Technology

As a segue to one of my previous blogs, where I explored the advantages and potential pitfalls of working from home, I decided to shift my focus to the world of online learning and teaching, which is the majority of what I do working remotely.

Here, I will aim to unravel some complexities and discover the blend of advantages and challenges that define digital education.

Following the pandemic, education has transcended the confines of traditional classrooms and online learning has emerged as a prominent alternative.

However, amidst the convenience and flexibility, complexities and challenges that arose, I began questioning myself.

Are online learning and teaching platforms fully prepared for what they are meant to achieve?

Reflecting on my own thoughts, I embarked on a practical investigation in order to explore the pros and cons of distance teaching for both students and tutors.

Here I share my personal reasons, in no particular order and this list is by no means exhaustive:

Embracing The Benefits Of Online Learning

1. Flexible Learning: The asynchronous nature of online classes allows students to manage their time effectively, accommodating personal commitments and fostering autonomy in learning.
   Learning schedules can be customised according to an individual’s preferences and lifestyle.
   Furthermore, teaching can often appear effortless when I meet the perfect student whose work ethic is as evident as mine from the outset.
   
2. Global Accessibility: Online platforms dissolve geographical barriers, facilitating connections among students and educators from diverse social and cultural backgrounds. They offer educational opportunities to students worldwide, irrespective of their location.
   Through online teaching, I’ve gained even deeper insight into different milieus and perspectives that I thought I would never be capable of achieving if I had resorted to a whiteboard and pen in a physical classroom.
   
3. Engagement Enrichment: With access to a plethora of digital tools and resources, students engage with technology in meaningful ways, enhancing their digital literacy and preparing them for the demands of an ever-evolving modern world.
   Multimedia resources and virtual tools can enhance engagement, transforming passive lessons into dynamic exploration.
   
4. Personalised Learning Paths: Students can tailor their learning to suit their needs, revisiting materials at their convenience and cultivating a more individualised experience.
   Some students, especially introverts, may shy away from group learning, feel overshadowed by more vocal peers and express in privacy that they are more comfortable with one-to-one, personalised tuition.
   Online learning offers equitable access to education for students with disabilities or in remote areas, breaking down barriers and promoting inclusivity, bidding farewell to one-size-fits-all education.
   
5. Collaborative Opportunities: Eliminating travel time and the ability to access course materials remotely optimise students’ time management. This allows them to allocate more time to studying efficiently and leaves them more time to explore other pursuits. Collaboration, discussion forums and group projects may create a sense of community among students in an ever-increasing digital sphere.
   
6. Environmental Impact: Online learning reduces the consumption of paper and other resources associated with traditional education, contributing to environmental sustainability and promoting eco-conscious practices.
   By eliminating the need for commuting, those who teach online from home may not even realise they are making a positive contribution to the planet by reducing their carbon footprint.
   
7. Innovative Teaching Methods: Technological advancements have ushered in a new era of teaching methodologies in the dynamic landscape of education.
   Through the integration of interactive tools and resources, educators are afforded unprecedented opportunities to engage students and enrich the learning experience.
   This paradigm shift transforms the technology’s potential to facilitate more dynamic androgogical and pedagogical practices.
   
8. Abundance of Resources: In the digital age, educational resources are abound like never before.
   With a simple click, one can access a diverse range of e-books, videos and online libraries, offering an extensive repository of knowledge.
   Careful selection ensures endless exploration and learning opportunities, empowering individuals to enrich their minds at their own pace and convenience.
   
9. Instant Feedback: The significance of instant feedback in online teaching cannot be overstated.
   It serves as a vital tool for learners, offering timely insights into their understanding, progress and areas needing improvement.
   This immediacy empowers individuals to address misconceptions promptly, adjust learning strategies and stay motivated throughout their educational journey.
   Contemporaneous assessment also contributes to a sense of accountability and engagement as learners receive continuous guidance and validation of their efforts.
   
10. Affordability: Navigating the educational landscape, online learning may emerge as a beacon of accessibility and can spare one from excessive financial strain.
    Circumventing additional expenses intrinsic to traditional education, such as commuting and accommodation costs, can offer practical and cost-effective intangible avenues for pursuing quality education, aligning seamlessly with even the most infinitesimal budgetary constraints.
    In a separate blog, you can read more about my views (here) regarding the increasing cost of living in 2023 and beyond.
    

Confronting The Challenges Of Digital Education

1. Loss of Personal Connection: The absence of physical and human in-person interaction can weaken the bond between students and educators, affecting the quality of the learning experience.
   According to Prof. Albert Mehrabian, a researcher of body language, the “55/38/7″ formula is impossible to apply as an online teacher because you cannot see a student’s entire body.
   He first broke down the components of a human conversation and found that communication is 55% nonverbal, 38% vocal and 7% words only. 
   Effective communication and feedback mechanisms are essential for online learning, yet the absence of non-verbal cues and face-to-face interaction can complicate feedback delivery and interpretation, necessitating clear communication protocols and tools.
   Reading body language is like learning a second language and can help separate perception from reality.
   Referring to the non-verbal cues and features that are consciously and unconsciously used while communicating, paralinguistics significantly impact meaning, aiding in better understanding the speaker’s intention, emotion and attitude.
   Click here to read more about the six types of nonverbal communication: kinesics, chronemics, proxemics, haptics, vocalics and physical appearance; what they mean and how to spot them.
   
2. Screen Fatigue: Extended screen time can lead to eye strain and fatigue, necessitating strategies for managing screen exposure and promoting healthy habits for digital wellness. Prolonged exposure to digital devices may lead to eye strain and discomfort.
   As a result. I’ve had to try incorporating the “20-20-20” rule while teaching online.
   In a long working day, I most definitely have had my fair share of “Zoom-itis“, ‘MS-Team-itis’, ‘Google Meet-itis’ and the like.
   
3. Sedentary Lifestyle: Addressing the health implications of prolonged sitting is imperative in the context of online learning. This behaviour associated with this mode of education can lead to various physical health problems, emphasising the necessity of incorporating balance and movement into one’s routine for overall well-being.
   “There goes my spine again.”
   
4. Social Isolation: The absence of face-to-face interaction in online learning environments can lead to feelings of isolation and disconnect among students, emphasising the importance of cultivating virtual communities and peer support networks. The impact on learners’ emotional well-being can be subtle yet profound.
   
5. “E-truancy“: Truancy in today’s modern era poses a grave threat to online learners, depriving them of key educational opportunities.
   Failure to show up for virtual classes results in missed lessons and undermines academic progress and growth.
   Students who engage in repetitive “e-truancy” risk falling behind in their coursework and missing vital interactions with educators and peers, thereby jeopardising their overall academic performance.
   This trend not only affects immediate grades but also impairs students’ discipline, time-management skills and commitment to their education, potentially casting a shadow over their future prospects and achievements.
   If a student has a last-minute emergency or is sick, I would much rather know beforehand than sit at my computer twiddling my thumbs.
   
6. Distraction Disturbance: Wrestling with digital distractions can lead to a constant struggle.
   Social media and online entertainment often divert attention from studies, affecting focus and productivity.
   The omnipresence of various digital devices presents hurdles in maintaining focus during online classes, emphasising the need for self-discipline and effective engagement strategies.
   (You may read more about my thoughts on social media in my separate blog here.)
   
7. Digital Disparity: In the educational sphere, the “digital divide” epitomises stark disparities in technology access, perpetuating socio-economic inequities.
   Marginalised students, hindered by financial constraints and infrastructural inadequacies, face insurmountable barriers to digital learning.
   This chasm may also perpetuate cycles of deprivation and perpetuate exclusion. Without concerted efforts to address this structural inequality, the promise of an inclusive educational landscape remains elusive.
   
8. Technical Learning Curve: Conquering the intricacies of unfamiliar technology can prove to be an arduous yet indispensable endeavour.
   Each professional teaching platform has its own set of rules and regulations that must be strictly adhered to.
   It can be akin to having to remember all your ‘log-in’ details with their corresponding passwords.
   From grappling with the nuances of learning management systems to deciphering the functionalities of digital tools, any learning or teaching journey can face obstacles amidst the continuous pursuit of knowledge and proficiency.
   
9. Plagiarism Risk & Assessment Integrity: Ensuring the integrity of assessments in online learning environments presents unique challenges, including concerns about cheating and plagiarism, especially since the advent of A.I.
   (You can read more about my thoughts on A.I. in a separate blog here).
   This also necessitates implementing robust assessment strategies and integrity measures whilst addressing the ethical standards and challenges of online research.
   Easy access to information online may increase the temptation for academic dishonesty if references are not properly cited in any form of written academia.
   
10. Cybersecurity Concerns & Technical Issues: Software glitches, pixelated screens and compatibility issues can disrupt the learning experience and create frustration for students and educators alike, highlighting the importance of technical support and contingency plans.
    Axiomatically, reliable internet access is essential for online learning. But like anything, it can often fail and usually, there is nobody to blame.
    Connectivity issues can also disrupt the flow of classes and impede students’ ability to participate fully, highlighting the need for robust infrastructure and support systems free from varying degrees of cyber-warfare.
    “I often get frustrated when I’m cut off mid-sentence trying to explain a difficult medical concept due to an I.T. glitch beyond my immediate locus of control.”
    

Brighter Horizons: Navigating New Norms And Opportunities

As online learning in any capacity continues to gain even further traction and prominence in education, I hope I have highlighted how essential it is to recognise both its advantages and challenges.

By leveraging the benefits while addressing the complexities, educators and students can navigate the digital landscape with confidence, ensuring equitable access to quality education for all learners.

And just before you decide to explore your own new horizons regarding online tutoring and learning, I have one final question if you, as the reader, can possibly handle a little bit more screen time?

What are your views regarding online learning, teaching, or even your experience as a student?

Please share your comments below.

About Surrinder Singh

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Dr Surrinder Singh is a medical doctor, blogger and freelance writer. He is passionate about healthcare, medicine and education and works professionally with B2B and B2C clients.

Yes, even I send myself to sleep sometimes as a tutor and learner.
Addendum: though I do all of these actively, I’m afraid I do not teach swimming, cycling or skiing lessons online 😉.

Here is an excellent TED talk that describes a new era of e-learning by Niema Moshiri.