In this new networked age, Technology soars high. We have to rethink what is meant by education, learning, teaching, and schooling. Though there are numerous benefits of the impact of Technology on education, there are disadvantages too.
To begin with, Online student feedback is not accurate. In a traditional classroom, the student can instantly resolve their doubts and difficulties face to face. Personalized feedback has a positive impact on students. Human interaction makes the learning process more comfortable and also motivates the students to do better. While in E-learning, students do become dissatisfied due to the lack of personalized feedback. It also hinders the social growth of the child. The atmosphere of a traditional classroom can never be created through Technology. Hence the disconnect is there. Due to the constant use of electronic devices for education and other purposes participating students undergo contemplation, remoteness, and lack of interaction. As a result, they are experiencing signs of social isolation due to a lack of human communication. This often leads to several mental health issues such as anxiety, heightened stress, and negative thoughts. These situations need careful monitoring with the help of experts.
Moreover, E-learning requires strong self-motivation and time management skills. Lack of motivation is one of the prime reasons why many learners fail to complete the online course. In a traditional classroom, face-to-face interaction, communication with their professors, peer activities, and strict schedules all work in unison to keep the student on track. This not only motivates but also develops the urge to do better. But in an online learning environment, the student has to fend for himself and has to self-motivate, which is quite an uphill task. Another drawback is the lack of communication skills in online students. E-learning is proving to be highly effective at improving the students’ academic knowledge. However, the ability to develop communication skills is often neglected. Neglecting the ability to communicate will inevitably lead to learners who excel in theoretical knowledge but fail to pass their knowledge to their peers. Moreover, it also hampers their ability to work effectively as a team in real-life working situations.
Unfortunately, the most significant disadvantage of online learning is cheating through various means while completing the modules. In a traditional classroom, strict procedures are in place during an assessment. Online assessments do not have that capability. Without the video feed and a stringent verification process, online reviews result in a wholly fraudulent test result.
Moreover, in online learning, facilitators tend to only focus on theoretical concepts. As a result, practical knowledge is impacted. The application of practical skills, which happen very naturally in classroom settings with teamwork, gets affected online. As face-to-face interaction and physical communication do not occur online, the implementation of these skills takes a back seat, impacting online learning effectiveness. The lack of face-to-face contact with the instructor inhibits proper student feedback, causes social isolation, and students feel a lack of pressure. This causes the students to abandon their studies midway. The professors’ physical presence and constant communication are also an effective method for improving student retention.
Moreover, E-learning is limited to individual fields. All educational disciplines are not suited to the E-learning mode. For now, E-learning trends are best suited for Social sciences and Humanities, rather than scientific fields like Medicine and Engineering. No number of online lectures can substitute an autopsy for medical students or real-life industrial training for Engineering students. Though this may change in the future, we are not at a point where we can teach such subjects online. However, online learning is inaccessible to the computer illiterate population. To take up online education, some basic knowledge of computers is needed. This gap in computer literacy results in significant trouble in accessing the E-learning method of learning. Despite the booming growth in technological capabilities, the rate of computer literacy is still low. Until and unless this aspect is not addressed, the gap in computer literacy will impact online education. Also, the lack of accreditation and quality assurance undermines the effectiveness of E-learning. Low-quality learning modules weaken the legitimacy of online learning. Lack of certification for any course would result in a worthless degree and not only leave you in debt but no better prepared for the highly competitive workforce. Though these may be the reasons, Technology was so late in impacting our education system, and we still are at a nascent stage.
Despite these pitfalls, Technology is growing enormously, and digital learning translates into an improved society that results in a smarter civilization that is well informed in the latest and new Technology. Improving the skill level, communication techniques, and technological prowess of students’ online learning improves our society at breakneck speed. Whether this technology is being incorporated in the workforce or an individual’s educational spectrum, the world can benefit immensely.
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