The internet has altered areas like medicine, technology, travel, sports, etc. But one of the biggest fields to be impacted is education. The pandemic amplified this effect as schools and universities shifted online.
Internet ensures global connectivity. It has made education accessible by bridging barriers between students and teachers alike. This new education is modern, affordable, and flexible enough to accommodate diverse learning needs.
Let’s explore how the Internet has transformed education and its subsequent benefits.
How Has the Internet Reformed Education?
Concepts like online education and distance learning are not as new as we think. In the 70s, Britain’s Open University used to email study material to students. Then, in 1982, computer conferencing was used for distance learning.
Today dedicated e-learning platforms like edX and Coursera offer access to prerecorded lectures in every field. Also, credible college courses like Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC) are a great way to learn what international colleges are offering. Plus, online learning range from educational games and online books to video lectures. Since the pandemic, remote learning has become more common. Virtual classes and interaction are considered a new norm.
The growing popularity of internet-based education pushed institutes to enable accessibility of online resources. It also brought about the accessibility of education for students with learning disabilities and social anxiety; such an inclusive system is exactly what we need moving forward.
Benefits of Online Learning
- The internet makes education affordable. Most online educational resources are available for free or have affordable fees, offering suitable alternatives to expensive mediums.
- It improves access to good education. People living in remote areas or developing countries do not have access to quality education. The internet makes education accessible to students from remote areas.
- It has made education more interactive. In comparison to textbook learning, online education is more interactive and engaging for students. It also accommodates students with learning disorders using suitable activities.
- Students can save time. Students pursuing education have to commute to their campuses and be physically present. Online education allows students to learn conveniently.
- It enables diverse education. Students can get a global perspective as they learn through the internet. Interacting with different people can induce cross-cultural and extracurricular learning.
Challenges Associated with Internet-Based Education
The internet makes education more accessible and affordable for children but it is not all rainbows and sunshine. There are some obvious downsides to the internet itself that put a big question mark on the viability of using it for education, some of which have been discussed below:
- Security Risks
Students spending a considerable amount of time online are vulnerable to cyber threats. These include unintentionally downloading malicious software and getting hacked. Such problems can be counter-productive if not addressed seriously.
- Credibility of Online Educational Resources
As mentioned above, there is a sea of educational resources available on the internet.
A downside to this is that these resources are mostly independent. Ensuring the quality or even the credibility of these resources is impossible. As opposed to school curriculums that are regulated by educational authorities, the online resources have no accountability of what they are teaching.
- Digital Divide
Technology plays an important role in online learning. However, the digital divide is a major obstacle.
The unequal access to the internet and digital tools makes it impossible for children everywhere to get quality education. This is why online education is being adopted in first-world countries, while others face a major digital divide.
- Exposure to Inappropriate Material
The internet has all kinds of material, including the unsuitable kind. Users with an internet access may come across inappropriate material, which can damage their learning experience. Some of this material can cause trauma or even addiction in children, leading to lifelong issues.
Challenges apart, we can’t completely abandon online learning. The goal is to ensure a healthy learning environment for children using guidance and assistance.
Most Common Platforms for Online Education
The rise in the popularity of the online education model has caused my online learning platforms to come to the front. These platforms cater to diverse e-learning needs. While some platforms serve as LMS (Learning Management System) for educationists, others allow students to learn from video tutorials. Let us have a look at some of these platforms:
- Online Learning Platforms for K-12
- Kahoot: A platform that teaches educational concepts through interactive games.
- Alma: An LMS that gives a complete view of students’ performance.
- Khan Academy: A learning platform that teaches a variety of topics through videos.
- Online Learning Platforms for College Students
- Coursera: A platform for professional skills and college-level concepts.
- edX: A platform that consolidates courses from all top-level colleges like Harvard, MIT, etc.
- Udemy: A learning and teaching marketplace, similar to Coursera
Bonus Tips: Making the Most Out of Internet-Based Education
- Educationists and teachers can use LMS like Google Classroom or Blackboard to streamline tasks and reduce administrative workload.
- Students should be in a distraction-free environment while learning online.
- It is important to have a fast and dependable internet connection like Spectrum Internet during online learning.
- To combat a lack of motivation, you can set small goals. The Pomodoro technique is a great way to do stay motivated.
- Installing anti-virus software and learning about cybersecurity practices can save you from cyber threats.
