Online Learning: The benefits!

Thinking about enrolling on an online course? Read on to find out about the drawbacks and benefits of online learning.

There are a few aspects of online learning which could be viewed as disadvantages, such as the courses not being a sociable as face-to-face ones (Casey et al, 2018. p.8) and a perception of less tutor contact (Reece and Walker, 2007, p.139-40). However, the negatives can be addressed and there are even some added benefits too!

Below are my top five points around why online learning can be a positive experience!

1.     Online learning does not have to be isolating, many online courses can offer functions that let you, as a learner to engage with other students as well as your tutors. Online learning environments, or video conference applications can offer opportunities for video calling, text chat and discussions (O’Neil, 2019, p.26).

While video calls need to take place ‘in real time’, you can also take advantage of sites that host discussion board which allow you to engage in conversation when it is most convenient for you. Interacting in these online forums might seem strange at first, however it is worth keeping in mind that everyone is feeling the same and once you get past the initial cheesy introduction post you will have broken the ice. Remember that collaboration is beneficial in the digital age (Sobko et al, 2019, p.36-55), just as it is within a traditional classroom!

Tutors can make these online discussions less daunting by setting up questions and topics for you to respond to (Darby, 2020).

 

2.     Tutor time can feel confusing when delivered online, at the start of a course identify when the tutor is available during the week, how you can access them and what their usual ‘office hours’ are. This will give you a good understanding on how to make the most out of your tutor.

If your course is delivered online but does not include ‘live’ elements, you may not have scheduled video calls or similar. However your tutor should still have set days and times that they are available for a chat and to provide feedback (Darby, 2020). 

Remember to make use of your peers and any online discussion boards! Using discussion boards allows you to consider and articulate your ideas and questions in a way that 'live' communication does not (Thormann and Zimmerman, 2012 p.49), this can be beneficial as it gives you the time and space to think about how you might contribute without any pressure.  

3.    Flexibility is probably one of the key positive features of online learning (Darby, 2020), you can fit your learning around your daily commitments and complete work at your own pace (Reece and Walker, 2007, p.139-40).

Ensure that you engage with activities and make a note of any deadlines so that you do not fall behind, but enjoy the freedom to complete work when best suits you (Spencer, 2020, p.4) - be it 6am or 11pm! This links to another great benefit of online learning, having the freedom to learn at your own pace (Spencer, 2020, p.4) and complete content and tasks as and when you are ready to. Allowing you to take responsibility for your own leaning (O’Neil, 2019, p.23).

Do not forget to contact your tutor for support if you are struggling with an element that is stopping you from progressing!

4.     You can make use and access resources put together by your tutors 24/7. This comes with the added benefit of allowing you to go back over content that you may have found tricky, allowing you to make the most of your tutors excellent subject knowledge (Reece and Walker, 2007, p.107) over and over again!

 

5.    Learn by doing! Many online learning courses will set work for you to complete independently (Coffey, 2009) and then ask you to come together or to send in the work for feedback (Thormann and Zimmerman, 2012 p.50). this way of learning allows you to acquire new knowledge by doing and problem solving and can help to increase your engagement and knowledge retention! 

If you are thinking of starting an online learning course keep these five points in mind – and happy learning!

References

Casey, M., Shaw, E., Whittingham, J. and Gallavan, P. (2018) Online Teaching: Tools and Techniques to Achieve Success with Learners. Rowman & Littlefield

Coffey, h. (2009) Digital game-based learning. Learn. NC.

Darby, F. (2020) How to Be a Better Online Teacher: Advice guide. [online] Available at: Https://www.chronicle.com/interactives/advice-online-teaching. [Accessed 17/05/20].

O’Neil, C. (2019) Developing online courses in Nursing education. Springer Publishing Company; 4th Revised edition edition.

Reece, I. and Walker, S. (2007) Teaching, Training and Learning: A practical guide. Business Education Publishers Ltd; 6th Revised edition edition.

Sobko, S., Unadkat, D., Adams, J. and Hull, G. (2019) Learning through collaboration: A network approach to online pedagogy. E-Learning and Digital Media. Vol 17: 1.

Spencer, B. (2020) A handbook for online student learning in difficult times. Brighthorse Books.

Thormann, J. and Zimmerman, K. I. (2012) The complete step by step guide to designing and teaching online. Teachers College Press.