register.

Lots of free online courses are available for anyone to enroll. You can register for online learning that provides an affordable and flexible way to learn new skills, advance your career and deliver quality educational experiences at scale. 


Instructor for online learning from various institutions.

The benefits of online learning are that we could get various instructors from different institutions. It is to provide the best among the best instructors to teach students from various countries. So, the student will get the great experience learning from professional instructor


Synchronous and asynchronous. 

Asynchronous online learning lets students look at instructional materials each week at any time they want. It doesn't have a live video lecture. Online classes that don't happen at the same time might have short videos that teach important things. You can watch them again if you need to. In some classes, students can also do homework assignments and get immediate feedback, rather than waiting for their instructors to grade them, which can take a long time.


Synchronous online learning means that students have to log in and participate in class at a certain time each week, and they have to do this every time. People in synchronous classes are online at the same time because lectures and discussions happen at certain times. Every student in the class must be online at the same time to be able to take part in the class.


Online learning will not involve face-to-face onsite. 

Face-to-face interaction between learners and instructors is not required for online learning. However, developments in computer technology have resulted in the emergence of video discussions, which take place over long distances. Communication in online education is done through technological means such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Google Meet, Zoom, and so on.


Online learning use of electronic media.

To carry out learning-teaching activities, online learning makes use of technology infrastructure such as computers and the internet. It is a system that incorporates ideas like technology-based learning, computer-based learning, internet-based learning, and mobile learning. Online learning is typically conducted via the Internet, where students can access their learning materials at any time and from any location.


Disadvantages of Online Learning

Online Learning Requires Self-Discipline.

If a student doesn't think they are getting enough help, they might not be able to fully participate in the lessons on their own. A person who moves to virtual, real-time classes instead of just online classes feels more accountable. Tools like live quizzes can help teachers check students' understanding in real time, and breakout rooms can be used for groups to get together and work on things together. These tools help students be more accountable and keep them excited about school.


Online learning requires more training for teachers.

People who take online classes have to learn a lot at first, and the teacher has to work extra hard to make the class work well. It's important for instructors to know a lot about how different ways of teaching and learning work so they don't just copy what happens in a real classroom and miss out on all the benefits and tools that eLearning and blended learning have to offer.


Instructors also need to learn how to use video and audio recording equipment, virtual classroom, and conduct meeting which is used to keep track of students' progress. Teaching all these new skills together is a big learning curve for the teacher, but if they do it right, it will pay off for them, their school, and their students.


Technical Issues Are Common in Online Learning.

The most common drawbacks of online learning are technical. There is nothing that can stop an online class more than problems with audio, video, or connection. When students were younger, they had to download or install apps or technology that were difficult to use and didn't always work well. As a good thing, online classes can be accessed by clicking on a link and not having to download or install anything at all. Internet connections all over the world have gotten better. In addition, people's gadgets have become a lot better.


Online learning for a specific group of learners in an institution.

Sometimes not all courses will face the online and not all institutions agreed with online learning. There are only selected courses that are suitable for online learning. Some courses require face-to-face class, for instance, lab classes. Lab class must be physical. It is to make sure the students experience it.     


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