“Online learning is not the next big thing; it is the NOW big thing.” Looking at the present scenario, we find the words of Donna J. Abernathy to be absolutely true. E-learning is gradually replacing the age-old educational setup. And it has already started revolutionizing the way knowledge is being imparted to students. 

Parents and students alike got used to the comfort and convenience of online education thanks to the havoc created by COVID-19. Educational experts predict that virtual learning will overtake traditional learning in the coming years. 

Students today even go online to find an essay writer who can help them meet the deadlines for their assignments. They also often prefer Internet sources for self-education.

But have you thought about the repercussions of this latest trend in the education sector? What could be the short-term and long-term impact of e-learning on students and their parents? Let us find out!

Classroom Learning or Online Learning?

Online education can be considered the upgraded version of traditional classroom learning. The majority of parents and students welcome this modern concept. Yet, a small group of people is still concerned about the plausibility and permanence of e-learning. 

Online platforms are becoming an inseparable part of students’ lives. They are used to looking for essay reviews and hiring experts for writing their academic papers. And with the help of various applications, they can make learning easier and less time-consuming. But we can’t underestimate some disadvantages of online education.

In this article, we will discuss a few parameters based on which you can decide what’s better for your children.

Social Interaction and Networking

Online education allows students to learn from the comfort of their homes. However, it also hampers the level of social interactions. There are some amazing apps and software that allow instructors and students to connect conveniently. Yet, teachers and students have reported that they miss face-to-face communication.

There are so many things that cannot be compensated for by a high-end online app. The conventional setup is much more efficient and reliable for enhanced student engagement. 

Discipline and Commitment

Many parents are worried about the dwindling level of discipline in their children in a virtual learning setup. Experts suggest that discipline and self-motivation depend on personal traits, but the environment matters as well. 

Traditional classrooms are designed and maintained to motivate discipline in students. They tend to behave under the observation and guidance of instructors. In contrast, e-learning brings with it a sense of freedom. In the absence of teachers, students often indulge in procrastination. Parents have also seen them delaying the tasks till the last moment. 

The solution in this situation is self-motivation and dedication. Students who stay committed to their academic goals succeed in any case.

Way of Teaching

Traditional education lacks innovation in the methodologies of instruction. The teachers adhere to the same old techniques, which gradually leads to boredom and monotony among students. 

On the contrary, e-learning allows instructors to get creative and experiment. Virtual learning keeps things fresh and new due to 

• animated videos; 
• skimmable notes; 
• live or recorded video lectures; 
• flipped classroom techniques; 
• gamified teaching, etc. 

Element of Flexibility 

Virtual education offers the much-needed scope of flexibility to the students. Apart from studies, they can incorporate different extracurricular activities into their daily timetable. Even if the time of online classes is fixed, students can choose to complete their assignments at their convenience. With flexibility comes peace of mind. Child psychology experts believe that online learning has made students a lot less aggressive. 

However, things are quite different when it comes to a conventional classroom setting. Busy schedules and loads of homework leave students with almost no time for themselves. This leads to instances of exhaustion, irritability, and frustration.

Expenditure

Both online and traditional education can be expensive. It depends on different factors, such as course structure, duration of the program, number of subjects, and affiliation. But e-learning helps bring down the expenditure. After all, you don’t have to worry about accommodation and travel costs. 

Also, many distance learning programs are available at much lower fees compared to conventional ones. Traditional education, on the other hand, burns a hole into your pocket owing to its 

• tangibility; 
• trustworthiness; 
• premium amenities. 

In a Nutshell

Based on the mentioned factors, we can conclude that both modes of learning have their fair share of pros and cons. It’s difficult to give preference to one of them. Thus, to play it safe, you can follow the hybrid mode of education as of now. Striking the right balance between the two is the most viable option. 

If you are worried about the future of education, fret not and trust the process. We’re about to enjoy advanced technology, a systematic approach, and other infrastructural developments. The educational sector is witnessing a paradigm shift, and it is better to move with the flow.