Response to Discussion: Strengths and Weaknesses of the Online Environment

Response to Discussion: Strengths and Weaknesses of the Online Environment

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Response to Discussion: Strengths and Weaknesses of the Online Environment

It is evident that online learning has become an asset to most students regardless of the remoteness of their location. With the tendency towards digital media and the Internet of Things (IoT), learners have become able to complete their courses virtually without necessarily initiating a physical presence (Song, 2010). In a personal opinion, my response agrees with Ali Hassoon’s point on the convenience that online learning provides. Based on the ease of accessibility, the respective feature has become widely available to millions of people seeking to continue with their learning or even, further their education. In addition to this, online learning has actually enabled individuals to pursue their careers, and simultaneously avail themselves for education purposes. This process significantly demonstrates the expediency of online learning. It is also agreeable that the challenges facing online learning will continue to lessen given the rapid advancement of technology in the contemporary society.

 Indeed, as technological advancements continue taking place, new structures are being established that can actually reduce the current issues that online learning is experiencing. Nevertheless, it is still impossible to ignore the considerable nature of the problems facing e-learning. One of these issues comprises the inequitable way through online learning resources are spread globally. Countries within the developing scope have experienced significant limitations that have restricted them from implementing the program wholly. As such, if such a program expects to flourish, then it requires learners who have the ability to access the e-learning environment. However, this is not possible due to the different logistical and economical reasons that exclude most of these eligible learners from undertaking online courses (Gunga & Ricketts, 2007). Therefore, as far as convenience and technological advancement is concerned, the online learning environment is still yet to become a beneficial tool for many people across the globe.

References

Gunga, S. O., & Ricketts, I. W. (2007). Facing the challenges of e-learning initiatives in African universities. British Journal of Educational Technology, 38(5), 896-906.

Song, H. (2010). Distance learning technology, current instruction, and the future of education: Applications of today, practices of tomorrow. Hershey, PA: Information Science Reference.