Over the last few years, online learning has been recognized at par with traditional classroom learning and has opened new windows of opportunities for everyone. Thanks to the internet, one can get access to quality education from anywhere in the world. From schools and colleges to universities that offer certification courses, online learning is making way for easy and flexible access to learning. As long as one has access to a laptop or smartphone connected to the internet, it is possible to access learning as desired.
The Covid-19 pandemic led to campus shutdowns that opened more opportunities for online learning, as educational institutions and universities across the world are giving access to high-quality education with the help of cutting-edge technology. Online learning has not only benefited learners, but has also enabled educators in using various resources and tools to which they may not have access otherwise.
According to Research and Markets, by 2026, the global e-learning industry is projected to reach USD 336.98 billion. Augmented reality and virtual reality technologies will become one of the biggest innovators of online learning.
Here are some of the reasons why online learning is the future of education in India.
- Flexible learning
Online learning enables flexibility for the learner and the educator. Learners can attend classes at any given time. Online learning becomes crucial especially for working professionals, who want to balance work life and academics. Working professionals can pursue learning after their work timings, as online learning gives access to that flexibility. Learners can also study at their own pace, schedule classes as per their convenience and opt to re-take recorded sessions in case of any doubts or clarifications.
- Greater accessibility
Online learning has predominantly broken the barrier of travelling to universities or other educational institutions to attend classes. Learners need not travel or follow a strict schedule, that is an integral part of traditional classroom learning. With the help of a laptop or smartphone with an internet connection, students can attend classes from any part of the world. Not only that, the cost-effective nature of online education makes it more desirable for learners these days. Students can save the cost of travelling to college and buying books. E-books and other learning materials are usually available for free online and can be easily accessed.
- Customised learning experience and wide range of programmes
Customised learning is one of the greatest boons that online education offers. Students can get access to various learning materials such as photos, videos and e-books to refer from. The flexibility in online classes has enabled better student-teacher interaction. Online learning generally offers a variety of programmes and courses. Universities these days offer online versions of their degree programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate levels for students from any background. Learners are free to choose from a variety of subjects that interest them, and pursue them.
- Unique learning experience
The online learning system offers better learning experience where classes are delivered through artificial intelligence and virtual reality, which will become the highest innovators in the industry. Online learning includes tools like Learning management system (LMS), that serves as a virtual classroom, where teachers and students can interact with each other. Online education also involves mobile-first learning, which consists of short, bit-sized micro lessons that students can easily access through their smartphones.
- Acquiring in-demand skill set
Online learning helps improve one’s time management skills, especially among working professionals, who balance their corporate deadlines and academics. Online classes instil a sense of responsibility in students, as they need to take classes timely in order to complete their course smoothly. Collaboration is an integral part of online learning, wherein learners interact with various people, which becomes a part of their learning process. This also helps in network building. As students constantly interact with peers even in an online setting, it helps improve one’s communication skills to a great lev. Students also develop problem solving skills as they are challenged to tackle each problem differently.
Needless to say, the popularity of online learning systems is only growing with time, and its benefits have made it a great alternative to traditional learning. Considering its advantages, online learning has already made an impact. Even though traditional cannot be completely ruled out, online learning is definitely the future of education in India.
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