Online education is becoming more and more popular. Some people claim that e-learning has so many benefits that it will replace face-to-face education soon. Others say that traditional education is irreplaceable.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
With the rapid development of technological advancement, the Internet has become ubiquitous around the globe. In light of this, online courses are gradually taking a certain place in daily life especially in the context of the pandemic Covid-19. These people claim that E-learning will one day eventually substitute the traditional classroom. In this essay, I will explain why this method of learning cannot be entirely replaced.
On the one hand, a web-based classroom has its certain merits for learners and online course providers. First, it offers reasonable prices that the masses can afford to enrol in most courses. This is simply because running an online learning website will effectively dispense with numerous expenses such as space and administrative staff, among others. Second, virtual learning seemingly bridges the gap between learners and knowledge over time constraints and geographical boundaries, bringing about the great flexibility offered through such types of courses. Learners can easily access the lessons and manage their own pace of learning. This helps to spread knowledge, making education universal and available to all, irrespective of background.
On the other hand, it is hard to imagine a scenario where the conventional classroom is completely taken over by E-learning. One of the reasons is simply that certain disciplines inextricably require physical interaction. During science lessons such as chemistry, physics or engineering, students must practise with the hands-on equipment in a laboratory setting, while web-based learning is impossible to provide the same. Furthermore, regular interaction with teachers in a classroom setting is more of capital essence. If teachers do not comprehend the personalities and processes of their students, they may fail to evaluate students’ abilities and bad results will follow. Also, this learning method can develop senses of procrastination and indiscipline in students. Because of this, they may neglect their academic work.
In conclusion, while virtual learning is superior to some aspects, I believe the traditional classroom is by no means superseded.