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50 Pros and Cons of Online Learning [Deep Analysis] 

Online learning represents a transformative shift in educational paradigms, leveraging digital technology to provide accessible and flexible learning options. This modality has seen a surge in popularity, driven by a global recognition of its potential to transcend traditional educational boundaries. It enables people from various backgrounds to obtain quality education remotely, eliminating the constraints of geographical location. Despite its advantages, online learning also presents challenges, including the digital divide, reduced interpersonal interactions, and concerns about educational quality. This deep analysis aims to explore the 50 pros and cons of online learning, offering a comprehensive view of its impact and highlighting both the opportunities and hurdles it presents in the ever-evolving education landscape.

Pros of Online Learning  

Let’s delve into each pro of online learning to help students understand the topic more precisely:

1. Flexibility

Online learning provides flexibility, allowing students to study anytime and anywhere, accommodating the schedules of working individuals, parents, or those with irregular timings. This adaptability helps students manage their educational pursuits and other personal and professional responsibilities. It assists in organizing learning schedules around personal and professional commitments, reducing stress and enhancing the ability to balance educational needs with life and work responsibilities. For example, a working professional can integrate their studies into their routine by studying during evenings or weekends, making education feasible amidst a hectic schedule.

2. Accessibility

Accessibility in online learning, facilitated by just an internet connection, allows students from any geographic location to access quality education, thus eliminating distance and travel barriers. This feature is especially beneficial for those in rural or underserved areas. It helps by providing access to quality education regardless of one’s location, effectively removing geographical and physical barriers. This accessibility promotes equal learning opportunities and supports inclusive education, ensuring that students, irrespective of their location, can enroll in specialized programs offered by urban or even international institutions. For example, a learner from a remote area can register for specialized courses provided by universities located in major cities or abroad, broadening their educational and career prospects.

Related: How to Make Most of Online Learning?

3. Variety of Courses

Online platforms offer various courses across various fields and specialties, empowering students to engage with subjects that may not be locally available, ranging from advanced scientific courses to creative arts and languages. This diversity of offerings provides a broad spectrum of learning opportunities, enabling students to delve into different fields or concentrate on niche areas, thus enhancing their career prospects and personal development. For instance, an individual interested in rare languages can access specific online courses that are not available in their local area, facilitating specialized learning and exploration in their field of interest.

4. Pace Control

Students can progress through courses at a pace that aligns with their learning preferences and capabilities, allowing fast learners to accelerate their studies and those needing more time to proceed without pressure. This pacing flexibility helps students learn at a speed that suits their learning style, thereby improving comprehension and retention. It also minimizes frustration and maximizes the effectiveness of the learning process. For example, students facing difficulties with a complex math concept can take extra time to review and practice, ensuring they fully understand and master the material before moving on.

5. Cost-Effective

Online education typically incurs lower costs than traditional campus-based learning, with savings extending to commuting, accommodation, and often course materials, thus making education more financially accessible. This affordability helps reduce the financial burden of education, making it more achievable for a broader range of students. Reducing costs associated with online learning can also lessen student debt and alleviate financial stress. For example, students taking online courses often save on expenses related to commuting, textbooks, and campus facilities, contributing to the overall cost-effectiveness of their education.

Studying in a familiar and comfortable environment can reduce stress and improve concentration, thus enhancing the learning experience. This setup helps by allowing students to study in a preferred environment, leading to better focus and productivity. The additional benefits of personalized study conditions include an improved overall learning experience and increased satisfaction. For instance, students can create a quiet, personalized study space at home, tailored to their specific needs, free from the distractions often encountered in classroom settings, thereby fostering a more conducive learning atmosphere.

Related: Hybrid Learning vs Online Learning

7. Technology Skills

Navigating online learning platforms and tools can improve digital literacy, a crucial skill in today’s technology-driven world. This enhancement of digital literacy and technical skills is essential for the modern workforce, helping individuals become more competent and adaptable to technological advancements. The additional benefits include improved employability as individuals become more adept at using digital tools, making them more attractive to potential employers. An example is the regular use of learning management systems and online research tools, which prepares students for the technological demands of contemporary, tech-savvy workplaces.

8. Interactive Content

Online courses often include multimedia elements such as videos, interactive simulations, and quizzes, making learning more engaging and effective. This approach actively engages students, making learning more enjoyable and impactful. Including various multimedia elements caters to different learning styles and enhances information retention, offering a more dynamic and interactive educational experience. For instance, interactive simulations in an online science course enable students to experiment with concepts in a virtual lab setting, providing a hands-on experience that deepens their understanding and engagement with the material.

9. Global Perspective

Interacting with students and instructors worldwide in online learning contexts exposes learners to different viewpoints and cultures, enriching their educational experience and broadening their worldview. This exposure to international perspectives and cultural diversity enhances global awareness and understanding, which is increasingly important in today’s interconnected world. Such interactions prepare students for globalized careers and working in multicultural environments, equipping them with the skills to navigate diverse cultural dynamics. An example of this is engaging in collaborative projects with international peers, which can provide valuable insights into varied business practices and cultural norms, further enhancing the learning experience and preparing students for international professional interactions.

10. Self-Discipline and Responsibility

The self-directed nature of online learning fosters the development of crucial life skills such as time management, self-discipline, and personal responsibility. This environment helps cultivate personal skills like time management, self-motivation, and organizational abilities, which are beneficial in both personal and professional settings. For example, managing deadlines for multiple online courses teaches students to prioritize tasks and manage their time effectively. These skills honed through the self-regulatory demands of online education, are valuable assets that enhance an individual’s ability to navigate various aspects of life and career successfully.

Related: Reasons to Attend Regular College

11. Immediate Feedback

Many online courses offer instant feedback on quizzes and assignments, enabling students to comprehend their mistakes and learn from them quickly. This rapid feedback mechanism allows students to identify areas of weakness promptly and concentrate their efforts on improvement, thereby accelerating the learning process and facilitating the achievement of mastery. For instance, instant grading on online quizzes provides an immediate understanding of errors, allowing students to promptly correct and grasp the necessary concepts. This feature of online learning enhances the educational experience by providing timely insights into performance, thereby aiding in more efficient and effective learning.

12. Customizable Learning Environment

Online learners have the flexibility to create a study space that best suits their needs, from a quiet home office to a local café with headphones, enabling them to tailor their environment to their preferences, which improves concentration and efficiency. This personalization of the study space not only enhances comfort and personal well-being but also positively affects learning outcomes. For example, students can establish a quiet corner in their home equipped with all necessary study materials, crafting an ideal learning environment that fosters productivity and academic success. This adaptability in creating a conducive study setting is a significant advantage of online learning, allowing individuals to optimize their surroundings to support their learning process.

13. Accessibility for Disabled Individuals

Online education is notably more accessible for students with physical disabilities, providing customizable learning experiences and eliminating the need for physical travel. This accessibility ensures equal education opportunities, offering necessary accommodations and support and promoting inclusivity and equal opportunities in education. For example, online courses with features like closed captioning and adjustable text sizes cater to the needs of students with hearing or visual impairments, making learning more accessible.

14. Up-to-date Content

Digital courses can be easily updated to reflect the latest research, technology, and industry trends, ensuring that students receive the most current education. This constant updating keeps learners competitive and relevant in their fields, with courses in rapidly evolving sectors like digital marketing or cybersecurity swiftly incorporating the latest trends and technologies.

Related: Benefits of Online Learning for Working Executives

15. Resource Availability

The availability of resources is a significant benefit of online learning. Many materials, such as e-books, academic papers, and educational videos, are readily accessible, often at no additional cost. This access supports extensive research and a deeper understanding of subjects, with online libraries, journals, and videos greatly enriching students’ research and learning experiences.

16. Reduced Anxiety

For students who experience anxiety in traditional classroom settings, online learning offers a less intimidating environment, allowing them to engage more comfortably with the material. This less stressful and more controlled setting can lead to improved mental health and better academic performance, exemplified by the ease of participating in discussions via online forums compared to face-to-face interactions.

17. Learning Retention

Engaging multimedia content in online courses can significantly enhance memory and information retention, making learning more effective. Interactive elements like virtual reality can simulate real-world scenarios, deepening understanding and aiding recall, enhancing immediate learning and contributing to long-term retention of information.

18. Scalability

Scalability in online learning allows for accommodating many students, making education accessible to a broader audience, and overcoming the physical constraints of traditional classrooms. This scalability enables education delivery to many students, increasing the reach of educational programs and facilitating wider knowledge dissemination. For example, thousands of students can take a popular online course globally, unlike a traditional classroom with limited capacity.

19. Sustainable

Sustainability is a significant advantage of online learning, as it eliminates the need for daily commuting, making it more environmentally sustainable by reducing traffic congestion and lowering emissions. This approach reduces the carbon footprint associated with traditional campus-based education and supports environmental sustainability, aligning with green living practices. For instance, the online learning model significantly reduces travel-related carbon emissions, reducing the overall environmental impact.

Related: Reasons Why the Future of Education Is Online Learning

20. Career Advancement

Online courses offer career advancement opportunities by enabling working professionals to enhance their education and skills without interrupting their careers, thus supporting continuous professional development. This allows individuals to pursue further education while maintaining their career trajectory, enhancing their professional skills and knowledge, and remaining competitive in the job market. An example is an IT professional who can upskill by completing an online cybersecurity course, qualifying for higher-paying and more specialized roles.

21. Innovative Teaching Methods

Innovative teaching methods in online education, such as gamification, virtual reality simulations, and collaborative projects, enrich the learning experience. These methods introduce new and engaging ways of learning that accommodate diverse learning preferences and needs, making the educational process more dynamic and increasing student engagement and success rates. For instance, gamification can make learning more enjoyable and interactive, boosting participation and motivation.

22. Expert Access

Access to experts is a hallmark of online learning. Students can receive instruction from leading figures in various fields, ensuring access to high-quality education and insights, irrespective of their location. This access provides students with the opportunity to learn from top professionals and academics, offering high-caliber education and insights. For example, students can participate in online lectures or workshops led by renowned scholars or industry leaders, which would be inaccessible locally.

23. Networking Opportunities

Networking opportunities abound in online platforms, which often include forums, group projects, and social media connections, enabling students to network globally with peers and professionals. This networking facilitates global connections beneficial for collaborative learning and career development, expanding professional networks, and creating opportunities for future partnerships or employment. Through online courses, students can connect with industry experts and peers worldwide, potentially leading to job opportunities or collaborative projects.

24. Cultural Exchange

Cultural exchange in online courses allows students to interact with peers from different cultural backgrounds, enhancing cultural understanding and exchange. This interaction fosters cultural sensitivity and global awareness, contributing to personal development and preparing students for global work environments. In online settings, group projects can provide collaboration opportunities with peers from various countries, offering valuable insights into diverse cultures and work ethics.

25. Lifelong Learning

Online education supports lifelong learning by offering accessible educational opportunities for individuals at any career or life stage, thereby fostering continuous personal and professional growth. This facilitates ongoing education and skill development, enabling individuals to remain knowledgeable and adaptable throughout their careers. Online education promotes personal fulfillment and professional competitiveness in a rapidly evolving world, with professionals continuously updating their skills through online courses, workshops, and webinars to adapt to industry changes and advance their careers.

Related: Online Learning vs Classroom Learning

Cons of Online Learning

1. lack of social interaction.

Online learners often miss out on the social dynamics of a classroom, leading to potential isolation and reduced interpersonal skills. Overcoming this involves participating in online forums, virtual study groups, and social networks to build connections and engage in social learning.

2. Technology Dependence

The effectiveness of online education largely depends on reliable technology and internet access. To overcome potential barriers, securing access to the required technological resources and establishing contingency plans for technical setbacks is essential. This proactive approach ensures continuity in learning, minimizing disruptions caused by technological issues and maintaining a steady and productive online educational experience.

3. Self-Motivation Requirement

Online learning requires self-motivation and effective time management. To overcome these challenges, establish clear goals, develop a structured study schedule, and employ accountability mechanisms, such as regular check-ins with peers or mentors, to maintain progress and motivation throughout the learning process.

4. Limited Hands-On Experience

The challenge of limited hands-on experience in online learning, particularly in practical subjects, can be addressed by actively seeking supplementary practical opportunities. Engaging in internships, workshops, or lab work can provide real-world experience and hands-on skills that complement and enhance the online educational experience.

5. Screen Fatigue

Extended screen time can lead to eye strain and fatigue. Addressing this issue involves taking regular breaks, performing eye exercises, and creating an ergonomic workspace. These practices help alleviate discomfort and prevent fatigue, enhancing productivity and well-being during prolonged digital engagement. An optimal setup and routine can significantly improve the online learning experience and overall eye health.

6. Potential for Distractions

Home environments may present distractions, affecting concentration. Mitigating this requires establishing a dedicated study area and employing time management techniques to maintain focus and enhance productivity.

Related: EdTech vs eLearning: Key Differences

7. Technical Issues

Online learning is prone to technical problems. Addressing this necessitates honing troubleshooting abilities and consistently engaging with technical support to swiftly resolve issues and ensure a smooth learning experience.

8. Reduced Immediate Feedback

Delayed feedback in online learning can be addressed by students proactively requesting input and participating in platforms that offer immediate responses. By actively seeking evaluations and utilizing quick feedback tools, learners can enhance their understanding and adjust their study approach in real time, leading to a more effective and responsive educational experience.

9. Quality and Accreditation Concerns

The variability in online program quality can affect qualification recognition. Overcoming this involves researching and enrolling in accredited and reputable programs.

10. Limited Instructor Interaction

Limited interaction with instructors in online courses can be countered by students proactively reaching out through different communication methods for guidance. Engaging with teachers via emails, online office hours, and discussion forums can enhance the learning experience, ensuring students receive the mentorship and support they need to succeed in their online academic pursuits.

11. Cultural and Language Barriers

Online learning’s diversity can lead to communication challenges. Overcoming this involves using translation tools and engaging in cultural exchange programs.

12. Requires Strong Digital Literacy

Successful online learning demands proficient digital skills. These skills can be enhanced by attending digital literacy workshops, where participants can improve their technical abilities. Such educational programs equip learners with the expertise to navigate online platforms effectively, ensuring a more efficient and enriched learning experience. This proactive approach to skill development is crucial for optimizing the benefits of digital education.

Related: How to Network in an Online Training Program?

13. Assessment Challenges

Online assessments can pose challenges to integrity and fairness. Overcoming these involves advocating for transparent assessment methods and using online proctoring services.

14. Learning Style Mismatch

Online learning doesn’t accommodate every learning style, but this can be addressed by selecting online programs that provide a variety of teaching methods and materials. By choosing programs that cater to different preferences, such as visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning styles, students can enhance their learning experience and outcomes, ensuring a more inclusive and adaptable educational environment.

15. Isolation from Campus Life

Online students often lack the campus experience, but this can be mitigated by participating in virtual activities or attending local events replicating campus life. Engaging in these experiences allows for social interaction, networking, and a sense of community, bridging the gap between online and traditional education environments and enhancing the educational journey.

16. Overreliance on Written Communication

Online learning often relies heavily on written communication. Enhancing communication with video calls and voice messages can overcome this.

17. Time Zone Conflicts

Time zone differences in international online courses can complicate scheduling. To overcome this, strategic planning and scheduling tools are essential for effective coordination. By utilizing these tools, students and instructors can synchronize their activities across different time zones, ensuring that everyone can participate in live sessions and collaborative projects. This enhances the overall learning experience and minimizes the inconvenience caused by geographical disparities.

18. Limited Career Services

Online students often face restricted access to career services. They should utilize online career resources and participate in virtual job fairs to mitigate this. These strategies provide access to career advice, networking opportunities, and potential job openings, effectively bridging the gap between online education and career development. Engaging with these resources can significantly enhance the career prospects of online learners.

19. Minimal Peer Learning

Online courses may reduce opportunities for peer interaction, which is vital for collaborative learning and networking. To counter this, students should actively form or become part of study groups and engage in online discussion forums. These platforms enable the exchange of ideas, enhance understanding through collective learning, and foster a sense of community, effectively bridging the gap in social interaction within the digital learning environment.

20. Lack of Accredited Programs

Accredited online programs are scarce in some fields. Overcoming this limitation requires diligent research to identify industry-recognized, accredited programs. Ensuring accreditation helps validate the quality and credibility of the online education received, aligning it with professional standards and enhancing career prospects.

21. Inadequate IT Support

Insufficient IT support can impede online learning, but overcoming this challenge requires familiarizing oneself with frequent technical problems and pinpointing available support resources. By understanding common technical difficulties and knowing where to seek assistance, students can navigate and resolve IT issues more effectively, ensuring a smoother and more uninterrupted online learning experience.

22. Course Completion Rates

Establishing personal milestones and actively participating in the course community can counter lower completion rates in online learning. Setting individual goals and interacting with peers and instructors creates a more engaging and accountable learning environment. This approach motivates students to persist through their courses, improving completion rates and fostering a sense of achievement and belonging within the online educational setting.

23. Perceptions of Legitimacy

Skepticism regarding the legitimacy of online qualifications exists. To counter this, selecting programs with reputable credentials and clearly articulating the rigor of online coursework can enhance their perceived value. Demonstrating the thoroughness and depth of online education helps gain recognition and respect for these qualifications.

24. Physical Health Concerns

Online learning’s sedentary nature can cause health problems. Mitigating these risks requires engaging in regular physical activities, using ergonomic furniture, and maintaining proper posture. These practices promote physical well-being, preventing the negative health impacts of prolonged sitting and screen time.

25. Emotional Well-being

The solitary aspect of online learning can affect mental well-being. To mitigate this, it’s crucial to lead a balanced lifestyle, cultivate social connections, and utilize mental health resources. Engaging in regular physical and social activities, establishing a support network, and seeking professional help when needed can alleviate the psychological challenges of online education, promoting a healthier, more supportive learning experience..

Exploring the 50 pros and cons of online learning reveals a complex picture where its advantages and disadvantages intertwine. Online education democratizes access to learning, offers flexibility, and tailors to diverse needs, yet encounters challenges like technology disparities, engagement difficulties, and questions of academic integrity. Advancing online learning requires a balanced strategy that amplifies its advantages while methodically mitigating its limitations. As we move forward, integrating innovative solutions, policy reforms, and continuous research will be crucial in enhancing the efficacy and experience of online education, ensuring it serves as a robust and inclusive platform for learners worldwide.

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The pros and cons of online learning

What to look for in an online course.

By: MIT xPRO

If you’re at a point in your life where you’re considering continuing your education, you may wonder if online learning is the right path for you.

Taking an online course requires a notable investment of time, effort, and money, so it’s important to feel confident about your decision before moving forward. While online learning works incredibly well for some people, it’s not for everyone.

We recently sat down with MIT xPRO Senior Instructional Designer and Program Manager Luke Hobson to explore the pros and cons of online learning and what to look for in an online course. If you’re waiting for a sign about whether or not to enroll in that course you’ve been eying, you just might find it here.

Pros of Online Learning

First, let’s take a look at the true value of online learning by examining some of the benefits:

1. Flexibility

Online learning’s most significant advantage is its flexibility. It’s the reason millions of adults have chosen to continue their education and pursue certificates and degrees.

Asynchronous courses allow learners to complete work at their own pace, empowering them to find the optimal time to consume the content and submit assignments.

Some people are more attentive, focused, and creative in the mornings compared to the evenings and vice versa. Whatever works best for the learners should be the priority of the learning experience.

2. Community

When Luke asks people about their main reason for enrolling in a course, a common answer is networking and community.

Learners crave finding like-minded individuals who are going through the same experiences and have the same questions. They want to find a place where they belong. Being in the company of others who understand what they’re going through can help online learners who are looking for support and motivation during challenging times and times that are worth celebrating.

Some learners have created study groups and book clubs that have carried on far beyond the end of the course-it’s amazing what can grow from a single post on a discussion board!

3. Latest information

“Speed is a massive benefit of online learning,” and according to Luke, it often doesn’t get the attention it deserves.

“When we say speed, we don’t mean being quick with learning. We mean actual speed to market. There are so many new ideas evolving within technical spaces that it’s impossible to keep courses the way they were originally designed for a long period of time.”

Luke notes that a program on Additive Manufacturing , Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality , or Nanotechnology must be checked and updated frequently. More formal learning modalities have difficulty changing content at this rapid pace. But within the online space, it’s expected that the course content will change as quickly as the world itself does.

Cons of Online Learning

Now that we’ve looked at some of the biggest pros of online learning, let’s examine a few of the drawbacks:

1. Learning environment

While many learners thrive in an asynchronous learning environment, others struggle. Some learners prefer live lessons and an instructor they can connect with multiple times a week. They need these interactions to feel supported and to persist.

Most learners within the online space identify themselves as self-directed learners, meaning they can learn on their own with the right environment, guidance, materials, and assignments. Learners should know themselves first and understand their preferences when it comes to what kind of environment will help them thrive.

2. Repetition

One drawback of online courses is that the structure can be repetitive: do a reading, respond to two discussion posts, submit an essay, repeat. After a while, some learners may feel disengaged from the learning experience.

There are online courses that break the mold and offer multiple kinds of learning activities, assessments, and content to make the learning experience come alive, but it may take some research to find them-more on what to look for in an online course later in this article! Luke and his colleagues at MIT xPRO are mindful of designing courses that genuinely engage learners from beginning to end.

3. Underestimation

Luke has noticed that some learners underestimate how much work is required in an online course. They may mistakenly believe that online learning is somehow “easier” compared to in-person learning.

For those learners who miscalculate how long they will need to spend online or how challenging the assignments can be, changing that mindset is a difficult process. It’s essential to set aside the right amount of time per week to contribute to the content, activities, and assignments. Creating personal deadlines and building a study routine are two best practices that successful online learners follow to hold themselves accountable.

Experience the Value of Online Learning: What to Look For in an Online Course

You’ve probably gathered by now that not all online courses are created equal. On one end of the spectrum, there are methods of online learning that leave learners stunned by what a great experience they had. On the other end of the spectrum, some online learning courses are so disappointing that learners regret their decision to enroll.

If you want to experience the value of online learning, it’s essential to pick the right course. Here’s a quick list of what to look for:

• Feedback and connection to peers within the course platform. Interacting regularly with other learners makes a big difference. Luke and the MIT xPRO team use peer-reviewed feedback to give learners the opportunity to engage with each other’s work.
• Proof of hard work. In the online learning space, proof of hard work often comes in the form of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) or specific certifications. MIT xPRO course participants who successfully complete one or more courses are eligible to receive CEUs , which many employers, licensing agencies, and professional associations accept as evidence of a participant’s serious commitment to their professional development.

Online learning isn’t for everyone, but with the right approach, it can be a valuable experience for many people. Now that you know what to look for in an online course, see what Luke and the MIT xPRO instructional design team have to offer by checking out the latest MIT xPRO courses and programs .

Originally published at http://curve.mit.edu on August 8th, 2022.

The pros and cons of online learning was originally published in MIT Open Learning on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

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7 Advantages & Disadvantages Of Online Learning

7 Advantages Of Online Learning (Latest Data)

Now that we have discussed the downsides of online learning, let’s look at some positives. In the section below, I have added seven benefits of online learning along with relevant statistics for you to refer to:-

1. Cost-Effective

While most tuition fees make you want to sell your body parts, some colleges provide an abundance of free resources. They only charged me for the exam fee and application form. 

The rest of the service was completely free of cost. Most importantly, you can even learn from any foreign university without spending a penny on flights and accommodations.

Check out the data from the Education Data Initiative below:-

• Students who commute to college pay $1,360 per annum.
• The cost of an online degree is $54,183, whereas the price for the same degree is $85,348.
• Students pay $600 extra for campus meals.
• The private institution charges $60,593 for online students, whereas the same course for in-person students is $60,593.

2. Availability Of More Programs

When learning at a school, sometimes you cannot take a particular class because teachers are unavailable. This happened to me once when I wanted to take Sociology. 

However, when you pursue an external school, abundant resources are available. 

For example, online platforms like Udemy, Skillshare, and Teachable have boasted in sales due to their abundant courses and demand for professionals. For instance, Radix web of e-learning statistics found that Teachability has over 20K available courses .

In fact, that’s what enhanced most tutors’ salaries, which are up to $40K annually. The only downside of online learning is the need for help picking the reference materials. (If you are studying entirely on your own.) 

I understand how complicated languages some materials use, but considering the technology these days, you can easily ask ChatGPT to break it down for you in simpler words. 

3. Learn At Your Pace 

My favorite part about online learning is not having anyone on your back to pace you up. 

American Heart Association has stated that learning at your own pace increases the retention rate by 25% to 67% . Not only that, but it improves student performance by 25%.

So, now, you can decide on the topic or class you want to learn and adjust your time management. You don’t need to wake up at 7 to take that Psychology class. Instead, you can learn all night, considering the lectures are mostly recorded. 

4. 24/7 Convenience 

Unlike traditional learning, which has a 6-8 hours working period, when you learn from home, you are self-sufficient and learn anytime (or night). 

Online Learning flexibility is the main reason why 63% of students do not need to depend on the school’s service that does revert past Friday. Instead, they get to ask your queries in the study groups, as most online learnings encourage collaboration. 

Over 42% of older adults (30+) were more enthusiastic about enrolling in online education because they don’t need to learn their full-time jobs. It’s even more convenient to take courses outside your city or country. 

5. Meet Students From Across The Globe

Continuing the above point, meeting people from different cultural backgrounds is rare when learning in a traditional setting. At most, you will meet people similar to your ethnicity. 

However, when you learn online, you take up random courses all across the globe:-

• Digital Exchange Program: The free weekly video call program invites 6 to 12th-grade students and matches them with peers worldwide while engaging in random activities. 

Here, you have a higher chance of meeting different people. Sometimes, you do not need to enroll in any foreign exchange program. 

• Instead, you can meet people in 24/7 online study forums . 
• There are also Discord channels where people can join just to study together. 

6. Learning On Personalize Level

The increasing demand for online learning is due to its personalized nature. According to G2 e-learning Hub , 36% of students prefer online learning due to its personalized learning. 

They also suggest a 25% to 60% retention rate through online learning. For example, some students are visual learners, while others prefer more audio or written material. 

So, depending on your choice of learning, different websites tailor their teaching method to a student’s learning speed and sense of style. One of the best examples is the Busuu language app, which caters to visual and auditory learners.

7. You Learn To Be Disciplined

Learning discipline is another benefit of online learning that is also a drawback. Students have become so lenient in the last couple of years that focusing for more than 2 seconds is difficult. 

For me especially, I had to learn not to change tabs whenever I was bored, received a text, or wanted to change the song. I developed more self-discipline once I started restricting myself from acting on my distractions. That improved my productivity even more. 

High School of America has given some effective tips to develop self-discipline. 

11 Disadvantages Of Online Learning As of 2024

Learning from home is a necessity once in a while, as it helps you relax and get your tasks done at a flexible pace. But do you think it’s beneficial in the long term? 

Multiple studies suggest online learning has increased screen time consumption, which has detrimental effects. 

So, let’s take a look at 11 hand-picked disadvantages of online learning as of 2024:-

1. Online Learning Is Not Available For Everyone

According to the ACT Research , the US population has shown that 25% of students come from low-income families. That, as a result, limits their access to reliable internet and technology.

In fact, due to constant power outages, frequent glitches restrict productivity, too. Don’t believe me? In 2022, the average US resident raised concerns about five and a half hours of electricity interruptions to EIA – the Electricity Information Administration. 

This made it difficult for students to attend online classes (as there was no Internet) or deliver their assignments on time. 

Let’s assume that you could use mobile data. However, bigger gadgets like laptops and desktops require more internet and would quickly exhaust your daily internet limit. Moreover, the lack of electricity directly affected the inability to use a computer. 

For laptop users, their battery life was short, too. So, overall, having frequent power outages affected online learning.

2. Difficulty Staying Focused

Online learning means access to laptops and mobile devices. Considering the low attention span of this generation, they have a habit of switching tabs every two minutes. 

This especially happens during online lectures and thus results in incomplete knowledge. 

The National Medicine Library studied how distracted you are when you use devices while studying. 41.1% of students are a little distracted, whereas 12.2% cannot focus at all. 

Either way, this affects students’ ability to understand the concepts they are learning fully. For example, you are in an online lecture. Now, since you are bored, you switch tabs and open Twitter! Occasionally, posting how you cannot wait to log out. In these moments of distraction, you miss out on the important information your professor shares. 

Assuming that it’s a sure-shot question that would appear in the exam, you would lose grades since you were not aware. The moral: Distraction is dangerous for an online student.

3. Limited Access To Resources And Support

Multiple complaints have arisen from online students. When you are distance learning, receiving proper notes, understanding the exam and assignment schedule, and, worst of all, having no group chats with students is too difficult. 

Overall, it makes online learning really hassling process. You do not have any other choice but to visit your academic center. As per the Cengage survey of 2020 , over 81% of students are not getting enough support from their instructors. 

Likewise, some academic leaders ended up being accountable – as the research held by Babson Group stated that only 29.1% of University professors were satisfied and believed they succeeded in providing necessary support to online learners. 

4. Lack Of In-Person Contact

Sometime in March 2020, Barnes and Noble Education conducted a survey in which around 432 US college students participated:-

• 64% expressed not having a suitable study environment at home.
• 55% raised their concern over reduced social interactions. 
• 45% of students shared that they could not perform well through online learning.

So, it’s evident that most students find studying around peers helpful as they learn better.

That’s because when you see your peers doing better and achieving good marks, you are fueled to study hard, too. Having healthy competition around you keeps you motivated to be better. 

5. Increased Isolation

In-person learning is the only time most teenagers leave the house, as nobody wants lower attendance. This is more so because you either have to pay for a fine or complete extra assignments. 

When there is no compulsion for in-person lectures, you need to remember how to socialize and, in a way, stay in your room 90% of the time. That indeed impairs your ability to build social connections and even self-confidence. 

Research by the National Library of Medicine found that 35% of males and 64% of females who study online have higher levels of social isolation and loneliness than those who study on campus. 

The survey was done between the age group of 25 to 30, where the students were mostly pursuing bachelor’s (72.53%) and master’s (27.47%). Check out the details below:-

• 25 year olds or below: 53%
• 26 to 30 year olds: 27.47%
• Over 30 year olds: 19.14%

6. Need To Invest More Time 

Studying independently requires reviewing abundant reference material, which is more time-consuming than teachers giving you well-curated notes. As per the research conducted by Harvard University , the success rate of students depends on consistent mentor feedback. 

And that is because you can immediately ask your mentor when you stumble upon a problem. Reaching out to a mentor in a traditional study setting is way more convenient than messaging them on an online forum. 

In addition, the replies you get are late and incoherent. That further requires you to spend extra time reviewing the resources and resolving your own problem. Especially when you’re in an urgent situation. 

7. Increased Screen Time

The increase in overused screen time has resulted in physical symptoms in students, such as backache and neck pain. Based on an analysis done in a study, Bioscience Biotechnology Research Communications revealed:-

• Using a laptop for more than two hours a day results in neck pain
• Whereas more than 5 hours of usage results in lower back pain

Another study reported that students spent 17.9 ±12 hours per week on screens.  

The study also found that sitting in a position for studying, if the posture continues for a longer duration, may cause musculoskeletal-related problems.

8. Prone To Procrastination

As per the recent Statistics report by Gitnux Market Data , 86.3% of Graduates procrastinate while writing assignments. While one may think it’s harmless and everybody delays their tasks here and there, procrastination habit resulted in a 2.2% lower GPA in undergraduates.

The study also researched which gender was more prone to procrastination. It turns out that the male percentage is 10.5% higher than females:-

• Males’ level of procrastination: 76.6%
• Females’ level of procrastination: 66.1%

Lastly, procrastination also resulted in poor physical health in 25% of students who consistently delayed their academic tasks. 

9. Limited Hands-On Experience

While some students may not be required to be present in the in-person class, that’s not the case for students studying to be Surgeons. 

They need hands-on training with cockroaches, Frogs, and, eventually, a human sample. 

How else will they treat a dying patient? Gitnux Market Data has researched the importance of hands-on learning and how it reflects in you. Check out the statistics below:-

• 97% of educators believe that students get more skilled.
• The employees’ productivity has increased by up to 75%.
• About 69% of teachers think you can understand and learn the concepts much faster.
• There was 72% more information retention in college students.
• You can improve your long-term memory by about 77%.

10. Instructors Need To Invest Extra Hours

Compared to the traditional environment, teachers usually have a book in hand and teach to help you get the notes. At most, there will be a presentation, depending on the faculty. 

However, since learning has shifted to the online medium, teachers’ performance graphs have lowered significantly. The National Library of Medicine has testified to this by taking samples of teachers from engineering, medical, humanities, and social science backgrounds:-

• Use tools to record and broadcast: 4.6/10
• Strategies to improve students’ attention: 4.8/10
• Interaction through various platforms: 5.5/10
• Maintain the teaching pace: 4.9/5
• Satisfied with the online teaching: 4.8/10

This requires instructors to invest more time in giving compelling online experiences to their students.

11. Students With Special Needs

The National Library of Medicine did a survey where they asked students about their learning preferences after Covid 19. The response was astounding as 63.6% reverted that they prefer offline learning, mainly because of their disability. 

• A usually impaired student cannot stare at the laptop screen for over 55 minutes.
• A Dyslexic and migraine sufferer mentioned being dizzy in an online setting. 

Most students with learning difficulties attested that it’s easier to note details simultaneously when a professor writes on board. 

It helps them retain information way better through an online medium. 

Related Read:

• AI in Education Statistics

Wrapping Up: Online Learning Is Still Not Accessible To Everyone

While online learning is more convenient based on a login schedule and not traveling 2 hours daily, there are still some disadvantages that you should be aware of. (Especially while making important educational decisions.)

For your betterment, I have backed most of its data and statistics regarding the online learning drawbacks. So, let’s quickly go through my top 3 reasons why online learning is not ideal:-

• Not Available For Everyone: 25% of students come from low-income families.
• Difficulty Staying Focused: 12.2% cannot focus at all, while 41.1% are a little distracted.
• Limited Access to Resources and Support: Only 29.1% of academic experts were satisfied with their successful support to online students.

Indeed, online learning is not everybody’s cup of tea, which makes students struggle and perform less. However, some individuals could be more suited to online learning. 

So, it’s essential to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of online learning before deciding which type of learning is ideal for you!

The biggest disadvantage of online classes is that they require a stable internet connection and have random technical issues. Also, being distracted and switching tabs will restrict knowledge retention, and students must study extra hours before exams.

When you are distracted, you fully understand what your teacher is saying. This would result in poor conceptual knowledge and missing out on important exam or assignment details. Either way, the outcome would be bad grades.

Lack of hands-on learning is a problem in online learning. Students from practical fields, such as mechanical engineers, surgeons, beauticians, etc., would have difficulty practicing their craft.

Social isolation is one of the worst effects of distance learning. It also impairs your ability to communicate or behave in social settings. These days, students have developed terrible anxiety, even when it comes to their own friends or family members. 

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Digital education is an innovative incorporation of modern technology to assist the teaching learning process. During COVID-19, its urgent need was underscored. In recent years, education is not limited conventional classrooms and textbooks anymore. This chapter highlights that the learning process has become more interactive and appealing due to the emergence of the ever-evolving technology, including its limitations. It has become more accessible, leading to a greater convergence of digital and traditional teaching methods. Due to the advancement of technology, online learning and pieces training have benefits such as flexibility and student-centered learning, reduced costs and increased collaboration, navigation, and exchange of ideas, variety of courses and learning styles, career advancement opportunities, enhanced time management skills, and immediate feedback. On the other hand, it also has some disadvantages. Withdrawal and attrition, more time taking, easier procrastination, self-motivation, and self-engagement, online courses may create a sense of isolation and difficulty in preventing cheating, and prolonged screen exposure causes health problems. The experts’ given solutions on a national and international level to overcome the flaws must be discussed and the state should formulate educational policies to overcome these potential pitfalls and improve the quality of the online learning process.

• online learning
• disadvantages

Author Information

Sabila naseer *.

• Allied Sciences Department, University of Narowal, Narowal, Pakistan

Hafiza Zahida Perveen

*Address all correspondence to: [email protected]

1. Introduction

Online learning is the use of diverse software to teach and instruct students and deliver content and skills out of traditional and conventional classroom teaching [ 1 ]. It refers to all the instructions which are delivered by the instructors electronically by using diverse Internet and multiplied platforms and applications. This term can be interchanged with e-learning, Web-based learning, computer-assisted instruction, Digital Learning, and Internet-based learning. It helps the students in their learning process and allows students to have greater control over their learning process in terms of time and place [ 2 ].

The COVID-19 pandemic forced all academic institutions to close their campuses and move didactic instruction online. However, the abrupt transition to online learning has raised several issues and its benefits that have’t been tried to be resolved. Although, several studies have investigated students’ attitude toward online learning during the pandemic, mixed results have been reported. Additionally, little research has been conducted to identify and understand the pros and cons, especially pedagogical factors that impacted students’ acceptance of online learning during campus closure. Furthermore, how online learning during the pandemic impacted students’ learning performance has not been empirically investigated. In March 2020, the universities, colleges, and school studied here moved didactic instruction online in response to government issued stay-at-home orders. This first-of-its-kind comparative study examined students’ perceived effectiveness of online courses during the summer quarter 2020, explored pedagogical factors impacting their acceptance of online courses, and empirically evaluated the impact of online learning on students’ course performance, during the pandemic [ 3 ].

The idea of online learning was started in 1990s to describe that learning can be managed by utilizing the developments in the field of technology. But the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has become part of the twenty-first century. Online learning was the only option during those days as all the academic institutions were closed because of lockdowns almost all across the world. It can be observed from the studies published during COVID-19 that several international journals have published a large number of academic studies focusing on online learning in higher education during this phase [ 4 ].

The online learning method is no less than the traditional method of learning. In a study, it was established that the online learning method was a successful and efficient way of learning for the accomplishment of academic requirements of students even though they were at a distance from their instructors and fellows. This distance learning was proved as efficient and effective as the traditional method was [ 5 ].

Although online learning has many advantages, it also has some challenges for students. It has made the process of learning for students much comfortable as they can have the material at any time as per their convenience. It gives them the flexibility to get engaged with the given task at a time of their own choice. However, it brings some drawbacks as students cannot have group or peer group studies. They cannot have class activities in real [ 6 ]. There are some other things that are also associated with online learning, that is, students have access to online educational courses organized by other countries, which saves their time, money, and effort. On the other hand, lack of Internet facility, network problems, lack of high-quality learning devices, and having little or no knowledge of the use of technical software or gadgets are problems linked to online learning which cannot be ignored [ 7 ].

Although online learning has its own advantages and disadvantages, it can be as effective as the traditional method if one has the skill about the use of technical sources/platforms, with surety of Internet facility and basic knowledge of computers. With the provided conditions, there was not a significant difference of student performance between online and face-to-face learning [ 8 ].

The purpose of present study is to highlight the importance of online learning. It also emphasized on the advantages and disadvantages associated with online learning. These days, online learning has become common for the purpose of some courses, diplomas, and even for higher studies. While considering the importance of online learning in present era, present study is aimed to highlight the pros and cons of online learning so that the students can learn to manage these things before going to be a part of such method of learning.

2. Objectives of the study

To seek the advantages of online learning.

To evaluate the disadvantages of online learning courses, especially during and after COVID-19.

Twenty-six most recent studies were selected for review to seek the advantages and disadvantages of online learning courses. A Systematic and Tripartite Approach (STA) (Daniel & Harland, 2017) guided the review process. The data were analyzed by content analysis.

Since the 1990s, online learning courses or pieces of training have been well-established in educational tertiary, and corporate training. Especially in higher education, online learning has been rapidly growing in recent years because of flexibility in schedules and ease of access [ 9 ]. In Pakistan, different institutions offer online education, Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU), Virtual University of Pakistan, Preston University, COMSATS University, University of Peshawar, and British Trade Test Institute (BTTI), etc. [ 10 ]. In Pakistan, e-learning has become much more popularized in 2020 due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. All the public and private educational institutes were turned into an online mode of learning. Numerous efforts were made to enhance the quality of education by improving the excellence of faculty members, their lectures, and methods of virtual teaching. The higher Education Commission (HEC) also remained in touch with the telecommunication companies to ensure that Internet facilities are cheap for students [ 11 ]. To make the learning process smoother, particularly for online learning courses, different factors can affect, such as students’ satisfaction, teachers’ role, academic motivation, personality traits, and emotional intelligence [ 12 , 13 , 14 ]. After systematically reviewing the empirical studies following advantages and disadvantages were concluded.

4.1 Advantages and disadvantages of online learning courses

Though the COVID-19 pandemic has triggered new ways of online learning, the whole world had to shift its educational system into the digital mode to educate its students. But in current times, it has emerged as an indispensable need of the day to teach and train students all over the world. Online learning is a new way to learn academic as well as co-curricular activities for students. It is also fruitful to train the workers in their free time if they are not available physically. In recent months, the demand for online learning has risen significantly, and it will continue to do so in the future. Learning within the online environment differs from the traditional classroom learning community. Unlike traditional classroom learning opportunities, online learning environments foster additional learning experiences where learners can interact, collaborate, and take ownership of their learning. However, it has its pros and cons.

4.2 Advantages of online learning courses

Studies indicated that online learning facilitates to ensure remote learning in different circumstances where physical or traditional classes are not possible. In different courses, online mode is easy, accessible, manageable, and convenient for learners to reach instructors and teaching material. However following advantages from the literature have been drawn.

4.3 Flexibility and student-centered learning

Flexibility and student-centered learning are one of the major advantages of online learning courses [ 15 ]. Lectures by the instructor can be scheduled according to the feasibility and availability of the students and teachers. It provides more autonomy in one’s decision-making and control over the learning process. The training can be arranged at the convenience of the workers by the boss. The noise can be managed, and distracters can be restricted easily. Students can be more responsible and can access the lectures and material easily when they are willing to learn.

4.4 Reduced costs and increased collaboration

Another advantage of online learning is reduced financial costs. Education can be expensive if the students have to travel to other cities, stations, or countries. But online learning eliminates the cost points of student transportation, student meals, and most importantly, real estate. Additionally, all the course or study materials are available online, thus creating a paperless learning environment that is more affordable while also being beneficial to the environment. Furthermore, they can also ask freely any kind of question to the instructors. They can get the opportunities to collaborate with the students and teachers comfortably on a national and international level which is impossible in the traditional classroom [ 16 ]. They can “talk” to each other and responds at their convenience.

4.5 Navigation and exchange of ideas

Navigation is another advantage of e-learning. With the help of the Internet, students can move from one document to another or one meeting to other in merely one sitting. The world has turned into Global Village, and one can access any person in the world just with one click. They are now easier and more comfortable exchanging their idea with each other at a global level rather than being limited to the classroom [ 17 ].

4.6 Variety of courses and learning styles

Another reason to support online courses is it has increased the options for education. Individuals who are working and unable to get admission in some particular education setup can enroll themselves in online programs and complete their degrees to improve their knowledge and profession. Furthermore, individual differences exist among the students. Every student has a different learning journey and a different learning style. Some students are visual learners, while some students prefer to learn through audio. Similarly, some students thrive in the classroom, and other students are solo learners who get distracted by large groups. The online learning system, with its range of options and resources, can be personalized in many ways. It is the best way to create a perfect learning environment suited to the needs of each student [ 18 ].

4.7 Career advancement opportunities

Over the past few years, online learning has gained immense popularity. With more universities, training centers, and online learning platforms offering flexible virtual courses, employees now have a chance to improve their careers and maintain their professional edge. It does not provide different online professional degrees; a person can find many career advancement opportunities after getting a degree. The individual can be the master of their schedule and continue their study without any gap in one’s resume.

4.8 Enhanced time management skills

Online courses teach students how they should manage their time. Including flexibility, the students have to submit their assignments and assigned tasks on time without procrastination. So, students still need to manage their tasks within the given deadline by the professor or instructors. However, students can submit their assignment anytime before the deadline, as in the traditional classroom on the assigned day and time. As a result, the students sharpen their time management skills [ 19 ].

4.9 Immediate feedback

Integrating with online learning coursework, one can get immediate feedback rather than wait for days, weeks, or months. Students can submit their assigned tasks and upload their assignments. The professors will give the feedback so the students can get it quickly without any delay. By receiving sooner the feedback they can learn faster and be motivated toward their learning process. They can adjust their time for future assignment [ 20 ].

4.10 Disadvantages of online learning courses

We are now well aware of the advantages of online learning. But there are also some challenges associated with this method of learning. Following are some of the disadvantages of online classes:

4.11 Withdrawal and attrition

In online classes, students have no face-to-face interaction with their fellows; therefore, they will not have competitors to compete and complete the lectures or assignments while working on any of these. Hence, it can lead them to leave the course incomplete. It is more likely that they will withdraw from the online courses as compared to traditional on-campus courses. Murphy and Stewart [ 21 ] found in their comparative research between students of online and offline courses that more students (23%) withdraw from online courses rather than offline courses (18.4%). Schaeffer and Konetes [ 22 ] elucidated that students, who enrolled in an online course, dropped out of their course at a higher rate than students who were in the on-campus program. It is evident from these researches that the attrition rate is higher among online students as compared to the students of offline courses.

4.12 More time taking

Online classes also take more time than the traditional method for students and instructors. Instructors have to spend more time managing and uploading all the material for virtual classes, and students have to download and read all the relevant material rather than listening to the instructors in offline classes. Therefore, online classes consume more time; Bender et al. [ 23 ] stated that instruction time for their online course was almost the same as that of offline classes, but assessment and communication to students through email took more time than the offline class. They also added that online classes take more time because we had to prepare the instructors for online classes, especially for the development of IT skills and for the proper environment of online classes.

4.13 Easier to procrastinate

Students tend to procrastinate even in offline classes but when it comes to online classes, it becomes easier. Students will delay joining the classes, will skip class discussions, or remained incomplete assignments because there is no one to remind them about these activities. They are required to do all the activities on their own without any reminders from the instructors, as in offline classes. Elvers et al. [ 24 ] reported that the likelihood of procrastination was higher in virtual classes as students are prone to procrastinate more when they are not supposed to behave in a particular way for their learning.

4.14 Self-motivation and self-management; The only key to success

Online course classes need self-motivation and self-discipline so students can engage in the activities independently. A lack of self-motivation and self-management skills in a student will lead to failure in completing the online course. Bao [ 25 ] found that the usefulness of online learning depends on the student’s personality or personal attitude toward learning. Moreover, in online classes, students have more freedom and self-control over their online activities [ 25 ].

4.15 Online courses may create a sense of isolation

During online classes, a student has to study alone and the technological device has to be the companion of the student. This can be terrifying sometimes, especially for those who are social persons. Park [ 26 ] found that 22% of online learning students reported that they were feeling isolated and it became challenging for them to continue the course. Online class students feel a weaker sense of connectedness and belonging than on-campus students who attend each other in face-to-face classes [ 27 ].

4.16 Cheating prevention is complicated

Usually, students try to find ways to cheat even in the traditional method of learning where invigilators are present. It becomes easier for online courses as they have various ideas and ways to cheat during the online assessment. Digital cheating is a term used for the description of cheating that is done by using a computer or the Internet. In a traditional learning method, where a teacher is invigilating the class during the examination, a teacher has more control over students to stop them from cheating as compared to the online examination. Baker and Papp [ 28 ] investigated digital cheating and identified that there are different ways in which students use an online assessment. Dendir and Maxwell [ 29 ] explained that cheating takes place in an unsupervised assessment, and an online examination is an example of it. They added that there are many factors behind academic dishonesty.

4.17 Prolonged screen exposure can lead to health problems

For online classes, a student has to spend hours in front of the screen. This prolonged exposure can lead to many physical and psychological health problems. Recent research has clearly explained that there are some health risks associated to screen time. Wong [ 30 ] found that e-learning requires time but has some risk factors attached to an individual’s health, that is, brain development and well-being.

4.18 Online classes are not for computer illiterate persons

A student who does not have access to a computer, or the Internet and does not know how to use these; cannot get any benefit from online classes. Access to technology and the skill to use technology for learning are essential things. Link and Marz [ 31 ] suggested that some students, who were lacking in the essential skills to use web-based learning platforms competently, remained unsuccessful in online classes. According to this understanding, online classes are only useful for those who can use a computer or other technological devices [ 31 ].

5. Conclusions

The literature revealed numerous benefits and limitations of online learning courses. Flexibility and student-centered learning reduced costs and increased collaboration, navigation, and exchange of ideas, variety of courses and learning styles, career advancement opportunities, enhanced time management skills, and immediate feedback are the fundamental advantages of digital learning while it also has some disadvantages as withdrawal and attrition, more time taking, easier to procrastination, self-motivation, and self-engagement, online courses may create a sense of isolation, difficult to prevent cheating and prolonged screen exposure cause health problems.

Acknowledgments

Though I did not get any kind of funding from the institution still I acknowledge my work to my Institution University of Narowal, Narowal, Pakistan, where I get an environment to contribute to this chapter with other professional responsibilities. I acknowledge my work to my parents, teachers, and friends who always encouraged me to write some innovative for the community.

Conflict of interest

The authors have not declared any conflict of interest.

Notes/thanks/other declarations

I am thankful to my family and institution (University of Narowal, Narowal, Pakistan) that helped me to contribute to this chapter in the world’s best publisher. I am also thankful to the “IntechOpen” publisher and its team who gave me this opportunity and guided me on each step whenever I needed it.

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The Pros and Cons of Online Learning—and What to Look For in an Online Course

Online Education | Professional Development

If you’re at a point in your life where you’re considering continuing your education, you may wonder if online learning is the right path for you. 

Taking an online course requires a notable investment of time, effort, and money, so it’s important to feel confident about your decision before moving forward. While online learning works incredibly well for some people, it’s not for everyone. 

We recently sat down with MIT xPRO Senior Instructional Designer and Program Manager Luke Hobson to explore the pros and cons of online learning and what to look for in an online course. If you’re waiting for a sign about whether or not to enroll in that course you’ve been eying, you just might find it here.

Pros of Online Learning

First, let’s take a look at the true value of online learning by examining some of the benefits: 

1. Flexibility 

Online learning’s most significant advantage is its flexibility. It’s the reason millions of adults have chosen to continue their education and pursue certificates and degrees. 

Asynchronous courses allow learners to complete work at their own pace, empowering them to find the optimal time to consume the content and submit assignments.

Some people are more attentive, focused, and creative in the mornings compared to the evenings and vice versa. Whatever works best for the learners should be the priority of the learning experience. 

2. Community 

When Luke asks people about their main reason for enrolling in a course, a common answer is networking and community. 

Learners crave finding like-minded individuals who are going through the same experiences and have the same questions. They want to find a place where they belong. Being in the company of others who understand what they’re going through can help online learners who are looking for support and motivation during challenging times and times that are worth celebrating. 

Some learners have created study groups and book clubs that have carried on far beyond the end of the course—it’s amazing what can grow from a single post on a discussion board! 

3. Latest information 

“Speed is a massive benefit of online learning,” and according to Luke, it often doesn't get the attention it deserves. “When we say speed, we don’t mean being quick with learning. We mean actual speed to market. There are so many new ideas evolving within technical spaces that it's impossible to keep courses the way they were originally designed for a long period of time.” 

Luke notes that a program on Additive Manufacturing , Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality , or Nanotechnology must be checked and updated frequently. More formal learning modalities have difficulty changing content at this rapid pace. But within the online space, it’s expected that the course content will change as quickly as the world itself does.

Cons of Online Learning

Now that we’ve looked at some of the biggest pros of online learning, let’s examine a few of the drawbacks: 

1. Learning environment 

While many learners thrive in an asynchronous learning environment, others struggle. Some learners prefer live lessons and an instructor they can connect with multiple times a week. They need these interactions to feel supported and to persist. 

Most learners within the online space identify themselves as self-directed learners, meaning they can learn on their own with the right environment, guidance, materials, and assignments. Learners should know themselves first and understand their preferences when it comes to what kind of environment will help them thrive.

2. Repetition 

One drawback of online courses is that the structure can be repetitive: do a reading, respond to two discussion posts, submit an essay, repeat. After a while, some learners may feel disengaged from the learning experience. 

There are online courses that break the mold and offer multiple kinds of learning activities, assessments, and content to make the learning experience come alive, but it may take some research to find them—more on what to look for in an online course later in this article ! Luke and his colleagues at MIT xPRO are mindful of designing courses that genuinely engage learners from beginning to end.

3. Underestimation  

Luke has noticed that some learners underestimate how much work is required in an online course. They may mistakenly believe that online learning is somehow “easier” compared to in-person learning. 

For those learners who miscalculate how long they will need to spend online or how challenging the assignments can be, changing that mindset is a difficult process. It’s essential to set aside the right amount of time per week to contribute to the content, activities, and assignments. Creating personal deadlines and building a study routine are two best practices that successful online learners follow to hold themselves accountable. 

Experience the Value of Online Learning: What to Look For in an Online Course

You’ve probably gathered by now that not all online courses are created equal. On one end of the spectrum, there are methods of online learning that leave learners stunned by what a great experience they had. On the other end of the spectrum, some online learning courses are so disappointing that learners regret their decision to enroll. 

If you want to experience the value of online learning, it’s essential to pick the right course. Here’s a quick list of what to look for: 

• Reputation and expertise. With so many online courses available these days, an easy way to narrow down your options is to consider courses offered by reputable institutions. Next, learn more about the instructors teaching a course of interest. Are they well-respected experts in their field of study?
• Engaging curriculum. It takes a variety of learning methods to keep people engaged and interested in learning. Many online courses stick to a standard selection of readings, videos, and quizzes. Look for courses that include practice questions, reflection questions, group-based work, simulations, polls, discussions, and other interactive or hands-on activities.
• Flexibility in content delivery and deadlines. Whether an online course is fully asynchronous or not, flexibility is a green flag. In practice, this could look like having all the assignments due at the end of the course so that learners can create their own schedules or providing suggested deadlines that aren’t set in stone.
• Feedback and connection to peers within the course platform. Interacting regularly with other learners makes a big difference. Luke and the MIT xPRO team use peer-reviewed feedback to give learners the opportunity to engage with each other’s work.
• Proof of hard work . In the online learning space, proof of hard work often comes in the form of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) or specific certifications. MIT xPRO course participants who successfully complete one or more courses are eligible to receive CEUs , which many employers, licensing agencies, and professional associations accept as evidence of a participant’s serious commitment to their professional development. 

Online learning isn’t for everyone, but with the right approach, it can be a valuable experience for many people. Now that you know what to look for in an online course, see what Luke and the MIT xPRO instructional design team have to offer by checking out the latest MIT xPRO courses and programs . 

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Chapter 10 Online Learning

10.2 Pros and Cons of Online Learning

As you evaluate whether or not online learning is a good fit for you, it helps to consider the pros and cons. Some of these pros and cons will be more important to you than others, depending on your situation, so it’s important to consider your own specific circumstances and your learning strengths and weaknesses. Here are a few things to consider:

Schedule flexibility.  Increasingly, students have complicated schedules, often juggling several part-time jobs, family responsibilities, and other commitments. For many, education has been out of reach when traditional scheduled classes did not mesh with their busy schedules and obligations. Online learning means students can learn when it suits them. Students can do their readings throughout the day in between other commitments. They can work on and submit assignments in the middle of the night if that suits them. The time flexibility literally means that students who just couldn’t take classes on a traditional schedule can now further their education on a flexible schedule according to their needs.

Location flexibility. Online learning also opens up education for people who live in areas that do not have post-secondary institutions, especially remote communities. People can study at home or in local libraries or in convenient locations that eliminate the need to commute to physical institutions. This can save students hours of daily commuting time. It can also save students substantial amounts of money if it means they do not have to relocate to attend school. This is a significant factor for many who have financial concerns, housing concerns, or have a family member who cannot relocate due to employment or other obligations. Even people in big cities that do have post-secondary institutions welcome the opportunity to forgo a long commute to and from a college or university numerous times a week.

Multi-media. Learning happens more efficiently when several modalities are engaged. It helps to see (read or watch), hear (lecture or demonstration), do (labs, practice a skill, or write), as well as practice. Often people think that learning online will restrict learning because they’ll have to read everything. The opposite is actually true. With so many options for multi-media, modalities can be fully engaged through online learning. Courses can include video clips, lab demonstrations, and virtual labs where students can dissect something over and over until they’ve got it (as opposed to having one crack at it for an actual dissection). Courses can include hyperactive web links which can conveniently direct you to websites, web articles, and web demonstrations  that add fascinating content. Courses can include high quality diagrams, graphs, interactive demonstrations, video podcasts, animations, Ted-Talks, YouTube clips, interactive digital learning games, blogs, wikis, learning objects, virtual worlds, and much more. Edutainment is a term describing applications that incorporate multimedia entertainment with educational objectives. Quality online courses have an array of possibilities that can keep the curriculum current and engaging.

Classmates. Online learning offers a diversity in classmates that often exceeds that of a face-to-face class. As you get to know your classmates through class discussions, online forums, group work, and class presentations, you will often meet people from all over the world. This allows for some interesting perspectives and a more global way of thinking and interpreting information.

Course selection. Making the decision to learn online means that there are seemingly limitless options in course selection. You have the option of enrolling in a different college than the one you would have chosen if you had to move there. It doesn’t matter how far away it is if you are learning online. You can choose courses according to price, convenience, and interesting topics. Often you do not necessarily have to take all your courses from one institution if there are courses elsewhere that interest you. If you are taking courses from more than one institution, just be sure to check out transferability into the program you are enrolled in or want to graduate from, prior to taking a course from elsewhere so you do not lose credit for the course. See Chapter 13 The BC Transfer Process for more information.

Financial. Tuition and books are often priced the same for online and face-to-face courses, however, there are financial considerations that can make online learning more affordable. Firstly, the flexibility of online means you may not need to quit your job, since you can work on coursework around work hours. (Be cautious that you don’t work so much that you don’t have time for your courses, though.) Having an income while going to school can relieve a great amount of financial burden and reduce accumulation of student loans. Secondly, you will not have extra accommodation fees or relocation costs taking online courses since you will not have to move to go to school. Even if the college or university is local, you won’t have transportation costs including public transit costs or gas and parking fees to travel to and from the institution. If you are a parent, you will likely have less child-care costs. You can also save money, since students are likely to eat out more when traveling to a campus.

Combination of online and face-to-face. It can be an option to do some of your courses face-to-face and some online. This can cut down on commutes if you choose to do online courses on certain days and work your schedule accordingly. This strategy can take advantage of the pros of both. It can also allow you to get to know instructors from a program in person during your face-to-face classes, giving you a personal connection with them for your online classes. Another use for combining formats is to take missing prerequisites online so that you don’t miss an opportunity to take a course according to your education plan. This can often save you from having to add an extra year to your education. Another pro of combining formats is that you can choose to take electives for your program online in the summer months, to get ahead on your education plan, or to lighten the load in the regular school year. There can be many advantages of taking a combination of online and face-to-face courses.

Author’s Story: Pros of Online Learning

I did a Master’s in online learning. I had an education leave from the college where I work, so I was free to travel and could have chosen to attend any one of several institutions. However, I chose to take my program online. I did this for several reasons. Since I was learning about online learning, it made sense to experience it firsthand while I was studying about it. It gave me many examples to draw from to demonstrate different learning theories.  It also gave me the freedom to travel around while I was working on it.

My program was a lot of work – to which I was committed. Even still, I took advantage of some of the fringe benefits of online learning. I spent the fall in my hometown, where I saw lots of family and old friends. Though my course load was heavy and I was working on my schooling 10-12 hours a day, it still meant that I had tea breaks with my mom, lunches and dinners with different family members and friends, and had the ability to just be around them even though I was busy a lot of the time. I look back at that time as incredibly precious. I otherwise could never have spent so much time with my mother in my adult years as I did that fall, and it was wonderful. Online learning made that possible.

I was fortunate in that I went to the Dominican Republic for the winter semester. I rented out my home which more than paid for the rent on my beautiful villa by the ocean. I kept a rigorous schedule for my program. I woke up to the sounds of roosters crowing each morning at 6 a.m. I made coffee and went out onto the deck overlooking the ocean. I did my computer work in the morning, contributing to forum discussions and other course work. I did a work out,  made breakfast, and continued on the computer. After lunch, I went down to the beach, got settled into my lounge chair, did my readings, and took notes. I went for a long swim in the ocean every afternoon.  I dried off in the sun on my lounge chair while I continued my readings. In the evenings, I went back to the villa and worked on my assignments. This was my schedule all winter. I had the odd excursion and time out with people I met there, but my time included a lot of studying and writing papers. I had an amazing winter in the Dominican and met some incredible people. I had the opportunity to volunteer at a school there, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I learned a lot about their culture. The experience was life-enhancing, and I am so glad that I did my studies that way.

— Mary Shier, College of the Rockies

Time management. You have to be very organized when you take courses online. It is entirely up to you to stay on-track. Although this is true in a face-to-face class as well, students often feel more pressure when they have scheduled classes. They don’t want to miss class or get behind. They have classmates around them talking about upcoming assignments and tests, who inadvertently pressure them into getting things done. When they know they have class Monday morning, for example, they make sure they complete the course work that is required before that class. These scheduled things are more conducive to keeping on track. Online students are notorious for procrastinating and getting behind. It is vital to keep a schedule as if you were attending face-to-face classes. Once your study times are in your schedule, don’t divert from the schedule unless it is critically important. (That doesn’t include that your friend called you up and asked you to go to the show!) You have to get used to telling people you are busy with your school work and that you are not available. Review Chapter 7: Time Management for further time management strategies.

Motivation. Motivation is another key factor for success in online learning. If you are constantly talking yourself out of doing assignments, doubting your abilities, or not willing to give it your all, this can seriously impede your ability to be successful. Some people know themselves and are aware that they don’t have the motivation, self-drive, and determination to be consistent in their online studies. They will make the sacrifices required to commit to face-to-face courses. In other words, they are willing to commute and change their schedules to accommodate their scheduled classes, because they know that, for them personally, they are likely to be more successful in their courses.

Weak readers. Online learning most often involves a lot of reading. Some learners are strong readers and find they learn more by reading than listening in a class. Others find reading tedious and lose focus. If reading is a struggle, you may want to find out the differences in the amount of reading between the specific face-to-face classes and the online classes you are interested in taking. This may have a bearing on which format you choose.

Limited computer skills. Those who have very little experience with computers will find it more challenging doing online courses. As well as learning the course material and expectations of the instructor, these people will have to deal with learning computer skills concurrently. This is not necessarily a con as they will benefit greatly, however, it would be important to allow extra time needed for dealing with the learning curve of gaining the necessary computer skills. Of course, taking a face-to-face course likely will require computer skills as well, so it is wise to gain them regardless. Likely, it will initially be a little more challenging with an online course. Prior to starting online courses, it would be beneficial to take a computer skills course at a local community college, if possible.

The social aspect. Some learners enjoy the dynamics of being in a physical classroom. They get to form a personal relationship with the instructor. They meet classmates in person and can form study groups. They can benefit from the answers to questions that others ask or from the class discussions that arise. After class, they can easily discuss issues that they didn’t understand or they can go deeper into an issue, furthering understanding. Even moral support is a beneficial perk of having face-to-face classes. Other classmates can detect whether or not you are struggling and can offer support, lend materials, and offer a much needed smile. Many people really appreciate the social aspect of attending classes and being part of a college or university where they can join teams and clubs, have a drink at the campus pub, live in residence, and develop a healthy social life. This is particularly important for young students who have recently left home after completing high school. Older students who already have children and jobs, may not necessarily be looking to expand their social lives.

The format of some online courses are specifically designed to include a social aspect to learning. The course incorporates group assignments and forum discussions. Students get to know each other even though they may all be in different locales. Other courses don’t have any social component to them. Often in these online courses, students can feel very alone as they do their courses. If the social aspect is important to you, find out how the courses are structured at the institution where you are considering taking your program.

Author’s Story: Social Interaction Online

I wouldn’t have believed that social interaction online could match social interaction in a face-to-face classroom, but I experienced it. Of course, it depends on the structure of the course because some courses don’t facilitate it in their set-up.

During my Master’s online, the courses were designed using a constructivist philosophy. We regularly had to do group work and participate in online discussions. I got to know many of the people in my cohort. As a result, I got to know those I worked well with, and those I didn’t necessarily want to work with again. As group work assignments were assigned, we had the option of choosing our groups. I went through the forum discussions to see people who I would likely work well with, and eventually I had specific people that I knew I worked well with, so we planned to work together in future assignments.

In order to do our assignments, we emailed, messaged, and Skyped often. We contributed to group documents, and commented regularly on each other’s contributions. It became quite natural to be working together with folks who were all over the world. I got to know them, we asked each other about things going on in our lives, and encouraged each other through challenging times. I celebrated with a class mate in Greece, who got engaged. I knew throughout the term that she was hoping for a proposal, and I was genuinely excited when it finally happened. I learned about others’ children and their struggles. I discovered others’ tips and tricks for fitting the program into their busy lives. We regularly had class discussions about different concepts, and I learned a lot from my classmates.

When I went to the graduation ceremony, I met many fellow classmates and instructors for the first time in person, and yet it felt like I already really knew them. I did. It was a time of celebration. Even long after graduation, I am still in touch with a few classmates. We have contacted each other to catch up, get professional advice, and even to network for jobs. The social interaction in my online courses contributed richly to my educational experience.

Exercise: Evaluate if Online Learning is a Good Personal Option

Consider the several factors above and any others that apply. Relate them to your own personal circumstance, and evaluate whether online learning is a good personal option for you. As you evaluate consider the following:

• your options
• your circumstances that affect your ability to take classes
• your strengths and weaknesses
• your best choice

Write an answer that includes the above factors and explains why you came to the conclusion you reached.

Student Success Copyright © 2020 by Mary Shier is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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13.4: What are the advantages and disadvantages of online learning and virtual schools?

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• Jennfer Kidd, Jamie Kaufman, Peter Baker, Patrick O'Shea, Dwight Allen, & Old Dominion U students
• Old Dominion University

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by Sherelle Coppedge

Learning Objectives

• Reader will get a brief overview of virtual schools and online learning.
• Reader will be able to identify the characteristics of virtual schools.
• Reader will explore background of virtual schools.
• Reader will be able to distinguish between a virtual school and online learning.

Introduction

In our current "Age of Information" we consistently see and experience technological advances everyday. It has been no surprise to see the onset of these advances in the education of our children. With so many questions swirling around regarding technology in the classroom, we must first uncover the types of learning experienced. Let us begin with online learning and virtual schools. What does it all mean? Is there even a difference among them?

Online Learning

Online Learning has become a commonly used means of instruction. Online learning, also referred to as Electronic Learning, “is a type of education where the medium of instruction is computer technology” (Electronic Learning, 2008). Electronic Learning, or E-learning for short, is naturally suited to distance learning and flexible learning (Eletronic Learning). "Learning and teaching in an online environment are, in many ways, much like teaching and learning in any other formal educational context: learners' needs are assessed; content is negotiated or prescribed; learning activities are orchestrated; and learning is assessed" (Anderson, 2004). Institutions can use online learning to shape the learning ‘space’ and influence learner use. Some of the earliest critics recognized the need to create an online culture which replaces the face to face and other cultures in which we feel confident about speaking and contributing (Thorpe, p 11). This fairly new style of instruction can be found in most classrooms, from elementary to institutions of higher learning. This phenomenon has been growing exponentially since its onset. "By 2006, nearly 3.5 million students were participating in on-line learning at institutions of higher education" (Electronic Learning). These statistics change everyday, but they illustrate the impact online learning has on education in society.

Electronic learning began to surface around 1993. Graziadi, W.D described an online computer-delivered lecture, tutorial and assessment project using electronic Mail (more commonly known as Email), two VAX Notes (server computer) conferences and Gopher/Lynx (programming languages) together with several software programs that allowed students and instructor to create a Virtual Instructional Classroom Environment in Science(VICES) in Research, Education, Service & Teaching, or REST (Electronic Learning).

There has been much improvement in the way of online learning, but as technology advances, so must the topic of online learning. Progress will continue to be made. As we add to our ever-increasing knowledge, online learning will also advance.

Virtual Schools

"A virtual school or cyberschool describes an institution that teaches courses entirely or primarily through online methods. Though there are tens of thousands of commercial and non-accredited courses available online, the term "virtual school" is generally reserved for accredited schools that teach a full-time (or nearly full-time) course of instruction designed to lead to a degree. At the primary and secondary level, accreditation means that virtual schools tend to receive public funding; some publicly funded and private universities also provide accredited online degrees" (Virtual School). "Private secondary schools are also participaing in the virtual schools program, although most are intended for home-schoolers" (Clark, p 7).

"Many of today's virtual schools are descendants of correspondence schools. Sometimes referred to as "distance learning," correspondence schools offered students an alternative to the traditional brick and mortar meetings within a schoolhouse. These schools utilized the postal service for student-teacher interaction, or used two-way radio transmissions, sometimes with pre-recorded television broadcasts. Modern virtual schools provide similar alternatives to students with a more ubiquitous and, often, interactive approach" (Virtual School). Although, virtual schools have become more mainstream over years, there are still obstacles that must be met. "Access to appropriate technology is needed for participation in virtual schooling. According to the United States Department of Education (2001a), about 98 percent of U.S. schools had Internet access in 2000, compared to 35 percent in 1994. This rapid rise can be attributed in part to the Education rate (E-rate) program, a federal program to develop Internet infrastructure in schools and libraries. Established in 1996, by 2001 it had provided $5.8 billion in support to E-rate applicants" (Clark, p 28).

"The virtual school differ/contrasts from the traditional school through the physical media that links administrators, teachers and students and is an alliance of public distance learning schools. Many states in the United States have their own virtual school, and many of them have students numbering in the thousands" (Virtual School). Virtual schools are not unlike any other public school. There are standards, requirements, and curriculum guides that must be met. Electronic avenues are used to meet these guidelines. "They includes delivery methods such as independent or correspondence study, as well as videoconferencing and other instructional technologies" (Clark, p 7).

Though in cyberspace, virtual schools have also a community of support and influence. "Parents play an important role in determining K-12 student participation in distance and virtual learning. A Phi Delta Kappa poll of 1108 adults (Rose and Gallup, 2001) showed that 30 percent of respondents approved of allowing students to earn high school credits over the Internet without attending a regular school, compared with 41 percent who approved of homes schooling. The authors felt that this showed that the public “is less willing to embrace cyberspace instruction” (p. 42) than home schooling. However, those surveyed were not asked about students earning credits over the Internet while attending a regular school, which appears to be at least as common an arrangement in practice" (Clark, p 27).

Furthermore, the author stated "Virtual Schools now exist all around the world. Some of these virtual schools have been integrated into public schools (particularly in the United States), where students sit in computer labs and do their work online. In other situations, students can be completely home schooled, or they can take any combination of public/private/home schooling and online classes" (Virtual School).

Online learning obviously goes hand in hand with virtual schools. Virtual schools are becoming more popular in today's society and in turn, online learning will also become a more common mode of learning. Virtual schools are a new phenomenon that not only promote an individually-driven education, but also allow students to practice and apply computer-based skills in today's electronically-based world. Regardless of personal views and beliefs of online learning and virtual schools, society should be prepared for various modes of education to begin popping up in the virtual and online world. Online learning and virtual schools are becoming an important part of the future. Eventually, education could become completely electronic, eliminating the need for classrooms, learning materials, and teachers.

Exercise \(\PageIndex{1}\)

1) In what year did Graziadi begin research for Online Learning?

2) What federal program supports virtual schools by encouraging Internet resources in schools?

a) Education Rate

b) Internet Plus

c) virtual Resources

d) Cyberspace Instruction

3) When Tommy goes to his school site, he views his teacher and lessons online. Is this online learning or virtual school?

a) Online Learning

b) Virtual School

c) Both a and b

4)Besides the student, who else is involved with virtual schools?

a) Educators

d) both a and b

Virtual School. Retrieved September 28, 2008, from http://en.Wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_school .

Curtis, D., David, & Lawson, J., Michael. (2001). Exploring Collaborative Online Learning. JALN. Volume 5, Issue 1. Retrieved September 28, 2008, from www.aln.org/publications/jaln/v5n1/pdf/v5n1_curtis.pdf.

Thorpe, Mary. (2002). Rethinking Learner Support: the challenge of collaborative online Learning. Open Learning. Volume 17, No. 2. Retrieved September 28, 2008, from http://www.uni-oldenburg.de/zef/cde/support/readings/thorpe02.pdf .

Electronic Learning. Retrieved September 28, 2008, from http://en.Wikipedia.org/wiki/E-learning .

Clark, Tom. (2001) Virtual Schools: Trends and Issues. Retrieved September 28, 2008, from jccdrc.jobcorps.gov/academics/grad/vhs.

Fast facts about Online Learning. Retrieved September 28, 2008, from http://www.nacol.org/media/nacol_fast_facts.pdf .

Anderson, Terry. (2004). Teaching in an Online Learning Context. Retrieved October 5, 2008, from http://epe.lac-bac.gc.ca/100/200/300/athabasca_univ/theory_and_practice/ch11.html .

20 Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Classes

Online learning has become more accessible in the past decade as potential students discover that they can find ways to obtain a preferred degree while handling their daily obligations. It is a way that encourages post-graduate learning while staying within life and career schedules. Most accredited colleges and universities are now offering programs that make it possible to take some, if not all, of the required courses on the Internet.

Public and private institutions offer online classes more today than ever before in history. This education format is a way to reach students who may have social or economic situations that don’t allow them to enjoy the traditional on-campus learning lifestyle.

As more people have access to high-speed Internet connections, online education opportunities have continued expanding. It has become acceptable in most circles to earn a degree at any level with these opportunities, allowing students to have legitimacy and more accessibility with what they earned.

The advantages and disadvantages of online classes continue to evolve, but these are the current key points to consider if you’re thinking about becoming a student.

List of the Advantages of Online Classes

1. Online classes provide more flexibility to incorporate multiple learning styles. Although you can earn a healthy salary without going to college in some trades, many employment opportunities require an undergraduate degree or higher to obtain a position. That means it can be challenging to get through classes when your learning style might be different than what a local institution offers. Taking an online class allows you to have more control over how you retain the available information.

You can listen to music while you are writing a paper. Online classes let you interact in forums while watching television. Instead of being stuck in a stuffy classroom listening to a lecture, you have the flexibility to learn using the style that works best for your needs.

2. Your classes can fit better into your schedule. Online classes are the perfect solution for anyone who works a full-time job, has a family to raise, is housebound for some reason, or lives in a rural area. These obstacles can make it challenging to enroll in a traditional institution. As long as you have an Internet or data connection, then you can access your study materials whenever you need them. Many professors are even uploading lectures or providing texts that supplement the learning process.

If you have a busy lifestyle and want to get ahead in your career, then learning at your own pace with an online class is an intelligent way to obtain your next college or university degree.

3. It takes advantage of technology innovations. Online classes at many institutions take advantage of the technological innovations that occur every year. These changes get applied in convenient and practical ways, such as the implementation of a rolling semester. Some colleges and universities make their courses dominant from an independent standpoint, making it possible for students to complete their curriculum based on a schedule they said instead of what the professor requires.

As more degree programs become 100% online opportunities, many colleges and universities are finding that the independent and innovative approach makes it easier for modern students to achieve their goals.

4. Online classes are typically cheaper than traditional enrollment. Students that take online classes find that the cost of their college degree is usually less expensive than it would be if they took courses on campus. There are usually fewer textbook purchases to consider, travel cost reductions, and room and board considerations that can cut the cost of a college or university degree by 50% or more. That means each person who uses this opportunity can start their career with lower debt levels.

5. It teaches students how to be disciplined and responsible. If you can access the Internet, then your online course work is immediately available. That means each student must have the discipline to maintain the continuity of their schedule while keeping themselves on track for a successful outcome. The freedom that comes with classes that you take online comes with the need to have higher levels of responsibility. Students must stay organized and adhere to a workable schedule.

Putting all of your time to the completion of an online degree can backfire if you neglect the other critical areas of your life. Take advantage of the flexibility that this option provides so that you can spend some time with your family members and friends.

6. You can receive a degree from an accredited institution. A degree that you earn online from an accredited institution has the same weight in today’s career marketplace as one earned from the traditional approach. That means your credentials and applications will get taken seriously when you are ready to pursue new career opportunities. This advantage also means that you can take the credits earned to other programs, pursue graduate-level courses, or go after that doctorate degree that you’ve always wanted.

7. Online classes offer location independence. Some students may not have access to the program that best fits their needs. It might be across town from them, in another state, or even on the other side of the world. The availability of online classes makes it possible for students to participate in and graduate from their preferred program with less difficulty. These programs do not generally have the same geographic restrictions that you’d find with a traditional institution.

Since moving isn’t an option for many of today’s students, especially adult learners who have career and family responsibilities, online classes allow each person to enroll in the program that’s right for them regardless of where they live.

8. It provides students with real-life career preparation opportunities. When students go to college, then it can feel like you’re living in a bubble. You receive the necessary and valuable information that will let you establish a career one day, but it is not always easy to start developing the practical skills necessary to become good at your future job. Online classes require the same skill sets that many people use every day when working, which means you can enter a job market better prepared for what to expect.

An online class is quite similar to a desk job at almost any company. You must stay in touch through email, manage software solutions, and keep track of your time to ensure that you’re fulfilling all of your obligations. You get tasked with remote work while still engaging with a team to complete projects before a deadline.

9. You form social connections with your classmates. Although it is more difficult to make social connections with an online class, it isn’t an impossible circumstance. Today’s technology makes it possible to form relationships that go beyond sitting behind a computer. Your digital classmates could organize a group video hangout, facilitate conversations, and even do icebreakers that help everyone get to know each other better.

It may not be exactly the same as a face-to-face connection, but technology makes it very close. Video calls and other tools can help you to see each other even if you live on the other side of the planet.

10. It eliminates the need for verbal expression in a classroom environment. Many online students find that it is easier for them to express their opinions in this structure because there isn’t a public speaking component to the education process. You don’t need to worry about a professor calling you up to the front of the classroom to explain a concept or create a diagram. You can express yourself through writing instead, which means if something can get fixed if it doesn’t sound right in the first draft.

This advantage often leads to high-quality dialogs where each learner can carefully reflect the quality of their thinking on each comment, chapter, or project. Then you can move on to the next one whenever you feel like you’re ready.

11. Online classes create more opportunities for a varied learning experience. An online course makes it easier to include guest experts or past students in the classroom environment. Even people from other institutions can get involved in the conversations that take place to facilitate the learning process. Students can receive exposure to a worldwide perspective in their preferred subject instead of being limited to the local point of view. That means the experience has more value to potential employers in the future.

List of the Disadvantages of Online Classes

1. It can take longer to earn a degree when using online classes. If a student is not thoroughly committed to earning their degree, then it can take several years for that person to complete their online classes. Everything that the course requires is up to you. That means you must complete your assignments, read the required materials, interact with your professor, talk with your peers, and take exams according to the rules presented upon enrollment. It can be tempting to ignore your obligations when there isn’t a direct line of accountability as there is when you attend a physical classroom.

2. Some of your required course work might require in-person activities. If you are taking online classes, then there may be some stipulations where you must attend classes or take tests in a proctored environment. If a third-party observer is necessary, then it is up to each student to find an organization that will monitor this process. That means the cost of your classes each semester will go up based on the number of exams you must take.

Some institutions will even require a specific amount of on-campus time before they will award a degree. This requirement can last anywhere from two weeks to two months for U.S.-based colleges and universities.

3. You still need to take the time to fulfill your classroom requirements. Online classes can help students save a lot of time on their learning obligations, but the structure will not eliminate the need to put in some work. If you do not have a lot of free time during the day, then it may be impossible to fulfill the obligations of your enrollment. That’s why the flexibility of this arrangement can be an advantage since you only need to take one class at a time – but that can still be problematic for some people.

It is possible to avoid some of this disadvantage by taking independent learning courses online. When you can complete the work at your own pace, then the pressure of deadlines can disappear. You must still have trust in the program and remain dedicated to a result to turn this education opportunity into a real investment for you.

4. Online classes don’t provide the same face-to-face connections. Colleges and universities provide numerous opportunities for in-person social networking. When you can have face-to-face conversations with your professors and peers, then it can enhance the educational foundations that you receive. Networking functions can serve as essential connections for future career opportunities. The structure of online classes negates many of those potential advantages.

Even though you might have an institution that focuses on small class sizes and curriculum requirements that mandate interaction, a forum conversation or online chat isn’t the same as sharing coffee or lunch with someone.

5. Some online institutions don’t have full accreditation. You must verify that the college or university providing the online classes you want has full accreditation. Many facilities are not accredited even with the expansion of Internet access. That means your degree and qualifications might not receive the recognition you expect from potential employers. It may not receive serious consideration from other professionals in your preferred industry. This disadvantage also means that any credits earned might not be transferable to another institution.

The outcome of this disadvantage can be a costly mistake in terms of time and money. You’ll want to make sure to verify the specific accreditation of any school you’re considering before you even turn in an application.

6. You must have access to the Internet to complete your work. Online classes require you to have access to the Internet so that you can complete your assignments on time. If you don’t have the equipment at home to do the work or a connection that is fast enough to handle your course work, then it may be challenging to have a successful experience with this learning option. You’ll need a computer or tablet PC, a home-based ISP, and any peripherals necessary for your degree program.

Some public libraries and other institutions may offer computer access, but it may come with limited time or additional costs. You would also need to access that equipment during their regular working hours, which may not be possible with your specific schedule.

7. Many online classes require students to complete more work. The average online course in the United States requires a greater amount of reading and student interaction than a traditional class. Students must prove remotely that they have mastery over the material in question, which means your curriculum will involve a lot of independent study and Internet-based group work. Although the average amount of time one needs to dedicate to their course work is about 10 hours per week for each class, it is not unusual for individual courses at accredited colleges and universities to require 15-20 hours per week of work.

8. Technology scheduling issues can limit learning opportunities. Students must ensure that their computer is updated frequently with the latest operating system and software components to facilitate their learning. Some people may need to learn new or enhanced troubleshooting skills to manage their boot-up time, Internet connection, or software platforms that a professor requires. If you are a person who considers themselves to be technically challenged, then the tasks of this disadvantage could be a significant barrier to your current and future learning opportunities.

9. Time variations could be problematic for some students. Students who take online classes must plan and adjust their schedules to meet the deadlines set by their professors. American institutions often base deadlines on the time zone of the institution, so a West Coast student would need to account for the three-hour difference for an East Coast deadline. If international students are taking online courses, then this disadvantage could be significant.

This issue becomes problematic for students with opposite schedules. If you study at night and your partner works during the day, then there will be significant lag time between each response.

If you have a hectic schedule or zero access to a college or university, then online classes are a way to pursue your academic goals. It only requires Internet access or a data connection, and then you can begin fulfilling the requirements of your course work. The modern structure of this learning opportunity does an excellent job of simulating the traditional classroom experience.

This option may not be a first-choice selection for someone who struggles with their organization or focus. If you’re already putting in 40 hours each week with your job, then it may be unreasonable to put in another 20-40 hours after you get home to fulfill your learning obligations.

These advantages and disadvantages of online classes must receive individualized consideration. If you live at home full-time and want a self-directed education, then this innovation can be a positive experience. When you prefer social interactions and a traditional classroom, then it may not be the best choice to pursue.

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The advantages and disadvantages of learning in online classes in 2023, share this article.

Whether you’re taking a school class remotely or trying to learn a new skill just for fun – online classes can be a great option. They work well for people that can’t always commute, those who work better independently, or simply if you can’t or don’t want to be around a group of people all day. But, it’s not to say that online classes are designed for everyone either. In this blog, we’ll explore the advantages and disadvantages of online classes, as well as help you decide if online learning is the best choice for you. 

• Advantages of online classes
• Disadvantages of online classes

Are online classes for you?

Read more: Top Challenges with Online Learning For Students (and Solutions)

8 advantages of online classes

The explosion of online learning has been a fantastic shift for many people. Students who may have had to waste hours commuting to class can now attend right from their homes. And anyone struggling to take in content at the same speed as a class can now go at their own pace – in a way that works best for their learning requirements. The pros of online classes make learning a positive experience for countless students. Let’s take a look at some of the advantages here !

1. Accessible to anyone with an Internet connection 

More than 20 million new users signed up to a Coursera course in 2021, for a total of 92 million users on the platform! Since online courses are accessible to nearly anyone with an Internet connection, it’s helped to close the global education gap significantly. 

Online classes make learning accessible to those with disabilities and cognitive delays. For example, deaf students can simply turn on closed captioning (CC) to read the conversation and participate in class online. Many video conferencing platforms and learning management systems (LMS) support accessible hardware technology to further increase engagement in online classes. 

Students with cognitive or motor skill disabilities have the option to work at their own pace or take lessons when it is convenient for them. For example, if a student with dyslexia is having a difficult time reading assigned textbook chapters, they can choose to listen to it instead with an option like audio textbook versions. 

2. Flexible scheduling

A major benefit of online learning is the ability for students to attend classes from anywhere. This means students in rural areas no longer waste time driving long distances or riding the bus to get to school. Or , students who need to work to support themselves through school also have an easier time fitting both class and work schedules into their lives. 

This also applies to adult learners that may be juggling responsibilities such as children, work, home management, and more. With busy schedules, it might not be possible to make time for an in-person class. Beyond the time to commute, busy adults might need to be on standby for their children – something that is much harder to do when they’re in a physical classroom. 

The flexibility of online classes has a huge benefit for mental health. It’s been proven that job autonomy leads to mental well-being in employees . For full-time students, schooling is much like a job that takes at least 40 hours of the week. Having the autonomy to choose when and where they attend class can help mitigate common mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and stress. Better mental health leads to happier students – which is definitely something teachers, parents, and students alike should all strive for!

3. More affordable than in-person classes

Online learning makes higher education like university much more accessible to the wider population. University degrees offered online are an average of $10  to 11,000 cheaper than in-person equivalents . This number does not take costs like on-campus food or housing into account – it only reflects tuition differences. So you can imagine how significant that difference would become with all expenses accounted for! 

Learning management systems like Thinkific and Udemy are great places to look for affordable (and sometimes free) classes. Industry experts, entrepreneurs, and coaches all offer their knowledge through self-created courses, meaning these courses are often more accessible in terms of pricing while also providing super relevant and realistic course lessons. Students can go directly to the source of knowledge, rather than having to pay expensive tuition fees to big institutions .

There is also a huge amount of free knowledge on websites like YouTube. Channels such as Crash Course and Khan Academy provide high quality content at no cost!

4. Ability to connect globally

It’s possible to connect with teachers and learners all around the world with online courses. Before online learning was widely accessible , you would have had to travel to Hawaii to learn about Hawaiian traditions and cultures, for example . Now, you can join Ka hale Hoaka online school and learn right from your home. 

Even if you’re learning something that isn’t necessarily culture or country-specific, learning with people from different backgrounds can lend fascinating perspectives and discussion to the topic. With so many courses implementing learning communities, it’s easier than ever to connect with fellow students and hear different points of view. 

Read more: 10 Different Types of Online Learning Communities

5. Facilitated peer and teacher interaction

At first , it might seem like students don’t get a lot of interaction in an online course as compared to in-person classes. This can definitely happen – but there are many online courses that prioritize student interaction with each other, and with the instructor. 

For some students, it is easier to communicate through virtual mediums such as forums, discussion boards, or direct messaging than it is to speak up in an in-person class. Through these channels, they still get the benefits of group discussion without having to sacrifice the flexibility of online learning. Dr. Michelle Gottlieb, a psychologist and owner of EMDR Professional Training , also engages with her students by frequently commenting in her course’s online communities and providing advice to students as needed. Many instructors even offer 1-1 coaching sessions for students that are looking for additional learning support ! 

6. Encourages independence and self-pacing

Many online courses offer students the option to take the course at their own pace. This can take away worries that the student might not have time in their hectic life to fit multiple hours of coursework in each week consistently . Self-paced courses are extremely adaptable to busy schedules. However, it does take a fair amount of self-discipline to actually complete self-paced courses.

If students find they are lacking discipline and are unable to complete courses that are self-paced, there are online courses that put students into cohorts with set deadlines. This is a great option for students and teachers that benefit from a more traditional class structure. Instructors that follow this model will often use the drip method, a microlearning approach , to release content at a slower pace. 

Read more : 2023 e-Learning Trends Report

7. Improved tracking and facilitation

If you’re easily disorganized or have trouble remembering what you learned last week, online classes can help you in this area. Most online classroom systems will keep track of which topics and resources you’ve already read, and will point you to which ones you need to do next. It will also automatically file your assignments, keep track of your grades, and calculate your total GPA to date. In comparison, learning through a physical classroom would require you to manage a lot of papers, heavy textbooks, and physical equipment.

Online classrooms also have the ability to launch virtual labs, which makes it easier to facilitate interactive learning sessions. Quizzes and feedback surveys can also be launched through the learning management system  by the teacher, and you can see your results almost instantly. Overall, it’s much faster to see information and results in virtual classrooms.

8. Adaptive to multiple learning styles

Everyone has a slightly different preference when it comes to how they interpret information. There are generally three types of learning styles:

• Auditory learners – who prefer to learn by hearing. This includes listening to podcasts, lectures, and audiobooks. Any verbal explanation goes a long way for this learner!
• Visual learners – who prefer to learn by seeing. Animations, movies, hand movements, drawing, and writing are useful tools for this type of learner.
• Kinesthetic learners – who prefer to learn by doing, or using their hands. Any opportunity to touch, feel, build, and see something in 3D will help this learner interpret information well.

Most people have some combination of learning style, making them hybrid learners. With online classes, there are a lot of ways that students can choose to take in information. For example, a course may offer a video (appealing to visual learners) with a voiceover (for auditory learners) and instructions on how to do the science experiment with home materials (for kinesthetic learners). 

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6 disadvantages of online classes

While there are many advantages to online learning, it’s important to also consider the disadvantages. Some people may find that online learning isn’t for them, so let’s explore some of the reasons why. 

Often requires a lot of screen time

Staring at digital screens all day long has a myriad of negative effects for both adults and children. These effects include eye strain, disrupted circadian rhythm, headaches, and neck and back pain.  Learners taking online classes need to take measures to avoid symptoms of too much screen time, especially if they are already working remotely , in addition to taking classes. Some ways to prevent the negative effects of screen time include:

• Using blue-light glasses
• Taking a break every 20 minutes to look at something different
• Change up your working environment every few hours
• Avoid turning up your screen too bright
• Lower the contrast on your screen

2. Less opportunity to connect with peers

While online classes can actually be quite social in nature, the fact is that you’re still usually completing them on your own most of the time . This can be a major disadvantage – especially for students that already spend a lot of time by themselves at home. Students can combat this feeling of isolation by working on their online classes in coffee shops or libraries where there is a more lively environment . Additionally, they can sign up for classes that have thriving online communities to connect virtually with other students. 

It’s important to keep in mind that many people enroll in university, college, or even community classes as a way to meet friends. Proximity to the same people is a leading indicator that you will befriend those people – just because you see them a lot! If you’re taking classes online, you’ll miss that natural proximity and connection with your peers. It will take more effort to form real-life friendships with online peers (but it is still possible). One way to get a similar level of social interaction in online courses is by opting for a class that has a lot of group project work.

3. Harder to access technical equipment

At a minimum, students need a device with an internet connection to take online classes. Realistically, students will need a device they can also type assignments on such as a laptop or tablet with a keyboard. It’s costly to purchase these devices upfront , especially if you have multiple children in online classes who each need their own devices to complete school work. 

More often than not , in-person classes have a responsibility to provide equipment so students can participate. This keeps class accessible for lower-income students. To circumvent this issue with online learning environments, some school districts provide laptops or tablets so that students can participate even if they can’t afford to purchase devices themselves. Unfortunately, this is in no way a global solution as many school districts don’t have the funds to provide devices. This problem is even more true for students with learning disabilities who require specialized accessibility hardware.

4. Creates extra work for teachers

Teachers become teachers because they love to teach – not necessarily because they have an affinity for technology. This became extremely clear when teachers were first tasked with moving entire courses and curriculums into online formats . For many teachers, this meant lots of extra work recording lectures, moving tests and assignments online, and organizing video call live lessons and homework submission portals. However, once the courses are built, there is only a small time requirement to maintain the content with up-to-date material. 

Teachers might also run into issues with students not participating as much online and not having as much opportunity to collaborate. While there are online solutions to both of these issues, it is a learning curve for teachers to adapt to online teaching. It may take extra time to collect feedback from students in these early learning stages, but this time commitment should decrease over time.

5. Requires more self-control and harder to focus

Online learning can certainly make focusing for long periods of time a challenge. Students are no longer in an environment dedicated to learning and are surrounded by distractions like phones, delivery people , or chores like doing some laundry or walking the dog. The lack of structure means students need to be good at their own time management. This is an added challenge on top of learning that students don’t need to think about during in-person classes. 

Students may also find they run into challenges or don’t understand the material when learning online. Hopefully, the instructor has set up a way to contact them to answer questions, but if not, this will become frustrating for students and will likely cause them to lose motivation for learning. 

6. Lack of hands-on learning

Certain information lends itself better to online learning than others. For example, learning math or biology online will be relatively easier online since it involves a lot of visual or auditory explanations. However, learning things like medical examination, dental work, or even pottery or another trade might be tough because of the hands-on components. For kinesthetic learners, it might be more practical to learn in-person or purchase the training equipment you would need to practice your new skill hands-on at home.

After reading through the advantages and disadvantages of online classes you probably have a good idea if online learning is for you. If you’re disciplined, self-motivated, want to learn something that doesn’t need hands-on practice, or if you need flexibility, online learning is right for you! However, if you need lots of structure, want to learn a hands-on concept, and want to meet people face-to-face , you would probably benefit more from in-person classes.

This article was originally published in 2022, it has since been updated in March 2023 to include the newest info. 

Maddie is a content marketer at Thinkific. When she isn't zealously writing about all things online learning, you can find her glued to a good book or exploring the great outdoors.

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As with most instructional methods, online learning also has positives and negatives. Decoding and understanding these advantages and disadvantages will help institutes create strategies for more efficient delivery of the lessons, ensuring a continuous learning journey for the students.

The advantages and disadvantages of online learning

As with most instructional methods, online learning also has positives and negatives. Decoding and understanding these advantages and disadvantages will help institutes create strategies for more efficacy in delivering the lessons, ensuring a continuous learning journey for students.

T he Advantages Of Online Learning

Online learning offers teachers an effective way to deliver lessons to students. Online learning has several tools, such as videos, PDFs, podcasts, and teachers can use all these tools as part of their lesson plans. By extending the lesson plan beyond conventional textbooks to include online resources, teachers can become more efficient educators.

• Convenience

An advantage of online education is that it enables students to attend classes from any location of their choice. It also enabled schools to reach out to a more extensive network of students instead of being restricted by geographical boundaries. Online lectures can be recorded, archived, and shared for future reference. This allows students to access the learning content at a time of their comfort.

Online learning offers students the accessibility of time and place in education.

Yet another advantage of online learning is decreased financial costs. Online education is more affordable as compared to physical learning. This is because online learning eliminates the cost points of learners’ transportation, student meals, and, most importantly, real estate. All the class materials are available online, thus creating an affordable digital learning environment while also being beneficial to the classroom.

• Student Attendance is Increased

Since online courses can be attended from home or a location of choice, there are fewer chances of students missing out on lessons.

• Works With All Learning Styles 

Every learner has a different learning journey and a different learning style. Some learners are visual learners, while others prefer to learn through audio. Many learners thrive in the classroom; others are solo learners who get distracted by large groups.

The online learning system, with its variety of options and resources, can be customized in various ways.

The Disadvantages Of Online Learning

• Screen Time and Focus

For many learners, one of the biggest challenges of online learning is the struggle with focusing on the screen for long periods. With online learning, there is also a better chance for learners to be easily distracted by social media or other sites. Therefore, teachers must keep their online classes crisp, engaging, and interactive to help students focus on the lesson.

• Tech Problems

Another key challenge of online classes is Wi-Fi access. While internet penetration has grown considerably in the past few years, a consistent connection with decent speed is a problem in smaller cities and towns. Without a consistent internet connection for learners or teachers, there can be a lack of continuity in learning for the kid. This is detrimental to the education process.

• Disconnection

Learners can learn a lot from being in the company of their peers. However, in an online class, students and teachers have minimal physical interactions. This often results in the sense of isolation for the students. In this situation, the school must allow other forms of communication between the students, peers, and teachers. This can involve online messages, emails, and video conferencing that will allow face-to-face interaction and lessen the sense of isolation.

Online learning requires educators to have an understanding of using digital forms of learning. However, this is not always the case. Very often, educators have a very basic understanding of tech. They often don’t even have the resources and tools to conduct online classes.

Schools need to train teachers with the latest technology updates, so they can conduct their online classes seamlessly.

• Managing Screen Time

Many parents are worried about the hazards of having their kids spend so many hours staring at a screen. This uptick in screen time is one of the most listed concerns and disadvantages of online learning. Students also develop poor posture and other physical problems due to being hunched in front of a screen.

A good solution would be to give the students plenty of breaks from the screen to refresh their minds and bodies.

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Is Online Learning Effective?

A new report found that the heavy dependence on technology during the pandemic caused “staggering” education inequality. What was your experience?

By Natalie Proulx

During the coronavirus pandemic, many schools moved classes online. Was your school one of them? If so, what was it like to attend school online? Did you enjoy it? Did it work for you?

In “ Dependence on Tech Caused ‘Staggering’ Education Inequality, U.N. Agency Says ,” Natasha Singer writes:

In early 2020, as the coronavirus spread, schools around the world abruptly halted in-person education. To many governments and parents, moving classes online seemed the obvious stopgap solution. In the United States, school districts scrambled to secure digital devices for students. Almost overnight, videoconferencing software like Zoom became the main platform teachers used to deliver real-time instruction to students at home. Now a report from UNESCO , the United Nations’ educational and cultural organization, says that overreliance on remote learning technology during the pandemic led to “staggering” education inequality around the world. It was, according to a 655-page report that UNESCO released on Wednesday, a worldwide “ed-tech tragedy.” The report, from UNESCO’s Future of Education division, is likely to add fuel to the debate over how governments and local school districts handled pandemic restrictions, and whether it would have been better for some countries to reopen schools for in-person instruction sooner. The UNESCO researchers argued in the report that “unprecedented” dependence on technology — intended to ensure that children could continue their schooling — worsened disparities and learning loss for hundreds of millions of students around the world, including in Kenya, Brazil, Britain and the United States. The promotion of remote online learning as the primary solution for pandemic schooling also hindered public discussion of more equitable, lower-tech alternatives, such as regularly providing schoolwork packets for every student, delivering school lessons by radio or television — and reopening schools sooner for in-person classes, the researchers said. “Available evidence strongly indicates that the bright spots of the ed-tech experiences during the pandemic, while important and deserving of attention, were vastly eclipsed by failure,” the UNESCO report said. The UNESCO researchers recommended that education officials prioritize in-person instruction with teachers, not online platforms, as the primary driver of student learning. And they encouraged schools to ensure that emerging technologies like A.I. chatbots concretely benefited students before introducing them for educational use. Education and industry experts welcomed the report, saying more research on the effects of pandemic learning was needed. “The report’s conclusion — that societies must be vigilant about the ways digital tools are reshaping education — is incredibly important,” said Paul Lekas, the head of global public policy for the Software & Information Industry Association, a group whose members include Amazon, Apple and Google. “There are lots of lessons that can be learned from how digital education occurred during the pandemic and ways in which to lessen the digital divide. ” Jean-Claude Brizard, the chief executive of Digital Promise, a nonprofit education group that has received funding from Google, HP and Verizon, acknowledged that “technology is not a cure-all.” But he also said that while school systems were largely unprepared for the pandemic, online education tools helped foster “more individualized, enhanced learning experiences as schools shifted to virtual classrooms.” ​Education International, an umbrella organization for about 380 teachers’ unions and 32 million teachers worldwide, said the UNESCO report underlined the importance of in-person, face-to-face teaching. “The report tells us definitively what we already know to be true, a place called school matters,” said Haldis Holst, the group’s deputy general secretary. “Education is not transactional nor is it simply content delivery. It is relational. It is social. It is human at its core.”

Students, read the entire article and then tell us:

What findings from the report, if any, surprised you? If you participated in online learning during the pandemic, what in the report reflected your experience? If the researchers had asked you about what remote learning was like for you, what would you have told them?

At this point, most schools have returned to in-person teaching, but many still use technology in the classroom. How much tech is involved in your day-to-day education? Does this method of learning work well for you? If you had a say, would you want to spend more or less time online while in school?

What are some of the biggest benefits you have seen from technology when it comes to your education? What are some of the biggest drawbacks?

Haldis Holst, UNESCO’s deputy general secretary, said: “The report tells us definitively what we already know to be true, a place called school matters. Education is not transactional nor is it simply content delivery. It is relational. It is social. It is human at its core.” What is your reaction to that statement? Do you agree? Why or why not?

As a student, what advice would you give to schools that are already using or are considering using educational technology?

Students 13 and older in the United States and Britain, and 16 and older elsewhere, are invited to comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff, but please keep in mind that once your comment is accepted, it will be made public and may appear in print.

Find more Student Opinion questions here. Teachers, check out this guide to learn how you can incorporate these prompts into your classroom.

Natalie Proulx joined The Learning Network as a staff editor in 2017 after working as an English language arts teacher and curriculum writer. More about Natalie Proulx

Online Education: Pros and Cons

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• Published: 09 May 2024

Looking back to move forward: comparison of instructors’ and undergraduates’ retrospection on the effectiveness of online learning using the nine-outcome influencing factors

• Yujie Su   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0003-1444-1598 1 ,
• Xiaoshu Xu   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-0667-4511 1 ,
• Yunfeng Zhang 2 ,
• Xinyu Xu 1 &
• Shanshan Hao 3  

Humanities and Social Sciences Communications volume  11 , Article number:  594 ( 2024 ) Cite this article

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This study delves into the retrospections of undergraduate students concerning their online learning experiences after the COVID-19 pandemic, using the nine key influencing factors: behavioral intention, instruction, engagement, interaction, motivation, self-efficacy, performance, satisfaction, and self-regulation. 46 Year 1 students from a comprehensive university in China were asked to maintain reflective diaries throughout an academic semester, providing first-person perspectives on the strengths and weaknesses of online learning. Meanwhile, 18 college teachers were interviewed with the same questions as the students. Using thematic analysis, the research identified 9 factors. The research revealed that instruction ranked highest among the 9 factors, followed by engagement, self-regulation, interaction, motivation, and others. Moreover, teachers and students had different attitudes toward instruction. Thirdly, teacher participants were different from student participants given self-efficacy and self-regulation due to their variant roles in online instruction. Lastly, the study reflected students were not independent learners, which explained why instruction ranked highest in their point of view. Findings offer valuable insights for educators, administrators, and policy-makers involved in higher education. Recommendations for future research include incorporating a more diverse sample, exploring relationships between the nine factors, and focusing on equipping students with skills for optimal online learning experiences.

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Introduction.

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on education worldwide, leading to the widescale adoption of online learning. According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), at the peak of the pandemic, 192 countries had implemented nationwide closures, affecting approximately 99% of the world’s student population (UNESCO 2020 a). In response, educational institutions, teachers, and students quickly adapted to online learning platforms, leveraging digital technologies to continue education amidst the crisis (Marinoni et al. 2020 ).

The rapid and unexpected shift to online learning brought about a surge in research aiming to understand its impact, effectiveness, and challenges. Researchers across the globe have been investigating various dimensions of online learning. Some focus on students’ experiences and perspectives (Aristovnik et al. 2021 ), technological aspects (Bao 2020 ), pedagogical strategies (Hodges et al. 2020 ), and the socio-emotional aspect of learning (Ali 2020 ). Tan et al. ( 2021 ) found that motivation and satisfaction were mostly positively perceived by students, and lack of interaction was perceived as an unfavorable online instruction perception. Some center on teachers’ perceptions of the benefits and challenges (Lucas and Vicente, 2023 ; Mulla et al. 2023 ), post-pandemic pedagogisation (Rapanta et al. 2021 ), and post-pandemic further education (Kohnke et al. 2023 ; Torsani et al. 2023 ). It was worth noting that elements like interaction and engagement were central to the development and maintenance of the learning community (Lucas and Vincente 2023 ),

The rise of online learning has also posed unprecedented challenges. Studies have pointed out the digital divide and accessibility issues (Crawford et al. 2020 ), students’ motivation and engagement concerns (Martin and Bolliger 2018 ), and the need for effective online instructional practices (Trust and Whalen 2020 ). The rapid transition to online learning has highlighted the need for robust research to address these challenges and understand the effectiveness of online learning in this new educational paradigm.

Despite the extensive research on online learning during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, there remains a notable gap in understanding the retrospective perspectives of both undergraduates and teachers. Much of the current literature has focused on immediate response strategies to the transition to online learning, often overlooking the detailed insights that reflective retrospection can provide (Marinoni et al. 2020 ; Bao 2020 ). In addition, while many studies have examined isolated aspects of online learning, they have not often employed a comprehensive framework, leaving undergraduates’ voices, in particular, underrepresented in the discourse (Aristovnik et al. 2021 ; Crawford et al. 2020 ). This study, situated in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic’s impetus toward online learning, seeks to fill this crucial gap. By exploring online learning from the perspectives of both instructors and undergraduates, and analyzing nine key factors that include engagement, motivation, and self-efficacy, the research contributes vital insights into the dynamics of online education (Wang and Wang 2021 ). This exploration is especially pertinent as digital learning environments become increasingly prevalent worldwide (UNESCO 2020b ). The findings of our study are pivotal for shaping future educational policies and enhancing online education strategies in this continuously evolving educational landscape (Greenhow et al. 2021 ). Thus, three research questions were raised:

Q1: How do undergraduates and teachers in China retrospectively perceive the effectiveness of online learning after the COVID-19 pandemic?

Q2: Which of the nine outcome influencing factors had the most significant impact on online learning experiences after the pandemic, and why?

Q3: What recommendations can be proposed to enhance the effectiveness of online learning in the future?

The research takes place at a comprehensive university in China, with a sample of 46 Year 1 students and 18 experienced teachers. Their reflections on the effectiveness of online learning were captured through reflective diaries guided by four questions. These questions investigated the students’ online learning states and attitudes, identified issues and insufficiencies in online learning, analyzed the reasons behind these problems, and proposed improvements. By assessing their experiences and perceptions, we seek to explore the significant factors that shaped online learning outcomes after the pandemic and the means to enhance its effectiveness.

This paper first presents a review of the existing literature, focusing on the impact of the pandemic on online learning and discussing the nine significant factors influencing online learning outcomes. Following this, the methodology utilized for this study is detailed, setting the stage for a deeper understanding of the research process. Subsequently, we delve into the results of the thematic analysis conducted based on undergraduate students and teachers’ retrospections. Finally, the paper concludes by offering meaningful implications of the findings for various stakeholders and suggesting directions for future research in this critical area.

Literature review

Online learning application and evaluation in higher education.

Online learning, also known as e-learning or distance learning, refers to education that takes place over the Internet rather than in a traditional classroom setting. It has seen substantial growth over the past decade and has been accelerated due to the COVID-19 pandemic (Trust and Whalen 2020 ). Online learning allows for a flexible learning environment, breaking the temporal and spatial boundaries of traditional classroom settings (Bozkurt and Sharma 2020 ). In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, educational institutions globally have embraced online learning at an unprecedented scale. This has led to an immense surge in research focusing on the effects of the pandemic on online learning (Crawford et al. 2020 ; Marinoni et al. 2020 ).

Researchers were divided in their attitudes toward the effects of online learning, including positive, neutral, and negative. Research by Bahasoan et al. ( 2020 ), Bernard et al. ( 2004 ), Hernández-Lara and Serradell-López ( 2018 ), and Paechter and Maier ( 2010 ) indicated the effectiveness of online learning, including improved outcomes and engagement in online formats, providing flexibility and enhancing digital skills for instance. Research, including studies by Dolan Hancock and Wareing ( 2015 ) and Means et al. ( 2010 ), indicates that under equivalent conditions and with similar levels of support, there is frequently no substantial difference in learning outcomes between traditional face-to-face courses and completely online courses.

However, online learning was not without its challenges. Research showing less favorable results for specific student groups can be referenced in Dennen ( 2014 ), etc. The common problems faced by students included underdeveloped independent learning ability, lack of motivation, difficulties in self-regulation, student engagement and technical issues (Aristovnik et al. 2021 ; Martin and Bolliger 2018 ; Song et al. 2004 ; Zheng et al. 2022 ).

Moreover, factors like instructional strategies, course design, etc. were also linked to learning outcomes and successful online learning (Ali 2020 ; Hongsuchon et al. 2022 ). Careaga-Butter et al. ( 2020 ) critically analyze online education in pandemic and post-pandemic contexts, focusing on digital tools and resources for teaching in synchronous and asynchronous learning modalities. They discuss the swift adaptation to online learning during the pandemic, highlighting the importance of technological infrastructure, pedagogical strategies, and the challenges of digital divides. The article emphasizes the need for effective online learning environments and explores trends in post-pandemic education, providing insights into future educational strategies and practices.

Determinants of online learning outcomes

Online learning outcomes in this paper refer to the measurable educational results achieved through online learning methods, including knowledge acquisition, skill development, changes in attitudes or behaviors, and performance improvements (Chang 2016 ; Panigrahi et al. 2018 ). The literature review identified key factors influencing online learning outcomes, emphasizing their significant role in academic discourse. These factors, highlighted in scholarly literature, include student engagement, instructional design, technology infrastructure, student-teacher interaction, and student self-regulation.

Student Engagement: The level of a student’s engagement significantly impacts their learning outcomes. The more actively a student is engaged with the course content and activities, the better their performance tends to be. This underscores the importance of designing engaging course content and providing opportunities for active learning in an online environment (Martin and Bolliger 2018 ).

Instructional Design: How an online course is designed can greatly affect student outcomes. Key elements such as clarity of learning objectives, organization of course materials, and the use of diverse instructional strategies significantly impact student learning (Bozkurt and Sharma 2020 ).

Technology Infrastructure: The reliability and ease of use of the learning management system (LMS) also play a significant role in online learning outcomes. When students experience technical difficulties, it can lead to frustration, reduced engagement, and lower performance (Johnson et al. 2020 ).

Student-Teacher Interaction: Interaction between students and teachers in an online learning environment is a key determinant of successful outcomes. Regular, substantive feedback from instructors can promote student learning and motivation (Boling et al. 2012 ).

Student Self-Regulation: The autonomous nature of online learning requires students to be proficient in self-regulated learning, which involves setting learning goals, self-monitoring, and self-evaluation. Students who exhibit strong self-regulation skills are more likely to succeed in online learning (Broadbent 2017 ).

While many studies have investigated individual factors affecting online learning, there is a paucity of research offering a holistic view of these factors and their interrelationships, leading to a fragmented understanding of the influences on online learning outcomes. Given the multitude of experiences and variables encompassed by online learning, a comprehensive framework like is instrumental in ensuring a thorough investigation and interpretation of the breadth of students’ experiences.

Students’ perceptions of online learning

Understanding students’ perceptions of online learning is essential for enhancing its effectiveness and student satisfaction. Studies show students appreciate online learning for its flexibility and convenience, offering personalized learning paths and resource access (Händel et al. 2020 ; Johnson et al. 2020 ). Yet, challenges persist, notably in maintaining motivation and handling technical issues (Aristovnik et al. 2021 ; Händel et al. 2020 ). Aguilera-Hermida ( 2020 ) reported mixed feelings among students during the COVID-19 pandemic, including feelings of isolation and difficulty adjusting to online environments. Boling et al. ( 2012 ) emphasized students’ preferences for interactive and communicative online learning environments. Additionally, research indicates that students seek more engaging content and innovative teaching approaches, suggesting a gap between current online offerings and student expectations (Chakraborty and Muyia Nafukho 2014 ). Students also emphasize the importance of community and peer support in online settings, underlining the need for collaborative and social learning opportunities (Lai et al. 2019 ). These findings imply that while online learning offers significant benefits, addressing its shortcomings is critical for maximizing its potential.

The pandemic prompted a reconsideration of instructional modalities, with many students favoring face-to-face instruction due to the immediacy and focus issues (Aristovnik et al. 2021 ; Trust and Whalen 2020 ). Despite valuable insights, research gaps remain, particularly in long-term undergraduate reflections and the application of nine factors of comprehensive frameworks, indicating a need for more holistic research in online learning effectiveness.

Teachers’ perceptions of online learning

The pandemic has brought attention to how teachers manage instruction in virtual learning environments. Teachers and students are divided in terms of their attitudes toward online learning. Some teachers and students looked to the convenience and flexibility of online learning (Chuenyindee et al. 2022 ; Al-Emran and Shaalan 2021 ). They conceived that online learning provided opportunities to improve educational equality as well (Tenório et al. 2016 ). Even when COVID-19 was over, the dependence on online learning was likely here to stay, for some approaches of online learning were well-received by students and teachers (Al-Rahmi et al. 2019 ; Hongsuchon et al. 2022 ).

Teachers had shown great confidence in delivering instruction in an online environment in a satisfying manner. They also agreed that the difficulty of teaching was closely associated with course structures (Gavranović and Prodanović 2021 ).

Not all were optimistic about the effects of online learning. They sought out the challenges facing teachers and students during online learning.

A mixed-method study of K-12 teachers’ feelings, experiences, and perspectives that the major challenges faced by teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic were lack of student participation and engagement, technological support for online learning, lack of face-to-face interactions with students, no work-life balance and learning new technology.

The challenges to teachers’ online instruction included instruction technology (Maatuk et al. 2022 ; Rasheed et al. 2020 ), course design (Khojasteh et al. 2023 ), and teachers’ confidence (Gavranović and Prodanović 2021 ).

Self-regulation challenges and challenges in using technology were the key challenges to students, while the use of technology for teaching was the challenge facing teachers (Rasheed et al. 2020 ).

The quality of course design was another important factor in online learning. A research revealed the competency of the instructors and their expertise in content development contributed a lot to students’ satisfaction with the quality of e-contents.

Theoretical framework

The theoretical foundation of the research is deeply rooted in multifaceted framework for online learning, which provides a comprehensive and interwoven model encompassing nine critical factors that collectively shape the educational experience in online settings. This framework is instrumental in guiding our analysis and enhances the comparability and interpretability of our results within the context of existing literature.

Central to Yu’s framework is the concept of behavioral intention, which acts as a precursor to student engagement in online learning environments. This engagement, inherently linked to the students’ intentions and motivations, is significantly influenced by the quality of instruction they receive. Instruction, therefore, emerges as a pivotal element in this model, directly impacting not only student engagement but also fostering a sense of self-efficacy among learners. Such self-efficacy is crucial as it influences both the performance of students and their overall satisfaction with the learning process.

The framework posits that engagement, a derivative of both strong behavioral intention and effective instruction, plays a vital role in enhancing student performance. This engagement is tightly interlaced with self-regulation, an indispensable skill in the autonomous and often self-directed context of online learning. Interaction, encompassing various forms such as student-teacher and peer-to-peer communications, further enriches the learning experience. It significantly contributes to the development of motivation and self-efficacy, both of which are essential for sustaining engagement and fostering self-regulated learning.

Motivation, especially when intrinsically driven, acts as a catalyst, perpetuating engagement and self-regulation, which ultimately leads to increased satisfaction with the learning experience. In this framework, self-efficacy, nurtured through effective instruction and meaningful interactions, has a positive impact on students’ performance and satisfaction, thereby creating a reinforcing cycle of learning and achievement.

Performance in this model is viewed as a tangible measure of the synergistic interplay of engagement, instructional quality, and self-efficacy, while satisfaction reflects the culmination of the learning experience, shaped by the quality of instruction, the extent and nature of interactions, and the flexibility of the learning environment. This satisfaction, in turn, influences students’ future motivation and their continued engagement with online learning.

Yu’s model thus presents a dynamic ecosystem where changes in one factor can have ripple effects across the entire spectrum of online learning. It emphasizes the need for a holistic approach in the realm of online education, considering the complex interplay of these diverse yet interconnected elements to enhance both the effectiveness and the overall experience of online learning.

The current study employed a qualitative design to explore teachers’ and undergraduates’ retrospections on the effectiveness of online learning during the first semester of the 2022–2023 school year, which is in the post-pandemic period. Data were collected using reflective diaries, and thematic analysis was applied to understand the experiences based on the nine factors.

Sample and sampling

The study involved 18 teachers and 46 first-year students from a comprehensive university in China, selected through convenience sampling to ensure diverse representation across academic disciplines. To ensure a diverse range of experiences in online learning, the participant selection process involved an initial email inquiry about their prior engagement with online education. The first author of this study received ethics approval from the department research committee, and participants were informed of the study’s objectives two weeks before via email. Only those participants who provided written informed consent were included in the study and were free to withdraw at any time. Pseudonyms were used to protect participants’ identities during the data-coding process. For direct citations, acronyms of students’ names were used, while “T+number” was used for citations from teacher participants.

The 46 students are all first-year undergraduates, 9 females and 37 males majoring in English and non-English (see Table 1 ).

The 18 teachers are all experienced instructors with at least 5 years of teaching experience, 13 females and 5 male, majoring in English and Non-English (see Table 2 ).

Data collection

Students’ data were collected through reflective diaries in class during the first semester of the 2022–2023 school year. Each participant was asked to maintain a diary over the course of one academic semester, in which they responded to four questions.

The four questions include:

What was your state and attitude toward online learning?

What were the problems and shortcomings of online learning?

What do you think are the reasons for these problems?

What measures do you think should be taken to improve online learning?

This approach provided a first-person perspective on the participants’ online teaching or learning experiences, capturing the depth and complexity of their retrospections.

Teachers were interviewed separately by responding to the four questions the same as the students. Each interview was conducted in the office or the school canteen during the semester and lasted about 20 to 30 min.

Data analysis

We utilized thematic analysis to interpret the reflective diaries, guided initially by nine factors. This method involved extensive engagement with the data, from initial coding to the final report. While Yu’s factors provided a foundational structure, we remained attentive to new themes, ensuring a comprehensive analysis. Our approach was methodical: familiarizing ourselves with the data, identifying initial codes, systematically searching and reviewing themes, and then defining and naming them. To validate our findings, we incorporated peer debriefing, and member checking, and maintained an audit trail. This analysis method was chosen for its effectiveness in extracting in-depth insights from undergraduates’ retrospections on their online learning experiences post-pandemic, aligning with our research objectives.

According to the nine factors, the interviews of 18 teachers and 46 Year 1 undergraduates were catalogued and listed in Table 3 .

Behavioral intention towards online learning post-pandemic

Since the widespread of the COVID-19 pandemic, both teachers and students have experienced online learning. However, their online teaching or learning was forced rather than planned (Baber 2021 ; Bao 2020 ). Students more easily accepted online learning when they perceived the severity of COVID-19.

When entering the post-pandemic era, traditional teaching was resumed. Students often compared online learning with traditional learning by mentioning learning interests, eye contact, face-to-face learning and learning atmosphere.

“I don’t think online learning is a good form of learning because it is hard to focus on learning.” (DSY) “In unimportant courses, I would let the computer log to the platform and at the same time do other entertains such as watching movies, listening to the music, having snacks or do the cleaning.” (XYN) “Online learning makes it impossible to have eye contact between teachers and students and unable to create a face-to-face instructional environment, which greatly influences students’ initiative and engagement in classes.” (WRX)

They noted that positive attitudes toward online learning usually generated higher behavioral intention to use online learning than those with negative attitudes, as found in the research of Zhu et al. ( 2023 ). So they put more blame on distractions in the learning environment.

“Online learning relies on computers or cell phones which easily brings many distractions. … I can’t focus on studying, shifting constantly from study and games.” (YX) “When we talk about learning online, we are hit by an idea that we can take a rest in class. It’s because everyone believes that during online classes, the teacher is unable to see or know what we are doing.” (YM) “…I am easily disturbed by external factors, and I am not very active in class.” (WZB)

Teachers reported a majority of students reluctantly turning on their cameras during online instruction and concluded the possible reason for such behavior.

“One of the reasons why some students are unwilling to turn on the camera is that they are worried about their looks and clothing at home, or that they don’t want to become the focus.” (T4)

They also noticed students’ absent-mindedness and lazy attitude during online instruction.

“As for some students who are not self-regulated, they would not take online learning as seriously as offline learning. Whenever they are logged onto the online platform, they would be unable to stay focused and keep their attention.” (T1)

Challenges and opportunities in online instruction post-pandemic

Online teaching brought new challenges and opportunities for students during and after the pandemic. The distractions at home seemed to be significantly underestimated by teachers in an online learning environment (Radmer and Goodchild 2021 ). It might be the reason why students greatly expected and heavily relied on teachers’ supervision and management.

“The biggest problem of online learning is that online courses are as imperative as traditional classes, but not managed face to face the same as the traditional ones.” (PC) “It is unable to provide some necessary supervision.” (GJX) “It is incapable of giving timely attention to every student.” (GYC) “Teachers can’t understand students’ conditions in time in most cases so teachers can’t adjust their teaching plan.” (MZY) “Some courses are unable to reach the teaching objectives due to lack of experimental conduction and practical operation.” (YZH) “Insufficient teacher-student interaction and the use of cell phones make both groups unable to engage in classes. What’s more, though online learning doesn’t put a high requirement for places, its instructional environment may be crucial due to the possible distractions.” (YCY)

Teachers also viewed online instruction as an addition to face-to-face instruction.

“Online learning cannot run as smoothly as face-to-face instruction, but it can provide an in-time supplement to the practical teaching and students’ self-learning.” (T13, T17) “Online instruction is an essential way to ensure the normal function of school work during the special periods like the pandemic” (T1, T15)

Factors influencing student engagement in online learning

Learning engagement was found to contribute to gains in the study (Paul and Diana 2006 ). It was also referred to as a state closely intertwined with the three dimensions of learning, i.e., vigor, dedication, and absorption (Schaufeli et al. 2002 ). Previous studies have found that some key factors like learning interaction, self-regulation, and social presence could influence learning engagement and learning outcomes (Lowenthal and Dunlap 2020 ; Ng 2018 ). Due to the absence of face-to-face interaction like eye contact, facial expressions and body language, both groups of interviewees agreed that the students felt it hard to keep their attention and thus remain active in online classes.

“Students are unable to engage in study due to a lack of practical learning environment of online learning.” (ZMH, T12) “Online platforms may not provide the same level of engagement and interaction as in-person classrooms, making it harder for students to ask questions or engage in discussions.” (HCK) “The Internet is cold, lack of emotional clues and practical connections, which makes it unable to reproduce face-to-face offline learning so that teachers and students are unlikely to know each other’s true feelings or thoughts. In addition, different from the real-time learning supervision in offline learning, online learning leaves students more learning autonomy.” (XGH) “Lack of teachers’ supervision and practical learning environment, students are easily distracted.” (LMA, T9)

Just as Zhu et al. ( 2023 ) pointed out, we had been too optimistic about students’ engagement in online learning, because online learning relied more on students’ autonomy and efforts to complete online learning.

Challenges in teacher-student interaction in online learning

Online learning has a notable feature, i.e., a spatial and temporal separation among teachers and students. Thus, online teacher-student interactions, fundamentals of relationship formation, have more challenges for both teachers and students. The prior studies found that online interaction affected social presence and indirectly affected learning engagement through social presence (Miao and Ma 2022 ). In the present investigation, both teachers and students noted the striking disadvantage of online interaction.

“Online learning has many problems such as indirect teacher-student communication, inactive informative communication, late response of students and their inability to reflect their problems. For example, teachers cannot evaluate correctly whether the students have mastered or not.” (YYN) “Teachers and students are separated by screens. The students cannot make prompt responses to the teachers’ questions via loudspeakers or headphones. It is not convenient for students to participate in questioning and answering. …for most of the time, the students interact with teachers via typing.” (ZJY) “While learning online, students prefer texting the questions to answering them via the loudspeaker.”(T7)

Online learning interaction was also found closely related to online learning engagement, performance, and self-efficacy.

“Teachers and students are unable to have timely and effective communication, which reduces the learning atmosphere. Students are often distracted. While doing homework, the students are unable to give feedback to teachers.” (YR) “Students are liable to be distracted by many other side matters so that they can keep their attention to online learning.” (T15)

In the online learning environment, teachers need to make efforts to build rapport and personalizing interactions with students to help them perform better and achieve greater academic success (Harper 2018 ; Ong and Quek 2023 ) Meanwhile, teachers should also motivate students’ learning by designing the lessons, giving lectures and managing the processes of student interactions (Garrison 2003 ; Ong and Quek 2023 ).

Determinants of self-efficacy in online learning

Online learning self-efficacy refers to students’ perception of their abilities to fulfill specific tasks required in online learning (Calaguas and Consunji 2022 ; Zimmerman and Kulikowich 2016 ). Online learning self-efficacy was found to be influenced by various factors including task, learner, course, and technology level, among which task level was found to be most closely related (Xu et al. 2022 ). The responses from the 46 student participants reveal a shared concern, albeit without mentioning specific tasks; they highlight critical aspects influencing online learning: learner attributes, course structure, and technological infrastructure.

One unifying theme from the student feedback is the challenge of self-regulation and environmental distractions impacting learning efficacy. For instance, participant WSX notes the necessity for students to enhance time management skills due to deficiencies in self-regulation, which is crucial for successful online learning. Participant WY expands on this by pointing out the distractions outside traditional classroom settings, coupled with limited teacher-student interaction, which hampers idea exchange and independent thought, thereby undermining educational outcomes. These insights suggest a need for strategies that bolster students’ self-discipline and interactive opportunities in virtual learning environments.

On the technological front, participants WT and YCY address different but related issues. Participant WT emphasizes the importance of up-to-date course content and learning facilities, indicating that outdated materials and tools can significantly diminish the effectiveness of online education. Participant YCY adds to this by highlighting problems with online learning applications, such as subpar functionalities that can introduce additional barriers to learning.

Teacher participants, on the other hand, shed light on objective factors predominantly related to course content and technology. Participant T5’s response underscores the heavy dependency on technological advancement in online education and points out the current inability of platforms or apps to adequately monitor student engagement and progress. Participant T9 voices concerns about course content not being updated or aligned with contemporary trends and student interests, suggesting a disconnect between educational offerings and learner needs. Meanwhile, participant T8 identifies unstable network services as a significant hindrance to online teaching, highlighting infrastructure as a critical component of online education’s success.

Teachers also believed the insufficient mastery of facilities and unfamiliarity with online instruction posed difficulty.

“Most teachers and students are not familiar with online instruction. For example, some teachers are unable to manage online courses so they cannot design the courses well. Some students lack self-regulation, which leads to their distraction or avoidance in class.” (T9)

Influences on student performance in online learning

Students’ performance during online lessons is closely associated with their satisfaction and self-efficacy. Most of the student participants reflected on their distractions, confusion, and needs, which indicates their dissatisfaction with online learning.

“During online instruction, it is convenient for the students to make use of cell phones, but instead, cell phones bring lots of distraction.” (YSC) “Due to the limits of online learning, teachers are facing the computer screen and unable to know timely students’ needs and confusion. Meanwhile, it’s inconvenient for teachers to make clear explanations of the sample questions or problems.” (HZW)

They thought their low learning efficiency in performance was caused by external factors like the learning environment.

“The most obvious disadvantage of online learning goes to low efficiency. Students find it hard to keep attention to study outside the practical classroom or in a relaxing environment.” (WY) “Teachers are not strict enough with students, which leads to ineffective learning.” (WRX)

Teacher participants conceived students’ performance as closely related to valid online supervision and students’ self-regulation.

“Online instruction is unable to create a learning environment, which helps teachers know students’ instant reaction. Only when students well regulate themselves and stay focused during online learning can they achieve successful interactions and make good accomplishments in the class.” (T11) “Some students need teachers’ supervision and high self-regulation, or they were easily distracted.” (T16)

Student satisfaction and teaching effectiveness in online learning

Online learning satisfaction was found to be significantly and positively associated with online learning self-efficacy (Al-Nasa’h et al. 2021 ; Lashley et al. 2022 ). Around 46% of student participants were unsatisfied with teachers’ ways of teaching.

“Comparatively, bloggers are more interesting than teachers’ boring and dull voices in online learning.” (DSY) “Teachers’ voice sounds dull and boring through the internet, which may cause listeners to feel sleepy, and the teaching content is not interesting enough to the students.” (MFE)

It reflected partly that some teachers were not adapted to online teaching possibly due to a lack in experience of online teaching or learning (Zhu et al. 2022 ).

“Some teachers are not well-prepared for online learning. They are particularly unready for emergent technological problems when delivering the teaching.” (T1) “One of the critical reasons lies in the fact that teachers and students are not well trained before online learning. In addition, the online platform is not unified by the college administration, which has led to chaos and difficulty of online instruction.” (T17)

Teachers recognized their inadequate preparation and mastery of online learning as one of the reasons for dissatisfaction, but student participants exaggerated the role of teachers in online learning and ignored their responsibility in planning and managing their learning behavior, as in the research of (Xu et al. 2022 ).

The role of self-regulation in online learning success

In the context of online learning, self-regulation stands out as a crucial factor, necessitating heightened levels of student self-discipline and autonomy. This aspect, as Zhu et al. ( 2023 ) suggest, grants students significant control over their learning processes, making it a vital component for successful online education.

“Online learning requires learners to be of high discipline and self-regulation. Without good self-regulation, they are less likely to be effective in online learning.” (YZJ) “Most students lack self-control, unable to control the time of using electronic products. Some even use other electronic products during online learning, which greatly reduces their efficiency in learning.” (GPY) “Students are not well developed in self-control and easily distracted. Thus they are unable to engage fully in their study, which makes them unable to keep up with others” (XYN)

Both groups of participants had a clear idea of the positive role of self-regulation in successful learning, but they also admitted that students need to strengthen their self-regulation skills and it seemed they associated with the learning environment, learning efficiency and teachers’ supervision.

“If they are self-motivated, online learning can be conducted more easily and more efficiently. However, a majority are not strong in regulating themselves. Teachers’ direct supervision in offline learning can do better in motivating them to study hard…lack of interaction makes students less active and motivated.” (LY) “Students have a low level of self-discipline. Without teachers’ supervision, they find it hard to listen attentively or even quit listening. Moreover, in class, the students seldom think actively and independently.” (T13)

The analysis of participant responses, categorized into three distinct attitude groups – positive, neutral, and negative – reveals a multifaceted view of the disadvantages of online learning, as shown in Tables 4 and 5 . This classification provides a clearer understanding of how attitudes towards online learning influence perceptions of self-regulation and other related factors.

In Table 4 , the division among students is most pronounced in terms of interaction and self-efficacy. Those with neutral attitudes highlighted interaction as a primary concern, suggesting that it is less effective in an online setting. Participants with positive attitudes noted a lack of student motivation, while those with negative views emphasized the need for better self-efficacy. Across all attitudes, instruction, engagement, self-regulation, and behavior intention were consistently identified as areas needing improvement.

Table 5 sheds light on teachers’ perspectives, revealing a consensus on the significance and challenges of instruction, motivation, and self-efficacy in online learning. Teachers’ opinions vary most significantly on self-efficacy and engagement. Those with negative attitudes point to self-efficacy and instructional quality as critical areas needing attention, while neutral attitudes focus on the role of motivation.

Discussions

Using a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the questionnaire data showed that among the 18 college teachers and 46 year 1 undergraduate students of various majors taking part in the interview, about 38.9% of teachers and about 30.4% of students supported online learning. Only two teachers were neutral about online learning, and 50% of teachers did not support virtual learning. The percentages of students who expressed positive and neutral views on online learning were the same, i.e., 34.8%. This indicates that online learning could serve as a complementary approach to traditional education, yet it is not without challenges, particularly in terms of student engagement, self-regulation, and behavioral intention, which were often attributed to distractions inherent in online environments.

In analyzing nine factors, it was evident that both teachers and students did not perceive these factors uniformly. Instruction was a significant element for both groups, as validated by findings in Tables 3 and 5 . The absence of face-to-face interactions in online learning shifted the focus to online instruction quality. Teachers cited technological challenges as a central concern, while students criticized the lack of engaging content and teaching methods. This aligns with Miao and Ma ( 2022 ), who argued that direct online interaction does not necessarily influence learner engagement, thus underscoring the need for integrated approaches encompassing interactions, self-regulation, and social presence.

Furthermore, the role of technology acceptance in shaping self-efficacy was highlighted by Xu et al. ( 2022 ), suggesting that students with higher self-efficacy tend to challenge themselves more. Chen and Hsu ( 2022 ) noted the positive influence of using emojis in online lessons, emphasizing the importance of innovative pedagogical approaches in online settings.

The study revealed distinct priorities between teachers and students in online learning: teachers emphasized effective instruction delivery, while students valued learning outcomes, self-regulation, and engagement. This divergence highlights the unique challenges each group faces. Findings by Dennen et al. ( 2007 ) corroborate this, showing instructors focusing on content and guidance, while students prioritize interpersonal communication and individualized attention. Additionally, Lee et al. ( 2011 ) found that reduced transactional distance and increased student engagement led to enhanced perceptions of learning outcomes, aligning with students’ priorities in online courses. Understanding these differing perspectives is crucial for developing comprehensive online learning strategies that address the needs of both educators and learners.

Integrating these findings with broader contextual elements such as technological infrastructure, pedagogical strategies, socio-economic backgrounds, and environmental factors (Balanskat and Bingimlas 2006 ) further enriches our understanding. The interplay between these external factors and Yu’s nine key aspects forms a complex educational ecosystem. For example, government interventions and training programs have been shown to increase teachers’ enthusiasm for ICT and its routine use in education (Balanskat and Bingimlas 2006 ). Additionally, socioeconomic factors significantly impact students’ experiences with online learning, as the digital divide in connectivity and access to computers at home influences the ICT experience, an important factor for school achievement (OECD 2015 ; Punie et al. 2006 ).

In sum, the study advocates for a holistic approach to understanding and enhancing online education, recognizing the complex interplay between internal factors and external elements that shape the educational ecosystem in the digital age.

Conclusion and future research

This study offered a comprehensive exploration into the retrospective perceptions of college teachers and undergraduate students regarding their experiences with online learning following the COVID-19 pandemic. It was guided by a framework encompassing nine key factors that influence online learning outcomes. To delve into these perspectives, the research focused on three pivotal questions. These questions aimed to uncover how both undergraduates and teachers in China view the effectiveness of online learning post-pandemic, identify which of the nine influencing factors had the most significant impact, and propose recommendations for enhancing the future effectiveness of online learning.

In addressing the first research question concerning the retrospective perceptions of online learning’s effectiveness among undergraduates and teachers in China post-COVID-19 pandemic, the thematic analysis has delineated clear divergences in attitude between the two demographics. Participants were primarily divided into three categories based on their stance toward online learning: positive, neutral, and negative. The results highlighted a pronounced variance in attitude distribution between teachers and students, with a higher percentage of teachers expressing clear-cut opinions, either favorably or unfavorably, towards the effectiveness of online learning.

Conversely, students displayed a pronounced inclination towards neutrality, revealing a more cautious or mixed stance on the effectiveness of online learning. This prevalent neutrality within the student body could be attributed to a range of underlying reasons. It might signify students’ uncertainties or varied experiences with online platforms, differences in engagement levels, gaps in digital literacy, or fluctuating quality of online materials and teaching methods. Moreover, this neutral attitude may arise from the psychological and social repercussions of the pandemic, which have potentially altered students’ approaches to and perceptions of learning in an online context.

In the exploration of the nine influential factors in online learning, it was discovered that both teachers and students overwhelmingly identified instruction as the most critical aspect. This was closely followed by engagement, interaction, motivation, and other factors, while performance and satisfaction were perceived as less influential by both groups. However, the attitudes of teachers and students towards these factors revealed notable differences, particularly about instruction. Teachers often attributed challenges in online instruction to technological issues, whereas students perceived the quality of instruction as a major influence on their learning effectiveness. This dichotomy highlights the distinct perspectives arising from their different roles within the educational process.

A further divergence was observed in views on self-efficacy and self-regulation. Teachers, with a focus on delivering content, emphasized the importance of self-efficacy, while students, grappling with the demands of online learning, prioritized self-regulation. This reflects their respective positions in the online learning environment, with teachers concerned about the efficacy of their instructional strategies and students about managing their learning process. Interestingly, the study also illuminated that students did not always perceive themselves as independent learners, which contributed to the high priority they placed on instruction quality. This insight underlines a significant area for development in online learning strategies, emphasizing the need for fostering greater learner autonomy.

Notably, both teachers and students concurred that stimulating interest was a key factor in enhancing online learning. They proposed innovative approaches such as emulating popular online personalities, enhancing interactive elements, and contextualizing content to make it more relatable to students’ lives. Additionally, practical suggestions like issuing preview tasks and conducting in-class quizzes were highlighted as methods to boost student engagement and learning efficiency. The consensus on the importance of supervisory roles underscores the necessity for a balanced approach that integrates guidance and independence in the online learning environment.

The outcomes of our study highlight the multifaceted nature of online learning, accentuated by the varied perspectives and distinct needs of teachers and students. This complexity underscores the necessity of recognizing and addressing these nuances when designing and implementing online learning strategies. Furthermore, our findings offer a comprehensive overview of both the strengths and weaknesses of online learning during an unprecedented time, offering valuable insights for educators, administrators, and policy-makers involved in higher education. Moreover, it emphasized the intricate interplay of multiple factors—behavioral intention, instruction, engagement, interaction, motivation, self-efficacy, performance, satisfaction, and self-regulation—in shaping online learning outcomes. presents some limitations, notably its reliance on a single research method and a limited sample size.

However, the exclusive use of reflective diaries and interviews restricts the range of data collection methods, which might have been enriched by incorporating additional quantitative or mixed-method approaches. Furthermore, the sample, consisting only of students and teachers from one university, may not adequately represent the diverse experiences and perceptions of online learning across different educational contexts. These limitations suggest the need for a cautious interpretation of the findings and indicate areas for future research expansion. Future research could extend this study by incorporating a larger, more diverse sample to gain a broader understanding of undergraduate students’ retrospections across different contexts and cultures. Furthermore, research could also explore how to better equip students with the skills and strategies necessary to optimize their online learning experiences, especially in terms of the self-regulated learning and motivation aspects.

Data availability

The data supporting this study is available from https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.25583664.v1 . The data consists of reflective diaries from 46 Year 1 students from a comprehensive university in China and 18 college teachers. We utilized thematic analysis to interpret the reflective diaries, guided initially by nine factors. The results highlight the critical need for tailored online learning strategies and provide insights into its advantages and challenges for stakeholders in higher education.

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Acknowledgements

The Corresponding author received the National Social Science Foundation of China for Education General Program (BGA210054) for this work.

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Contributions

XSX was responsible for conceptualization and, alongside YFZ, for data curation. YJS and XYX conducted the formal analysis. Funding acquisition was managed by YFZ. The investigation was carried out by YJS and YFZ. Methodology development was a collaboration between YJS and XSX. XSX and YJS also managed project administration, with additional resource management by SSH and XYX. YJS handled the software aspect, and supervision was overseen by XSX. SSH and XYX were responsible for validation, and visualization was managed by YJS. The original draft was written by XSX and YJS, while the review and editing were conducted by YFZ and SSH.

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Correspondence to Xiaoshu Xu .

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The authors declare no competing interests.

Ethical approval

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What is Reinforcement Learning in AI?

• Written by John Terra
• Updated on May 21, 2024

Decision-making is often a tricky thing. If you make the wrong decision, you inevitably suffer consequences. Eventually, through experience, we learn to take actions that offer the best outcomes while avoiding negative results. Machines can be trained to do this, too. It’s called reinforcement learning.

This article answers the question, “What is reinforcement learning in AI?” We will define the term and show how reinforcement learning works, including its uses, benefits, and challenges. We will also explore commonly used terms in reinforcement learning and their pros and cons. We will round things out by speculating about its future and sharing an online AI and machine learning bootcamp you can take to boost your career in this exciting field.

So, let’s begin. What is reinforcement learning in AI?

What is Reinforcement Learning?

Reinforcement learning (RL) is a sub-category of Machine Learning that trains a model via trial and error to learn optimal behavior and devise the optimal solution for a problem by making a sequence of decisions.

In essence, reinforcement learning is the science of decision, optimizing AI-driven systems by imitating natural intelligence and emulating human cognition without involving human interaction or the need for explicitly programmed AI systems.

In RL, data is accumulated from machine learning systems using trial-and-error methods. Reinforcement learning employs algorithms that learn from outcomes and decide what actions to take next. After each such action, the algorithm receives feedback that helps it decide whether the choice was correct, neutral, or incorrect.

So, reinforcement learning in AI is an autonomous, self-teaching system that learns by trial and error without humans getting involved.

Also Read: Machine Learning in Healthcare: Applications, Use Cases, and Careers

Essential Terms in Reinforcement Learning

Here are some terms often encountered when working with reinforcement learning.

• Agent . The agent is the model being trained through reinforcement learning.
• Environment. The environment is the training situation that the model must optimize.
• Action. The action covers all possible steps the model can take.
• State. The state is the current position or condition returned by the model.
• Reward . The model is rewarded with points for moving in the right direction. Rewards are given to appraise a given action.
• Policy . The policy determines how an agent behaves at any time, acting as a mapping between the action and the present state.

How Does Reinforcement Learning Work?

The reinforcement learning workflow encompasses training the agent while keeping the following key factors in mind:

• Environment

Let’s understand each one in detail.

Step 1: Define and create the environment

The reinforcement process starts by defining the environment where the agent remains active. The environment can refer to an actual physical system or a simulated environment. Once you determine the environment, you can begin experimentation for the RL process.

Step 2: Specify rewards

In the next phase, you must define the reward for the agent. The reward acts as the agent’s performance metric and lets the agent evaluate the task’s quality against its goals. Additionally, offering appropriate agent rewards may require several experimental iterations to finalize the correct one for a specific action.

Step 3: Define the agent

Once you finalize the environment and rewards, you can define and create the agent that specifies the involved policies, including the reinforcement learning training algorithm. The process typically includes these two steps:

• Using the appropriate lookup tables or neural networks to represent the policy
• Selecting the suitable RL training algorithm

Step 4: Train and validate the agent

Next, you train and validate the agent to fine-tune the training policy. Additionally, you must focus on the reward structure RL design policy architecture and perpetuate the training process. Beware- reinforcement learning training is time-intensive and could be minutes to days, depending on the end application. So, you can achieve faster training for a complex set of applications by employing a system architecture where several GPUs, CPUs, and computing systems run parallel.

Step 5: Implement the policy

Policy in an RL-enabled system serves as the decision-making component. This component is deployed using C, C++, or CUDA development code. While you implement these policies, revisit the initial stages of the RL workflow. This action is sometimes necessary when optimal results or decisions aren’t achieved. The following factors may need fine-tuning, followed by retraining the agent:

• Action/state signal detection
• Environmental variables
• Policy framework
• RL algorithm configuration
• Reward definition
• Training structure

Also Read: What is Machine Learning? A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners

The Various Uses for Reinforcement Learning

Reinforcement learning is designed to optimize the rewards agents earn as they accomplish a specific task. Consequently, RL benefits several real-life applications and scenarios, including self-driving cars, surgeons, robotics, and AI bots.

Here are some critical reinforcement learning uses in our daily lives that shape the artificial intelligence field:

• Addressing energy consumption problems. As reinforcement learning algorithms become increasingly popular, RL agents without knowledge of server conditions can control physical parameters surrounding an organization’s servers. This data is acquired via multiple sensors that collect power, temperature, and other data, helping deep neural network training. Thus, it contributes to data center cooling and regulates overall energy consumption.
• Controlling self-driving cars. Vehicles need substantial support from ML models that simulate all possible scenarios or situations that the vehicle may encounter to operate autonomously in a city environment. Reinforcement learning is a superstar in these cases as these models need training in a dynamic environment, where all possible pathways are studied and sorted through the learning process. Learning from experience makes reinforcement learning the ideal choice for self-driving cars that must quickly make optimal decisions. RL methods can competently handle multiple variables like handling traffic, managing driving zones, monitoring vehicle speeds, and controlling accidents.
• Gaming. Reinforcement learning agents learn and adapt to gaming environments as they apply logic via their experiences, achieving the desired results by performing a sequence of steps. Google’s DeepMind-created AlphaGo outclassed the master Go player in Oct. 2015, for example. But, in addition to designing games like AlphaGo that employ deep neural networks, reinforcement learning agents are used for bug detection and game testing within the gaming environment.
• Healthcare. Reinforcement learning is valuable in healthcare as DTRs (Dynamic Treatment Regimes) have aided medical professionals in handling patients’ health. DTRs employ a sequence of decisions to generate a final solution. The sequential process typically involves these steps:
• Determining the patient’s live status.
• Deciding the type of treatment.
• Discovering the appropriate medication dosage based on the patient’s condition.
• Deciding dosage timings and other related variables.

Doctors can use this sequence of decisions to fine-tune their patient treatment strategies and diagnose complex diseases such as cancer or diabetes. In addition, DTRs can further help provide treatments at the correct time, avoiding complications that may arise from delayed actions.

• Marketing. Reinforcement learning helps organizations maximize customer growth and streamline business strategies to achieve long-term goals. RL in the marketing arena helps professionals make personalized recommendations to users by predicting behavior, choices, and reactions toward specific products or services. Trained bots also consider variables such as evolving customer mindset and dynamically learning changing user requirements based on behavior. So, reinforcement learning lets businesses target quality recommendations, maximizing profit margins.
• Robotics. Robotics trains robots to mimic human behavior while performing a given task. However, today’s robots don’t have social, moral, or common sense while accomplishing these jobs. In these cases, AI sub-fields like RL and deep learning (Deep Reinforcement Learning) can be combined to achieve better results. For example, deep RL is vital for robots that aid warehouse navigation while providing critical product parts, defect inspection, packaging, assembly, etc. Additionally, RL models can be trained on multimodal data that are key to identifying cracks, scratches, missing parts, and overall damage to warehouse machines by scanning images containing billions of data points. Also, deep RL helps in inventory management since the agents are trained to isolate empty containers and immediately restock them.
• Traffic signal controls. Reinforcement learning offers a possible solution to increased urbanization and rising automobile use, as RL models introduce traffic light control based on an area’s traffic status. The model considers traffic from different directions, then adapts, learns, and adjusts traffic light signals.

Reinforcement Learning vs. Supervised Learning vs. Unsupervised Learning

The below table illustrates the differences between the three primary machine learning sub-branches.

Reinforcement Learning Challenges

Although reinforcement learning algorithms have successfully solved complex problems in many simulated environments, the real world has slowly adopted them. Here are some of the implementation obstacles RL faces:

• An RL agent requires extensive experience. RL methods generate training data autonomously through environmental interaction. Thus, the data collection rate is limited by the environment’s dynamics. Thus, environments with high latency tend to slow down the learning curve. In addition, extensive exploration is required before an ideal solution can be found in complex environments with high-dimensional state spaces.
• Delayed rewards. Learning agents can trade off short-term rewards for long-term gains. Although this foundational principle makes reinforcement learning useful, it also makes it challenging for the agent to discover optimal policies. This is particularly true in environments where you must take many sequential actions before finding the outcome. Assigning credit to previous actions becomes challenging as it introduces significant variances during training.
• A lack of interpretability. Once the reinforcement learning agent has learned the optimal policy and is deployed, it acts based on experience. The reason for these actions might be hidden from an outside observer. This lack of interpretability stifles the act of fostering trust between the agent and the observer.

Also Read: Machine Learning Interview Questions & Answers

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Reinforcement Learning

Reinforcement learning has its share of pros and cons. For example:

Advantages of Reinforcement Learning

• Reinforcement learning can be employed to tackle a diverse array of problems, including decision-making, control, and optimization
• Reinforcement learning can solve complicated problems that conventional problem-solving techniques can’t otherwise solve
• RL models can correct errors that happen during a training process
• Reinforcement learning can handle non-deterministic environments, meaning the actions’ outcomes aren’t always predictable. This is especially helpful in real-world applications where the environment is uncertain or could change over time.
• Reinforcement learning is a flexible problem-solving approach that can improve performance when used in conjunction with additional machine learning techniques, like deep learning.

Disadvantages of Reinforcement Learning

• There are better choices than reinforcement learning for solving simple problems
• Reinforcement learning requires a lot of data and computation
• Reinforcement learning highly relies on the quality of the reward function. The agent might not learn the desired behavior if the reward function is poorly designed
• Reinforcement learning can be challenging to debug and interpret. It’s only sometimes apparent why a given agent acts in a certain way, potentially making diagnosing and resolving issues more difficult.

What is the Future of Reinforcement Learning?

Deep reinforcement learning employs deep neural networks to model the value function (called “value-based”), the agent’s policy (known as “policy-based”), or both (“actor-critic”). Before the widespread success of deep neural networks, data scientists had to engineer complex features to train an RL algorithm, meaning reduced learning capacity and thus limiting the scope of reinforcement learning to only simple environments. With deep learning, however, models can be built using millions of trainable weights, thus freeing the user from redundant and tedious feature engineering. Instead, relevant features are automatically generated during training, enabling the agent to learn the best policies in complex environments.

Traditionally, reinforcement learning in AI is applied to one task at a time, with each task learned by a separate RL agent. These agents don’t share knowledge, making learning complex behaviors, like driving a car, slow and inefficient. Problems with a common information source, have related underlying structures, and are interdependent can significantly boost performance by allowing multiple agents to work together. A3C (Asynchronous Advantage Actor-Critic) is an exciting new development in this area, where multiple agents concurrently learn related tasks. This multi-task learning scenario is gradually driving RL closer to Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), where meta-agents learn how to learn, making problem-solving more autonomous than ever.

Do You Want Training in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning?

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning are dynamic, exciting fields that offer much potential. If these disciplines sound like something you would like to explore further, consider this comprehensive program in AI and machine learning .

This online course delivers a high-engagement learning experience that teaches Python, Natural Language Processing, Machine Learning, and much more. According to Indeed.com , machine learning engineers earn an average yearly salary of $166,572. So, if you want to move into a more challenging, cutting-edge career that provides security and generous compensation, check out this online AI/ML bootcamp and prepare your skills to face the exciting challenges of today’s Machine Learning revolution.

Q: What are some examples of reinforcement learning in AI? A: Examples include:

• Self-driving cars
• Industry automation
• Improved Natural Language Processing (NLP)

Q: What are the benefits of reinforcement learning in AI? A: Benefits include:

• Quicker understanding
• Reduced expenses
• Better decision making

Q: What is the importance of reinforcement learning? A: This technology lets computers learn from vast data sets faster and with better results, a vital function in our increasingly data-saturated world.

You might also like to read:

How to Become an AI Architect: A Beginner’s Guide

How to Become a Robotics Engineer? A Comprehensive Guide

Machine Learning Engineer Job Description – A Beginner’s Guide

How To Start a Career in AI and Machine Learning

Career Guide: How to Become an AI Engineer

Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning Bootcamp

• Learning Format:

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