By Mahendra Thapa
Value of online learning has come into spotlight unceremoniously as a forceful push in our education system because of the Covid-19 pandemic at a time when traditional mode of face to face learning and direct physical interactions are finding constraints.
To look beyond the ill effects of this pandemic situation , I believed that this pandemic has brought in its way a peek of an unseen benefit to most of the Nepalese, and that is to advance digitalization efforts which might otherwise have taken decades. Having transitioned from “Old Normal” to “New Normal” we have seen digitally mediated interactions in work, play, and learning. In terms of learning, for example, we have seen educators in Nepal conducting many effective and inspiring online learning courses and programs.
This pandemic has brought immense opportunities for learners like me who is always on the lookout for new knowledge and skills. There are numerous online learning platforms, such as Coursera, Future Learn, Edx to name a few that provide free online courses. Similarly, various video conferencing platforms such as Zoom , WebEx , and Stream Yard are being used heavily to conduct conferences, symposiums, and seminars. Likewise, learning management systems like Canvas, Blackboard, and Google Classroom are also used for teaching across Nepal by colleges , schools and training institutions.
Let us now consider why online learning programs have become a popular form of learning in the times of the Covid-19 pandemic. The possible reason could be due to unprecedented opportunities for people to get easy access to education and; moreover, there is a shift in paradigm for the educators to deliver the highest quality of education through various online platforms.
Opportunities
The advantage of online learning is that it allows learners to participate in high-quality learning situations when physical and schedule face-to-face interaction is impossible. Learners can participate in classes from anywhere in the world, provided they have a computer and internet connection. In addition, online learning allows physically challenged students with more freedom and comfort to participate in online learning. In addition, a kind of dynamic interaction happens between instructors and students and even among learners. It also helps to create continuous synergy which ultimately provokes the feeling of cooperation among learners as they are required to share ideas, notes and resources while pursing the online learning.
Besides, in the online environment, learners have a certain scale of anonymity. It also promotes unity and harmony as discriminating factors such as age, race, physical appearance, disabilities, and gender are largely absent. Instead, the focus of attention is clearly on the content of the discussion and the individual’s ability to respond and contribute thoughtfully and intelligently to the material at hand. Furthermore, learners can have unlimited access to resources and materials that may be physically located anywhere in the world. It also enhances learners’ creative thinking and independent learning through online learning.
Online learning programs have significant strengths and offer unprecedented accessibility to quality education. However, there is some inherent weakness associated with the use of this medium that can pose potential threats to the success of any online program or the learners to the country like Nepal where the online education is anew.
Drawbacks
Lack of accessibility of the internet and technology is the biggest drawback of online learning because the majority of the learners resides in rural areas and cannot afford the technology. I also believe that internet access is the biggest concern because the internet is not easily assessable in many parts of Nepal and even the cost of the internet is expensive in Nepal.
On the other hand, online learning can be an effective platform for adult and self-disciplined learners while it can be challenging for young and dependent learners. It also gives learners control and autonomy over their learning experiences as compared to face-to-face learning; however, learners are placed with greater responsibilities for their learning. Therefore, online learners must be well organized, self-motivated, and possess a high degree of time management skills to keep up with the pace of the course.
Synergy, a notable advantage, is developed among learners through an online learning platform. However, in classes like proficiency and standard test preparation, the synergy level is low due to short and limited course duration where students are required more to do self practice rather than the group discussion.
In order for an online program to be successful, the online course, the instructor, the technology, and the learners must be carefully considered and balanced to take full advantage of the strengths of this format and at the same time avoid pitfalls that could result from its weaknesses.
Way Forward
Online learning, being the latest wave of education, is the only platform to teach learners amid pandemic situations despite challenges for both instructors and learners. The instructor needs to put a lot of effort and time to design the online course. In the same way, learners need to equip themselves with technical proficiency to decipher the course material.
Transitioning from tradition face-to-face learning to online learning can be of entirely different experiences for the learners but they must adapt to new changes. For example, learners with a fixed mindset find it difficult to adapt and adjust whereas the learners with a growth mindset quickly adapt to a new learning environment. Likewise, time management is a difficult task for learners, as online courses require a lot of time and intensive work.
Importantly, self-motivation is for online learning an essential requirement; however, many online learners lack it, much to their surprise. After enrolling in online learning courses, many learners fall behind and nurture the idea of giving up, as difficulties in handling a technological medium also seem insurmountable. Students need to find the motivation to follow the new educational trends and properly equip themselves for future challenges in their education and careers.
To conclude, in the process of exploring the world of online learning, I have learned many things, such as what (not) to do and how to do better. Also, I have learned that through the online platform we can do certain things that we cannot do via the face-to-face mode of learning. In view of all that has been mentioned so far, we will always miss the social interaction of meeting face-to-face. However, having tasted the value of online learning can offer, I believe that many of our explorations have developed our flexibility in using different modes of learning, and placed us firmly on the path of becoming active online learners of Covid-19 pandemic hour.
Mahendra Thapa ( IELTS /PTE Instructor and education consultant – TPNL Nepal, Kathmandu )
