OPINION: Covid-19 - The Catalyst For Online Learning

With recent epidemiological developments, virtual learning has become an integral part of our lives. Whether you are a student, teacher, or an employer, it is no doubt that the demand for online learning has never been higher. Schools across the globe have transitioned to a complete or nearly-complete online learning environment. Businesses everywhere have allocated much of their employee base to work from home. However, what makes virtual learning permanent? Why is it here to stay? Or is it just another phase that will wane with the pandemic? Due to the outbreak’s impact on how the world views health and safety, it is likely that virtual learning, like the security advancements made after 9/11, will become far more perpetual. Additionally, every day we see how the unrelenting demand for new online products and services drives internet innovation, and the positive statistics in favor of virtual learning speak for themselves—COVID-19 has changed learning as we know it.

The Lunge Towards Online Learning

After the pandemic swept the nation off its feet, the transition to online learning was inevitable. For some schools, it was prompt and seamless. For others, the shift to a completely online learning environment was a monumental task. If educators didn’t have pre-existing online repositories for their educational resources, schools raced to make the switch. This had a direct impact on the success of students, says Alisha Ebrahimji, of CNN Edition,

“It may seem like a mini-vacation to some but for others, their workload just got a bit harder.”

Ebrahimji collected statements from numerous students and teachers, with varying opinions on the leap. However, they shared a common concern for reducing the number of people susceptible to COVID-19.

Everyone is doing what they can to help contain the spread of the virus, furthering the advent of complete virtual education. COVID-19 has plagued nations of the world for over half a year, with no sign of relenting. The increased concern for people’s health and safety has shaken many industries, education is no exception. For many, virtual meetups and video calls have become the norm.

Speedy Innovative Strides

For those who have come to accept virtual education as a cornerstone of their contemporary learning, the search for available resources has never been so vital. Utep.edu states that over 10 million students are enrolled in at least one online course. When over 10 million students are looking for mediums for advanced learning, the laws of supply and demand will tell you that there are content creators, instructors, and organizations who want to become a part of the reason for those sky-high numbers. Since the outbreak, new and creative tools have become either free, more affordable, or mainstream. Zoom and Google Hangouts (now Google Meet!) are prime examples of software that had overhauls to their functionality as a result of the overwhelming user base.

For those who seek to take their education to the next level, the opportunities have never been so readily available. Websites like Coursera, Udemy, Alison, Skillshare, and Udacity offer thousands of free, premium, custom, and even certifiable courses for all ages and audiences. The increased accessibility for school classes, meetings, and simultaneous online cooperation has spurred unparalleled convenience, affordability, and diversity. Students can enroll in manageable, easy to navigate courses catered to their passions. The speedy innovative strides of the internet have completely changed the way we learn.

Online Courses vs. In-Person Classes

Online learning, despite its new features and platforms, is not a new revelation. According to The Princeton Review, there are several key categories where online education leaves physical learning in the dust: student retention, flexibility, pacing, cost, and variety.

Retention of the material is arguably the most important aspect of learning, no matter the platform. Many offline courses struggle to keep students attentive throughout classes. The

Research Institute of America found that the inverse is true with eLearning. Online courses have been documented to increase student retention rates by an astounding 25% to 60%. This is in part due to the more engaging multimedia content, increased control over the material, and the minute chances of classmates clashing.

eLearning is also far more flexible than traditional learning. Ditacdemy.org states that the sheer quantity of online training available allows students, employees, and lifelong learners to develop the skills they are passionate about, anywhere, anytime. No matter the schedule, location, or commitments, online courses give you the unique and adaptable timeline you need or want in order to maximize your happiness and development.

Online courses are also cheaper to maintain, create, and share. In addition, they also require less time investment. These savings are accumulated from many aspects of traditional learning. From gas savings, to the non-existent need for physical distribution, waiting times, and grading lag time. Ditacdemy.com reports a 40-60% less employee involvement in online courses than traditional ones. This process is not only easier on the students, but the instructors and professors, as they can create content from their bedroom or efficiently design, distribute, and create courses on sites like Coursera.

Even though face-to-face interaction has its advantages, namely facilitated engagement, the treatment, care, and social interaction that students receive, the benefits of virtual learning set the table for a long-lasting, effective, streamlined, and diverse learning experience for not only the students, but teachers as well.

Writer: Avinash Dhanraj

Editor: Rushita Paladugu