In the contemporary times, technological advancements has shaped many sectors of the society and introduced alternative ways of reaching at goals and objectives, including the education field amongst other departments. Continuous innovations and the spread of technology worldwide have made a transaction of business easier from any part of the world. Education segment has also been impacted greatly by such developments that have come with mixed views regarding the benefits and drawbacks. However, this paper presents one merit and demerit that online learning has through experience as an individual student among many.
It is asserted that online learning has numerous advantages that include but not limited to students participating according to own schedule depending on structure (Sewell & Thede, 2012). This advantage has worked well for me in the following ways. I live far away from the institution which is more than 45 miles from our residence, and an area that experiences major traffic concerns making it difficult for a motorist to arrive at their destinations on time. Time would be wasted in traffic jams driving through to reach school and the probability of arriving late to the lectures would be high. This would have resulted in a bad reputation and relationship with the teachers and the administration. Therefore, online learning has enabled me avoid all those inconveniences that could have resulted by using the alternative way of getting the education that I am currently pursuing. Driving all through the distance to and from the school would make me tired and lose concentration in class work due to fatigue and traffic jam. Online learning has enabled me work according to my schedule and time, and this has facilitated pursue other jobs and exploiting time my advantage. The money from jobs done has enabled me sustain other projects and pay for my education, and meet other life demands. Online learning, therefore, has worked and facilitated my life.
The disadvantage noted from online learning in my case is that I do not know my classmates and instructor facilitating the course. Knowing the teacher can build and facilitate good relationship and can permit discussions in other subjects and life in generation as is noted in National Research Council (U.S.) (2013) article titled Adapting to a changing world: Challenges and opportunities in undergraduate education. It is stated that non- verbal communication enhances clear understanding of messages, and, therefore, in this situation it is not possible to realize and experience such a situation compromising whole understanding of ideas and concepts. Another related drawback is I am not able to know my course mates, and we cannot facilitate face to face discussions. Discussions allow students to discuss face to face and enables them better understands and have a broad view of issues (O'Neil, Fisher, & Rietschel, 2014). This being the case, it has limited my scope of analyzing issues and presenting different ideas. In a class set up, it would be easier to make and meet new friends that can change your life not only in the present times but also in the future. Conducting and carrying out practical lessons and classes would be much easier especially in this field of nursing that practical knowledge counts.
In conclusion, online learning has facilitated many people to get and access knowledge and information in different areas. It has proved to have pros and cons to both users and the institutions offering them. A lot of factors have to be considered by a person before enrolling for an online learning so that it can work to the advantage of the user to use the facilities effectively and efficiently to the maximum advantage. Presently, online learning has allowed the use facilities that allow communication that displays teachers and other students making discussions and debating possible in some occasions, and this was noted as the major drawback of the programs earlier. Continuous developments should be encouraged to facilitate programs that have revolutionized learning and education part.
References
National Research Council (U.S.). (2013). Adapting to a changing world: Challenges and opportunities in undergraduate education.
O'Neil, C. A., Fisher, C. A., & Rietschel, M. J. (2014). Developing online learning environments in nursing education. New York, NY: Springer.
Sewell, J.P., & Thede, L.Q. (2012). Informatics and nursing: Opportunities and Challenges (4th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer/Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins.
