Coping with remote learning by understanding viable options
The emergence of the Covid-19 emergency has caused catastrophic disruptions throughout the world. Almost every aspect of life has suffered from the uninterrupted chaos globally. However, the unpreceded healthcare crisis has also presented itself as an eye-opening incidence.
Among every gloomy picture, there was a glimmer of hope for the betterment. It enabled the global population to contemplate concerning problems and associated loopholes. It means the catastrophic challenge has also surfaced various avenues to solve prevalent issues and search for potential opportunities.
In many cases, the crisis has enabled people to explore and expand beyond their boundaries and capabilities. The widespread adaption of online learning is one of the significant benefits of pandemic-induced disturbances.
Acquiring knowledge from online digital sources is not a new phenomenon. Even before Covid-19, the effectiveness of digital means was one of the important agendas of educational policies around the world.
Investment in technology-based universal education was the main focus of concerned stakeholders and educational experts. It is the reason the education and technology combo has surfaced various digital tools, such as virtual tutoring, video conferencing, e-learning, and language apps.
At present, many people consider virtual learning is more convenient, relaxed, and adjustable compared to the physical means. Hence, it is the new standard and viable option in the wake of global healthcare and academic challenges.
Let’s explore and discuss a few of the universally acknowledged benefits of online learning in the following sections.
- Understanding and improving doubtful concepts
Acquiring adequate knowledge and mastering previously less explored subjects and areas is relatively more straightforward today. The public is also accepting less popular programs, such as online social work master programs, which encompass a broad spectrum of disciplines like public health, education, business, and medicine.
The digital tools and platforms have reduced the complexity of obscure social sciences concepts. Now, individuals can easily polish their knowledge using abundant resources. It is also possible to pursue various offshoots as specialization majors.
Hence, students can enhance their knowledge about core social concepts and broaden their horizons. Understanding the fundamentals in any area, including family, substance abuse, and mental health, is not a problem today.
In addition, individuals can also explore unfamiliar specialties, such as gerontology, the study of aging and its consequences through different periods and social lenses. Nevertheless, a compressive understanding of various social phenomena can produce capable and well-informed social work professionals. Eventually, society, region, and nation get benefits.
2. Ability to schedule information acquisition
In modern times, academic progression can be a challenging endeavor. Preoccupied students have to cater to various social, occupational, and personal aspects of their lives. Fortunately, the virtual model is a savior in todays’ multifaceted lifestyles.
Its flexibility facilitates students to design self-paced and easily accomplishable learning agendas. With the help of relaxed schedules, students can attain milestones without losing confidence and track of their other engagements.
Without disturbing fixed assignments, learners can manage and organize their schedules by logging in to their administrative accounts. Similarly, students can disperse their assignments and homework throughout unoccupied time slots and maintain more control over their routines.
3. Designing customized learning
Initially, the rapid shift of academic activities to the online mode had increased frustration. Over time, repetitive and prolonged use has raised awareness among the participants.
As a result, students are now able to explore suitable means of information rather than accommodating themselves. Previously, even if students were unable to understand, they had to bear with available resources.
At present, the diversity and scope of virtual means have unraveled countless options. Learners can now categorize and choose resources that quickly suit their requirements and understanding. It is also possible to substitute physical tutors for in-depth clarity on the subject matter.
In addition, individuals can effortlessly engage in discussions with peers and professors. Hence, the online mode has enabled students to spare more time for attention-demanding tasks. Rather than engaging in trivial activities, such as assembling and organizing papers, students can customize their learning experience.
Eventually, attaining learning objectives is easier.
4. Cutting down travel and related cost
One of the significant advantages of online learning is no travel to and from physical campuses. Less commute has enabled learners to save transportation and maintenance expenses. As a result, students do not waste time traveling in public transportation or searching for a suitable parking spot for their vehicles.
Most importantly, the reduction in travel has contributed to cutting down travel-related carbon emissions remarkably. Thus individuals can now minimize their carbon footprints and fulfill financial and environmental obligations.
5. Access to diverse resources
Irrespective of the geographic position, individuals can instantly explore several digital resources without any cost. Unlike physical learning materials, including books, magazines, copies, online resources are freely accessible.
Though some material is protected under copyright laws and implies royalty charges, the rest of the resources only require an internet connection. Hence, students can access journal papers, websites, blogs, e-books, and presentations without excessive charges.
In addition, online learning programs are also cost-effective and require relatively fewer expenses to pursue higher education. The virtual form of learning does not consume additional resources to furnish classrooms, libraries, and laboratories to dispense education.
As a result, academic programs are economic throughout their duration.
6. Administering and exercising self-discipline
In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, online learning is undeniably the most suitable form of pursuing education and updating existing information. However, taking convenience and flexibility for granted and ignoring the importance of discipline can backfire.
For long-term goals, virtual learning has also highlighted the significance of organization and punctuality. Without specific agendas and appropriate objectives, simultaneously juggling with multiple tabs and windows can only delay tasks. Otherwise, the sense of unrestrained freedom can hinder setting priorities.
At times, achieving desired outcome within strict time limits can be challenging. Rather than accomplishing predefined objectives and improving performance, anxiety surfaces as emerging trouble. Therefore, it is crucial to exercise self-discipline.
Concluding remarks
Undeniably, the massive shift to online platforms for learning purposes has saved the academic sector from complete collapse during the pandemic. Even today, digital platforms are effective and safe sources of information attainment around the world.
Though there is some uncertainty over the prolonged duration of the current e-learning trend, its significance during the prevailing emergency is indisputable.
