Read the text about distance learning and do the exercises below.

Justyna Płachta, Zuzanna Kościuk E‑Learning - a Blessing or a Curse?

In the past years, students and educators have experienced a paradigm shiftparadigm shiftparadigm shift in our approach to education: the introduction of online learning on an unprecedentedunprecedentedunprecedented scale. The enthusiasts of this solution claim that remote educationremote educationremote education is highly effective and rewarding, while the sceptics are concerned about the long‑term social impact and equality of access. It is vital to consider both the pros and cons of online learning and ed‑teched‑teched‑tech so you can be prepared to face the challenge of this situation as well as embraceembrace (verb)embrace the new opportunities it has to offer. So, is remote learning a blessing or a curse?a blessing or a cursea blessing or a curse?

Benefits of Online Learning

There are numerous reasons why online classes have become so popular. Remote learning offers opportunities for people who would otherwise have limited access to education, as well as for educators who can work on developing high‑quality courses. Below is a list of some of the benefits of online learning.

Place

The main advantage of online learning is that students can participate in classes from anywhere in the world, provided they have an appropriate device and Internet access. In addition, online classes do not exclude students and educators whose physical needs might prevent them from actively taking part in a traditional learning settinglearning settinglearning setting.

Time and Pace

The virtual classroom is open 24/7. Students can access their classes at a time most convenient for them. Furthermore, they have continuous access to lectures, course materials, and class discussions. This is especially beneficial for those who may need to reread a lecture or take more time to absorb informationabsorb informationabsorb information before moving on.

Synergy

During online learning, ideas are shared and each individual can contribute tocontribute tocontribute to the course discussions and comment on the work of others. The synergy that is formed in online learning situations is one of the most unique features that distance learningdistance learningdistance learning possesses.

Level Playing Field

All learners can have a certain measure of anonymity in an online setting. Factors such as age, physical appearance, disabilities, race, and gender are, if not exactly a non‑issuenon‑issuenon‑issue, then definitely largely ignored. Instead, the focus seems to be firmlyfirmlyfirmly on the content and the individual’s ability to contribute meaningfully to the discussion.

Access to Resources

Distinguished guest experts can be easily invited to an online class. Furthermore, students have access to resources and materials that may be physically located anywhere in the world. An educator can compile a selection of links to scholarlyscholarlyscholarly articles and other materials relevant to the courserelevant to the courserelevant to the course for students to access for research or extension.

Drawbacks of Online Learning

While distance learning has significant strengths, there are also drawbacks inherent in this solution that can limit its success. These problems can be divided into several categories.

EquityequityEquity and Access to Technology

First of all, students must be able to access the online learning environment. Lack of access is a significant issue in rural and lower socioeconomic neighbourhoodslower socioeconomic neighbourhoods [lower socioeconomic neighbourhood]lower socioeconomic neighbourhoods. Students might also not be able to afford the technology their educational institution employs, e.g. VR gogglesVR gogglesVR goggles or wearables. Additionally, internet access is not universal and, in some areas of the world, it poses a significant cost to the user. Some users pay a fixed rate monthly, while others are charged for the time they actually spend online, or for data transfer. This means that will not be equitableequitableequitable for all students.

Computer Literacy

Students and educators alike must possess a certain basic level of computer skills to function successfully in an online learning setting. For example, they must be able to use search engines or email and be comfortable navigatingnavigating [navigate]navigating a variety of websites. If they do not possess these basic tools, they have little chance of succeeding. In some cases, the technology might pose even greater levels of challenge; smart TVssmart TVs [smart TV]smart TVs, interactive whiteboardsinteractive whiteboards [interactive whiteboard]interactive whiteboards, and other cutting edgecutting‑edgecutting edge devices could create insurmountableinsurmountableinsurmountable obstacles for students and educators who are digital immigrantsdigital immigrants [digital immigrant]digital immigrants.

Limitations of Technology

Reliable technology is vital to distance learning. However, even the most sophisticated device isn’t fully reliable. Breakdowns can occur at any point and in any place in the system. For example, the server which hosts the educational materials could crash and individual students' devicesstudents’ devices [student’s device]students' devices can have numerous problems severely limiting students’ access. Finally, the internet connection could fail, for instance, due to the connection becoming bogged downbogged down [bog down]bogged down with users. As such, technology is not always seamlessseamlessseamless, which can detractdetractdetract from the learning experience.

The Students

While online education can be a highly effective tool for the more mature, self‑disciplined student, it may be inappropriate for more dependent learners. Some types of online education allow for flexibility of schedules while placing greater responsibility on the student. In order to participate successfully in an online program, students must be highly self‑motivated and in possession of well‑developed time management skills.

The Curriculum

The curriculum of any online class must be carefully considered, as some parts of it and the methods used to teach it might not translate successfully to remote learning. High quality education can occur provided that the curriculum has been either developed anewanewanew or convertedconverted [convert]converted to fit the changed paradigmparadigmparadigm.

All in all, we are living in a very exciting time for technology and education. Educational platforms offer expanded learning opportunities and convenient solutions to conflicts with work, family, and study schedules at all levels of education. However, in order for online classes to be successful, all of the above‑mentioned factors must be carefully considered to take full advantage of this form of education, while avoiding pitfallspitfalls [pitfall]pitfalls that could result from its weaknesses.

1 Źródło: Zuzanna Kościuk , Justyna Płachta, [na podstawie:] https://www.differencebetween.com/what-is-the-difference-between-e-learning-and-blended-learning/ [dostęp 18.03.2022], https://knowinsiders.com/how-many-types-of-online-education-learning-33575.html [dostęp 18.03.2022], licencja: CC BY-SA 3.0.