Online learning is a straightforward educational method that motivates students to study anywhere—utilizing the most recent technologies aids in gaining comprehensive knowledge. Education is keeping up with the digital transformation as students benefit from online learning and individualized instruction. As a result of the current epidemic, which abruptly pulled billions of pupils from their classes, online learning has gained popularity (Chiodini, 2020). Even educational institutions use online learning strategies to keep up with the times. Online learning needs a computer or mobile device, as well as an internet connection, and offers educators and students many benefits. Anyone can purchase a course that piques their interest and study it from a distance. Additionally, this has allowed people to efficiently explore, acquire, and transmit information while spending little money. The COVID-19 pandemic forced many educational institutions to use online learning. However, it is still being determined if the online learning trend will continue because some institutions have already removed online learning from their system in this post-pandemic world.
As an international student studying in the US, I could not travel to attend physical classes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Luckily, my university offered online classes, enabling me to continue my studies. Online learning was convenient for me during the pandemic (Chiodini, 2020). Despite its many advantages, I encountered some significant challenges while studying online, and this made me reflect on its feasibility in the post-pandemic era or period. The flexibility associated with online learning makes it a good choice. For instance, I could access lectures and course materials anytime and anywhere with online learning. Since I was entirely at home during the pandemic, this flexibility enabled me to balance my studies with different commitments like home chores. Through online learning, I could also access different multimedia sources like discussion forums, interactive quizzes, and videos (Nguyen, 2015). These materials helped in improving my learning experience. I, however, encountered some challenges during online learning. One of the challenges was the inability to stay engaged and motivated in my studies because I was not required to attend lectures physically. I also missed the face-to-face interactions with my peers and professors. The lack of these physical interactions limited my capacity to seek feedback, as questions, and collaborate on assignments. Also, the hands-on or lab-based courses could have gone better with online learning. I could not choose courses involving lab practices, limiting my course selection options.
Various factors determine if online learning will be feasible in the post-pandemic period. One of these factors is the assessment of the effectiveness or success of online learning based on students’ results. Online learning has proved to have positive students outcome in areas such as access and flexibility (Jones & Sharma, 2020). However, some things about online learning are yet to be addressed. These things include the effect of online learning on student outcomes like critical thinking skills, engagement, and retention. Another factor determining the feasibility of online learning in the post-pandemic era is technology and the internet. Online learning heavily relies on technology and the internet. The future feasibility of online learning in this post-pandemic era depends on if all students have reliable internet access and access to technical support and the required resources (Nguyen, 2015). Students need proper access to the right technology and the internet for online learning to succeed or find it hard to catch up with privileged students if online learning continues in the post-pandemic era. Also, the issues of data security and privacy, which are associated with technology and internet use, are significant in the future feasibility of online learning. Students’ credentials are usually required to log in to classes to access different course materials. This means that in case of any data breaches in the portals, the privacy and security of their details are threatened. For online learning to be feasible in this era, there must be sufficient assurance that data privacy and security are not threatened. Lastly, another factor that will determine the future feasibility of online learning is its capacity to promote equity and education needs access. Online learning reaches a broader audience than all other learning methods. However, it creates many concerns about the economic and social inequalities it creates. It disadvantages students from poor backgrounds with limited access to online support and resources (Koksal, 2020). This exacerbates the already existing disparities in educational outcomes.
Online learning is a teaching method associated with different disadvantages and disadvantages. Th feasibility of online learning in the post-pandemic period will depend on factors like its effect on equity and access to education, technology, and the internet, and its effectiveness in student outcomes. Being an international student who has experienced firsthand the benefits and challenges of online learning, I think online learning cannot be a sufficient learning method. Instead, there needs to be a hybrid teaching approach combining class and online learning characteristics. This approach will help in achieving the balance between learning outcomes, engagement, and flexibility.
References
Chiodini, J. (2020). Online learning in the time of COVID-19. Travel medicine and infectious disease, p. 34, 101669.
Jones, K., & Sharma, R. (2020). On reimagining a future for online learning in the post-COVID era.
Koksal, I. (2020). The rise of online learning. Forbes.
Nguyen, T. (2015). The effectiveness of online learning: Beyond no significant difference and future horizons. MERLOT Journal of online learning and teaching, 11(2), 309–319.
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