Remote learning is the new norm of learning. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, students have no other way to continue with learning instead of this option. Even though remote learning became mainstream in the recent past, it has been there for quite some time. Let’s analyze the advantages and disadvantages that come along with remote learning. Then we will be able to confirm whether it can be the future of learning or not.

Advantages of Remote Learning

1. It is possible to learn from the comfort of home

The biggest and the most common benefit associated with remote learning is that it is providing students with the opportunity to learn from the comfort of home. We all are comfortable in our homes than anywhere else. Therefore, students will be able to overcome most of the challenges that they will have to deal with education as they continue to learn from home.

It is also possible for the students who continue to learn remotely to determine how much time they are going to dedicate to their learning as well. In other words, remote learning will provide them the opportunity to continue with learning at any given time of the day. This can deliver a more flexible learning environment for the students, which is less stressful.

2. Students can learn at their own pace

Another benefit of remote learning is that students are provided the opportunity to continue learning at their own pace. This can help the students to refrain from worrying too much about staying behind their classmates. It is possible for a student to put in some extra effort and catch up without a problem. This will also help the students to refrain from exposing themselves to stressful situations.

Lectures are delivered in remote learning through the form of videos. A student will be able to record these videos and play them several times. Some of the students are not capable of understanding things on the very first attempt. This kind of learning experience can be beneficial for such students. It is also possible for the students to read correspondence offered by the teacher. Moreover, all students can skip the topics that they are familiar with. This will increase the chances that a student will have to pass the exams and end up scoring higher marks.

3. It offers convenient access to the learning materials

Students who continue to learn remotely will always be able to have convenient access to the learning materials they want. If a student is not familiar with a certain part of a lesson, it is possible to go through the learning materials again. The students can easily access it through the shared folder or the learning management system. This will help the students to clarify their doubts then and there to proceed with learning.

4. It is convenient for the teachers as well

Remote learning is not just convenient for the students, but it is also convenient for all the teachers out there. That’s because teachers will be able to offer their classes to more students than physically being present in a classroom. This will help the teachers to combine classes and save time. On the other hand, teachers will be able to ensure a work-life balance with remote learning as well. For example, a teacher who has gone on maternity leave will still be able to continue teaching through the online learning platforms.

Disadvantages of Remote Learning

1. It requires strong motivation

All the students who want to continue with remote learning and get the knowledge they want should have strong motivation. If a student is not self-motivated, he will have to face numerous challenges when he is trying to get familiarized with the online learning lessons. Unfortunately, not all students have the same level of self-control, responsibility, and willpower. Those who lack these qualities will not be able to get the same level of learning experience out of remote learning.

2. It will not contribute towards the development of communication skills

When it comes to learning, the teachers are concerned about the development of numerous skills that the students have. However, the communication skills of the students are not developed through online learning. This can be considered as another drawback of online learning as well. That’s because the students will not be able to communicate with the teacher as they would do in a classroom. This will also create a negative impact on the development of teamwork skills and confidence among the kids.

3. It will create challenges in the delivery of practical knowledge

There are challenges created by remote learning with the delivery of practical knowledge as well. That’s because it is not possible to teach specialties to a large number of students through remote teaching methods. Not even the highly advanced simulators available out there will be able to deliver this experience. Therefore, some of the lessons where practical knowledge is important cannot be offered effectively through remote learning. For example, medical students will have to go through numerous challenges with remote learning, as they are not in a position to learn effectively without practical exposure.

4. There can be problems with a user identification

Remote learning can also give life to certain problems related to user identification. It is not possible for the teachers to keep an eye on the students with remote learning as if the teacher can do in a classroom. Hence, it is not possible to confirm whether a student is dedicatedly to learning or not as well. It is not possible to have video surveillance to keep an eye on the students at all times.

Conclusion

Even though students in today’s world are forced to continue with remote learning due to the pandemic, it is important to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages that come along with it. Then it is possible to confirm whether it can be the new norm of learning or not. For further information on a related topic, please see: 8 Significant Advantage and Disadvantages of Virtual Meetings