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Writer's pictureSheryl Tagab

Online Education: Learning Both Sides of the Coin

Expository Writing about Online Education

A diploma is a pass to independence and a ticket to the future. The most powerful tool for changing the world is education. Education is an essential part of people's lives. In truth, because of advancements and other influential innovations that incorporate more obvious teaching and learning techniques, education is much more globally competitive today than it was before. This is where “online education” paving its way. It is the process of studying without having to physically attend classes or lectures. In learning, society has made use of the technologies available today wherein conventional classroom and whiteboard have given way to online learning. In fact, due to today’s world situation, all levels of education were forced to make an abrupt transition to online education. It assessed how well schools are prepared to cope with a crisis that necessarily involves the use of advanced technologies, such as hardware and software, to facilitate successful online learning. But what are the two sides of the coin? Indeed, there are many advantages to online education, but there are some advantages to conventional learning that technology cannot replace. This writing will help readers to be more educated and aware of the benefits and costs of online education.


Educators have quickly established online learning methods. This means that the target goal is to create a better world rather than return to normal. There have been many advancements in educational technology which have proven to be extremely useful during this pandemic. For instance, students primarily learn by watching instructional videos and completing assignments given by the teacher in the form of PDF files or other formats. It is the student's sole duty to complete them since one of the main advantages of online education is that students can study at their own pace. In order to master a new area of knowledge, learners would only need a laptop, cellphone, computer with Internet access, as well as possibly additional materials or software, depending on the subject or discipline. They can watch videos whenever and wherever it is convenient for them, complete assignments whenever and wherever it is convenient for them as well. Moreover, learners have lifetime access to all content, and if they miss anything, they can still go back and review it, re-watch the video, etc.


In addition, online education is less expensive. Students during face-to-face classes are expected to cover the costs of textbooks, transportation, institutional facilities like libraries, computer laboratory, science laboratory, CR, etc. Online education, on the other hand, only charges for tuition and other required expenses such as enrollment fee, PTA fee, and Webinar registration fee. As a result, both the rich and the poor will benefit from virtual education. It is indeed more advantageous to parents who work hard to meet their child's needs, especially in today's pandemic, because the money planned for other school-related expenses can be used for other household needs.


In contrast, online education leads to purchasing a laptop, computer, tablet, or smartphone and securing an internet connection. These things are not something that all learners can right away provide and these can be associated with the word “compliance.” Many students nowadays simply comply without learning as long as they can submit, and that's it. They do the tasks unwillingly, despite their ability to complain about the learning style. This is true in today's new normal, because learners are the ones who work and monitor their learning style, and it is their choice whether or not to read PDFs, watch videos, or study after lectures. As a result, online education is more prone to “just for compliance” nowadays.


Furthermore, online education relies solely on e-mail, chat rooms, and discussion groups for contact. Students are unable to communicate with one another face-to-face and it is an unusual mode of communication. This is also why learners in this time of pandemic are suffering from physical, mental, and emotional breakdowns. Some have the difficulty in dealing with their silent battles, unsaid thoughts, and feelings since a wave of familiarity washed over them. They encountered sleepless nights, shaking of the body literally, and crying in the middle of the night about school and other things. This means that the changes were abrupt, sharp, and blur to them.


In conclusion, there may be drawbacks to coping with online education, but with a positive outlook, a better future for learners is not far to achieve. Yes, dealing with the challenges of online learning can be discouraging at times, but there is no proof that false hope exists. Everyone should realize that whether learning is done in a traditional or modern style, the goal is the same and that is to treasure education as the key to one’s success.

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