Are you optimistic or sceptical about Online Learning? It is important to consider both the pros and cons of online learning so you can be better prepared to face the challenge of working in this new environment as well as embrace the new opportunities that it has to offer. Strengths or Weaknesses?
Strengths of Online Learning
There are many reasons why online programs have become a popular form of distance learning in higher education today.
1. Anytime, Any Pace - The Virtual Classroom is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Time efficiency is another strength brought by the online learning format.
2. Synergy - The online format allows a dynamic interaction between the instructor and students and among the students themselves.
3. High Quality Dialog - Within an online asynchronous discussion structure, the learner may reflect on comments from others before responding or moving on to the next item.
4. Student Centered - Within an online discussion, the individual student responds to the course material and to comments from other students.
5. Level Playing Field - In the online environment, learners have a certain measure of anonymity.
6. Access to Resources - It is easy to include distinguished guest experts or students from other institutions in an online class.
7. Creative Teaching - The literature of adult education supports the use of interactive learning environments as contributing to self-direction and critical thinking. Some educators have made great strides in applying these concepts to their on ground teaching.
Weaknesses of Online Learning
While online programs have significant strengths and offer unprecedented accessibility to quality education, there are weaknesses inherent in the use of this medium that can pose potential threats to the success of any online program.
1. Technology
a) Equity and Accessibility to Technology - Before any online program can hope to succeed, it must have students who are able to access the online learning environment. Lack of access, whether it be for economic or logistic reasons, will exclude otherwise eligible students from the course.
b) Computer Literacy - Both students and facilitators must possess a minimum level of computer knowledge in order to function successfully in an online environment.
c) Limitations of Technology - User friendly and reliable technology is critical to a successful online program. However, even the most sophisticated technology is not 100% reliable. Unfortunately, it is not a question of if the equipment used in an online program will fail, but when.
2. The Students - While an online method of education can be a highly effective alternative medium of education for the mature, self-disciplined student, it is an inappropriate learning environment for more dependent learners.
3. Lack of Essential Online Qualities - Successful on-ground instruction does not always translate to successful online instruction. If facilitators are not properly trained in online delivery and methodologies, the success of the online program will be compromised.
4. The Administration and Faculty - Some environments are disruptive to the successful implementation of an online program. Administrators and/or faculty members who are uncomfortable with change and working with technology, or feel that online programs cannot offer quality education, often inhibit the process of implementation.
5. Levels of Synergy - Online learning has its most promising potential in the high synergy represented by active dialog among the participants, one of the most important sources of learning in a Virtual Classroom.
6. What Should Not Be Taught Online - Even with recently generated excitement and enthusiasm for online programs, it is important to recognize that some subjects should not be taught online because the electronic medium does not permit the best method on instruction.
7. The Curriculum - The curriculum of any online program must be carefully considered and developed in order to be successful.
Reference : https://www.uis.edu/ion/resources/tutorials/online-education-overview/strengths-and-weaknesses/
