Write@Home
Winter 2015

Education

Mature man working on laptop while taking notes. Businessman working at home with computer while wri

The COVID -19 pandemic has resulted in educational institutions having been shut down all over the world. As a result, online learning replaced traditional or on-campus delivery in leaps and bounds. Online education has an advantage for learners as well as instructors with regard to flexibility, accessibility and affordability.

First, the online teaching platform enables students and instructors to set their own convenient study time. Therefore, learners can easily manage their time for work, study and their families. For example, LINC Home Study and other programs give an opportunity for a lot of adult learners, including me who want to study from the comfort of their homes during the COVID pandemic. In addition, online learning allows students to access course materials, lectures and discussions anytime and as much as they want. This is an advantage for those who may need extra time to reread and understand course materials. The advantage of online learning is not only flexibility but also accessibility.

Second, online education allows students to learn from anywhere in the world. This means there is no need to travel from one place to another or stick to a fixed schedule just like in a traditional class. After the COVID-19 outbreak started, most schools, colleges, universities and even training institutions have changed their study materials that were originally designed for the classroom. Therefore, now students can learn using virtual technologies and access materials from their home as long as they have Internet and a computer. In addition, virtual technologies such as braille keyboard, voice-to-text and voice-activated programs offer a chance for disabled students to review materials and watch video lectures as many times as they need. The accessibility of remote learning is also directly or indirectly related to its economic advantage.

Finally, online education has the advantage of reducing financial costs. Institutions that offer online programs are typically cheaper than going to a traditional classroom due to various reasons. Since online classes can be taken from home, it eliminates the cost of student transportation, student meals and rent for dormitory. On the other hand, colleges and universities save a lot of money when they offer an online program. This is because they have lower expense on the property, building and supporting staff.

In conclusion, because of the COVID-19 outbreak around the globe, colleges and universities are moving exponentially to virtual learning as a substitution for face-to-face delivery. Thus, the resilience, convenience and economical nature of e- learning, students and teachers have the benefit of virtual learning during the pandemic.