As we slowly move into a post-COVID world, education will never be the same. Due to the threat of the virus, people had to find more innovative ways to keep students in school while keeping them safe. Hence, the pandemic has mandated schools and universities around the world to shift their learning to online platforms. According to E-Student, 45% of US elementary school students and 63% of US high school students now use digital learning tools daily. 52% of US graduates consider an online college education to be better than classic classroom learning as of 2021 –what is the future of online learning? How exactly did online learning affect students’ habits as we move to 2022 and beyond?
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More Students can Enroll into Schools Worldwide
One of the major upsides of shifting education online is the fact that many more students can enroll in school programs than before. Individuals who can’t attend face-to-face classes due to various circumstances like finances or location can take classes in the comfort of their homes. Academic institutions have been especially forward-thinking in this regard, forming entire courses and majors around online learning. This means that you can enroll in a US college from Europe, or into a German college from Canada without actually moving abroad. This means that you save considerable monetary resources and skip over months of paperwork for VISA and living permits and instead focus on online learning. Additionally, you won’t have to limit yourself when choosing a program when studying online. There are all kinds of colleges available online, from online Bible colleges where you study Christianity to online Programming, Business and many other colleges. There are no bounds thus you’ll be able to study whatever you desire without moving.
Students are Developing Online Research Competencies
Given that everything is done online, students are encouraged to find solutions to their problems on the web. Whether it involves a lack of literary resources or the need to access published research papers, students can look for them online without issues. If students think “I want help to write my college essay properly”, they can reach out to a trustworthy platform that will meet their needs. The internet has made it extremely easy and intuitive to search for resources, useful platforms, and study materials for students worldwide.
Moreover, easy access to reliable resources and information may help lessen the stress students experience when studying. For instance, if they’re struggling with their math classes, they can try learning algebra with Straighterline to improve their grades without any problem. Furthermore, it may also help them finish their requirements faster.
Learning is Not Bound by Strict Schedules but Performance
Online learning also influences how students are graded. In a traditional school setup, teachers include absences in the student’s final evaluation. However, this practice doesn’t apply to online learning, So, instead of relying on traditional class schedules and attendance, many academic institutions are shifting to performance-based metrics. Students are given deadlines and tasks to complete on their own time instead of being forced to attend lectures. On-demand video lectures, PDFs, and other resources are made available and students can all learn at their own pace without discouraging or needlessly rushing others. This setup also allows students to revisit their old lessons at any time. This has made education far more personalized and based on the individual affinities and abilities of each student.
Online Learning is Making Students Lonelier and More Isolated
While online learning has brought a plethora of benefits to the table, it has also caused some negative effects. The sudden shift influenced how students learn and communicate with their peers. Although studying online seems ideal for some people since they can learn and do coursework at their own pace and time, other students miss being in class and learning with others.
Online learning isn’t based on teamwork or collaboration within the classroom – it is based on individual abilities. This can make certain students more anxious, introverted, or otherwise depressed because of how lonely it can be. As a result, their performance in school may decline due to the difficulties they face when learning alone online. While study groups via video chat are still an option, this is not a substitute for sitting in a library or a classroom with peers. Students need to be far more vigilant of their mental wellbeing in case of fully online education.
Students Use Tools Preparing them for the Job Market
On the bright side, students who opt for online learning will be far better prepared to apply for digital-oriented jobs than their peers. Using video chat tools, online resources, and search engines on a daily will teach students how to use these platforms effectively. After all, various companies in different industries utilize similar platforms for their operations. For example, plagiarism is a big problem in academia even today. Using LetsGradeIt to check if their essays or papers are plagiarized before a submission is both smart and practical. This will make them more attractive to employers and recruiters, which can kick-start their careers as soon as they graduate.
The Future of Learning is Online (Conclusion)
COVID-19 has been the instigator of major changes in traditional education which has increased the value of online platforms and resources for students worldwide. Whether you’re a student or a teacher, it’s undeniable that the future of education lies on the web. While some instructors may find this transition challenging, here are some easy tips on how to create an online course. Also, don’t forget to promote your course. Use social media, email marketing, and paid advertising to reach your target audience.
Bio: Christian Duke is a professional copywriter, chief editor, and social media marketer with extensive knowledge of digital marketing trends which are shaping the web. Christian enjoys writing content in various formats, from essays and social media posts to research papers and studies. He spends most of his free time traveling and learning.