Online Learning During COVID-19: Advantages and Disadvantages

This essay examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on higher education, focusing on the shift to online learning. It explores the advantages, such as increased accessibility, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness, as well as the disadvantages, including technical issues, reduced social interaction, and the need for self-discipline. The essay highlights the disruption caused by the pandemic, the rapid adoption of online platforms, and the innovations in educational technology. It also discusses different types of online learning, such as asynchronous, synchronous, and hybrid models, and emphasizes the importance of proactive communication, reduced complexity, and realistic expectations for both students and instructors. The essay concludes by presenting a self-evaluation of the research process, acknowledging challenges in time management and material sourcing.

Academic study skills

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
MAIN BODY...................................................................................................................................3
ESSAY.............................................................................................................................................3
Presenting Self-Evaluation ..........................................................................................................7
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................9
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................1

INTRODUCTION
Learning is one of the most essential factor in personal life as it helps in gaining
knowledge and getting appropriate job. During the time of pandemic there has been significant
growth in online learning as the internet as helped in combining people and give them
opportunity to gain new skills. Since COVID-19 online learning has been adopted by student
most as compare to traditional as it has various advantages. The pandemic has forced universities
and colleges to conduct remote working and this has given boom to online learning. The present
report will discuss importance as well as disadvantage and advantage of online classes during the
time of pandemic.
MAIN BODY
Topic: Due to COVID-19, most university classes are now delivered online. From your
experience, what are the advantages and disadvantages of online learning? Use reasons and
examples to support your answer.
ESSAY
During the time of pandemic there was various issue faced by the world as business was
stop for several months and economy condition of the countries was also very poor. Pandemic
has disrupted education in around 150 countries and affected approx. 1.6 billion students. In
order to deal with the countries implemented remote learning. However, the response during the
early stage of COVID- 19 has majority focused on implementing remote learning as to deal with
emergency responses. All these were intended so to reach all students but it was not very much
successful because most the countries local region do not have good internet facilities. As
pandemic increased so thus innovation in education has done and now after pandemic schools
are now partially and fully open in various jurisdictions (Simamora and et.al., 2020). In various
research it has been identified that high education has been pummelled by virus COVID-19
pandemic and campus was shutdown leads towards remote learning which expose adoption of
high quality education technology and digital channels across thousands of college and
universities. In the time of pre pandemic traditional higher education has been challenged and in
year of 2020 government leaders, students and educators were introduced with higher education
through making use of digital channels. Moreover, in some of prominent colleges like Princeton

university, Williams college and American University have discounted tuition fees so that
students can easily join the classes. During the time of pandemic there were massive online
courses like industry certification program and boot camps. According to U.S. Department of
education data stated that before pandemic 1/3 of students had some time of online course
experience the 2/3 has participated in traditional campus based lecture (Meulenbroeks, 2020). In
many economic sectors, digital transformation has been done in post-secondary education and it
is considering a start-up companies and private capital. Online learning simple becomes the
default in year 2020 and it has been approached by colleges through simply making use of
remote learning through via live Zoom classes and method which is evolved from video
conferencing since late 1990’s. There has been various online courses and degrees has been
provided to students by making use of powerful technological platforms like cloud computing,
data sets and artificial intelligence. Most of the university has made use of AI based chat bots to
support their students and answer their question which are related to learning and to find them
appropriate courses.
According to Karataş and Tuncer, (2020) Online learning is known as process of taking
courses online instead of physical classroom and it is one of the most preferred way of learning
for students who live far from campus. With the help of online learning students can earn
certificate and diploma without setting foot in physical classroom and it can also work full time
with continuing their study. In addition to this, students can set their schedule like online class
can be studied in the early morning, evening or in day time. Moreover, in many ways online
learning is different from traditional. Such as digital learners can learn from anywhere and the
biggest difference is face to face learning. In classroom setting both teacher and students have to
be present in the same place at the same time. But online learning offers a variety of delivery
styles which can offer more flexibility to learners (Hussein and et.al., 2020). There are various
types of online learning available for students such as Asynchronous which do not take place in
real time and students are provided with content and assignments which are given a time frame
to complete course work and exams. Along with this, interaction take place through blogs and
wikis and due to that there is no class meeting time. It is one of the effective for students with
busy schedules. Another type is known as Synchronous online course requires the instructor and
all enrolled students to interact online. Some of the ways to interact is through webinar, video or
audio chat and text. Thus, it enables learners to participate in course from distance in real time.

Hybrid course are learning environment which allow both the person to interact online and it is
mainly used during semester as well as computer based communication is done in session.
While doing the research regrading online class some good practice has been identified
which need to be followed by learners and teachers. Firstly, there is need of proactively
communication in which students need to be informed properly regarding the term and condition
at the early stage in order to stay away from chaos (García-Alberti and et.al., 2021). Along with
this, students should know their terms responsibility and need to stick to schedule and syllabus so
that it learns things properly. Another god practice is to reduce complexity which means focus
should be on course and the no other things which may impact learning. Central resources need
to be manage crisis communications and to provide those kinds of updates. Be realistic develop
communication plan and share it with students so that it can have idea about things properly and
in case of emergency it can communicate easily. Some of the tools like Google meet and Zoom
meeting can be used in order to conduct online class and to provide teaching material.
Smart classes were introduced and it was very successful and this was the reason online
platforms has been used during the time of pandemic for promoting the same culture. Along
with this, internet has taken learning on another level and has become one of the best platforms
for medium of education (Gamage and et.al., 2020). E- learning has been getting popular day by
day because it is convenient and easy way to gain knowledge. If good quality of education is on
doorsteps then why one will prefer online course However, there are many universities which
has opted online course as it save students and teacher travelling time and allow them to focus on
their studies. E- learning is getting very popular than classroom service and it provide everything
like lectures, activities, discussion on topic as well as question and answer.
Some of the importance of online learning are easy access to experts as student who is living in
city where there is no good coaching centre then it can opt for online class and it give
opportunity to connect with experts through computer or phone from any part of the world.
Along with this, another benefit is it save travelling charges too sometimes it cost lot to
attend offline classes and also consumes lot of time. Thus, online helpful in both the ways and it
consume less money as well as time (Casacchia and et.al., 2021). It is very flexible as classes
can be schedule at convenience of students or there is also option of recorded lecture. Some it is
hectic for working students to manage offline class so it is beneficial for them to record lecture
and save it for future. Thus, it is quite a good deal which encourage people to develop this

platform as learning centre. One of the biggest benefit of online classes are wide range of course
which are easily available and different coaching centre also provide study material and other
learning modules. In offline class mainly there are large number of students on contrary most of
the online classes have lesser crowd. Teachers are available to students on their time and this
helps in interacting directly with teacher. It can be stated that internet is one of the latest
mediums of education and it was majorly seen at the time of COVID – 19 lockdowns. All the
students were asked to join online course so that it can continue with their studies and able to
save their precious time.
Bakhmat, Babakina and Belmaz, (2021) has stated that learning is consider as one of the
most important part of personal life as well as working. Learning helps in achieving jo as well as
gaining knowledge. Along with this, online environment is changing continuously and they have
great opportunity for enhancing their knowledge. It is very important to discover appropriate
communication channels and choosing the best form of filtering the information. Nowadays
online learning turns out to be in trend after pandemic and many traditional university has started
sharing their course for free. Online learning is one of the greatest technology which a person
can be afford by students. Digital way of learning is very effective because students can finish
their homework quickly and still have time to fulfil their hobbies or do part time job. Online
platform provides access to all resources and students have freedom to opt for the course it wants
to study. This way of learning is one of the best way to learn self-discipline of students.
Moreover, some of the disadvantage of online learning is that it can be conducted in
small group only so scope is narrow. Students can learn from friends and develop good relation
with peers in offline class. Thus, one of the greater disadvantage of online learning is less
human interaction. Another disadvantage refers to the fact that online course does not deal with
large number of student which wants to join discussion. Online learning is difficult and it
involves disciplines which involve practice. Other several disadvantage is self-controlled the
success of online class usually depends on the way it is conduct (Al-Nofaie, 2020). It can create
sense of isolation as every one learns in their own way and some of students possess the ability
to work independently while other might feel comfortable working in group. However, online
classroom is trying to feel this gap by developing the feeling of community in space and
producing series of tools that might encourage learners to actively participate in live session. In
online class there is need of additional training for instructor because at initial learning curve

extra effort is required by teacher for success of class. Teacher need to develop deep
understanding of the approaches of teaching so that students can learn things easily. Professor
need to have proper training so that it can tackle technical aspect of online learning such as use
of video and audio, virtual classroom, learning management software. Thus, proper investment is
required in training so that teachers can provide lecture (Ali, 2020). The classic disadvantage of
online learning is technical problems as nothing disturb online class more than video and audio
as well as connection issues. In addition to this, many students were required to download install
apps and technology that will delivery inconsistent performance. However, nowadays online
classes are accessed through click on link without the need to install anything. Internet
connection has been improved rapidly and people device has been enhanced significantly.
Presenting Self-Evaluation
Through the overall experience I have analysed that there were certain difficulties that I
have faced during the whole research which are crucial to be noticed. Furthermore, I have
realized that there was problem of time management that had created finding the right kind of in
depth materials relating to topic in detail (Simmons and et.al., 2021). Also, another challenge
was lack of self-confidence that has not allowed me to analyse the right kind of details relating to
my research. Moreover, I have realized that self-confidence is very much required so that right
kind of data could be collected and also full validation could be proved while presenting the
data to others. Also, I have analysed that while gathering the data for current trend of online
learning there are certain risk and fear of failure that creates the huge challenge when delivering
the best project in the end. Thus, to overcome any such challenges it is very much essential that
extensive market research and proof of validation is been done so that end user are satisfied with
the data been provided (Temple Jones and et.al., 2022). Further, this research was very new to
me and therefore major challenge was that I lack relevant experience of carrying out the proper
research that is very much essential to make it structured and look presentable. However, with
support of my peers and friends I was able to gather the right kind of data in form of survey so
that more accuracy and relevancy could be shown in my whole project. Also, another challenge
was there was lack of proper focus or direction due to which I have faced difficulties in
analysing what is been correct for me during the whole research project.
Thus, the best thing that has happened to me during the whole project was that I have been able
to learn about various new concepts and also been able to analyse and interpret large amount of

data in meaningful manner. Furthermore, through this whole project I had been able to know
about various university classes and the procedure of their delivering various lectures through
their various online systems (Lousberg and et.al., 2020). Thus, this research had helped me to
built best networks within the university campuses that would be useful for my own personal
and professional growth in the future. Also, I have learnt from my overall experience in
formulating various research questions that would help me in identifying what are the problems
related with online course and what are the best possible solutions that could be suggested so
that further improvement could be made in the future. Moreover, this project was good as I
have acquired the knowledge about various online software's that are used to deliver the high
quality data that is essential for increasing the knowledge for future working in any
organization.
Furthermore, this research project has allowed me to improve my various soft and hard
skills one being most important is the communications skills that had allowed me to develop
the interaction among various individuals and collect their opinions and views about this
research project. Moreover, one thing I enjoyed most about this research project was that I was
able to conduct independent research that is very much essential when looking forward in
having best opportunities in the future. Also, through this project I was able to identify my area
of interest so that more such kind of research project could be undertaken in the future (Murphy
and McGrath, 2018). Moreover, I was able to examine and determine the possible failures and
outcomes that are expected to be derived from this project in the end. Also, brainstorming was
technique that was learnt by me while carrying out the whole research project that has helped
me to gather the valuable ideas that are relating with the project. Hence, analysing the data about
online university classes and interpreting the same has helped in my own personal growth and
development.
Also, based on my learning I could say that new trend of universities to conduct the
online learning sessions is very good as it would help students to collect and gather all the
relevant data relating with project in most efficient and easier manner. Further, I have learnt
that online sessions are advantages for long term learning among students as materials could
be accessed easily by every one and also it would provide much ease to students as online study
material could be accessed anytime and anywhere. Moreover, during the whole research I have
identified certain areas of improvement that might help me to reach greater height of success in

the future (Fraser and et.al., 2022). Also, some areas of the improvement that I have identified is
that I need to work more on my critical thinking skills so that better and more accurate
interpretation of the data might be made. Furthermore, I have also identified that I am weak in
making certain notes that are very essential so that all the major details relevant to the project
could be recorded in systematic manner.
Also, making notes is also good as such notes could be used for carrying out any future
researches regarding my field of interest. Furthermore, it has been realized by me that taking
the expert help is also very basic necessity so that proper guidance and support could be
provided wherever needed. However, I failed to do so due to limited time availability and lack
of knowledge in conducting the research project on large level. Also, I have analysed that it is
very much-needed to plan and develop the best search strategy so that problems are not faced at
during the last moment. Overall it can be said that such potential areas improvements would be
achieved by me over period and also I would design proper action plans so that proper
resources and areas that are lacking could be improved in specified timescale and in the most
systematic manner so that further future excellence in any field of subject could be assured.
CONCLUSION
From the above report it can be concluded that internet has updated education sector and it
can be seen at time of pandemic. Along with this, online mode of study is a fusion of technology
and education and it indicates how well an education system can be developed and achieve
growth. Moreover, this type of education system has changed the perspective of learning as
students can learn to accord to their schedule and able to participate in various courses. The
study has also depicted advantage and disadvantage of online learning during the time of COVID
– 19.

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