Conventional teaching methods date back to pre-historic times, especially in the aspect of continuous face-to-face interaction between the learner and the instructor. This method has proved to be an efficient means of education, leading to its popularity and widespread application. In recent times, however, with the explosion of technological development comes an inevitable new need- the need for online learning.
ADVANTAGES OF ONLINE EDUCATION
Even though it lacks the physical engagement between the learner and the instructor (which has made traditional methods so successful), online learning in itself possesses countless merits that prove it is the future of learning. Some of these merits are outlined below:
1. It is measurable:
Before learning takes place, Instructors are expected to create measurable objectives. These objectives set the goals of learning and shows what the expected outcome is. The best way to achieve this is by building KPIs (key performance index), then after teaching the learner is given quizzes, exercises or case studies to test learning and determine if the learning objectives have been achieved.
2. Early introduction to technology:
For children, online learning provides an early introduction to technology thereby increasing their knowledge base. This is a luxury that past generations were not privy to. An early introduction to technology fuels creativity, and cuts off the need to spend extra time and money on computer education since the child is already exposed to computers and can experiment with the different components.
3. Availability of learning resources:
The availability of a wide range of learning resources to suit any adopted teaching method, and the accessibility is a key advantage of online learning. For example, since children are intrigued by colours, a slideshow of the learning content can be created on a playful and colourful template.
4. It is Convenient:
The convenience of online learning is one of the attributes that makes it a preferred option, especially to the working class. Learning is not time bound and is not limited to time and space, meaning it can occur anywhere, at any time. For children, it ensures the continuity of learning even when the instructor is not physically present. This is the situation all over the world as social distancing is necessary to curb the further spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The shift from conventional methods to fully online education for every stage of learning might occur sooner than was envisaged. Blended learning, which combines classroom learning with online learning has been around for a while, and its adoption, gradual.
