The current global pandemic, in addition to causing limitless annihilation has disrupted the global educational system too, causing the campuses to shut down all over the world. Given the scenario, that is not indicative of any signs of reopening the institutes anytime soon, the need for a substitute to avoid any further compromise on students’ education loomed.
Thus, the global educational system had to alter itself by shifting from traditional to a virtual medium of learning in order to suit the need of the hour. This decision paved the way for the online educational system which has now become a commonplace worldwide.
No matter how advanced the online education is, it fails to provide a learning experience as effective as the real one, the reason why a lot of students look at it as a frivolous method of learning. Moreover, the sudden change from a classroom to home based education has made it a little difficult for most students to resonate with the new medium as it also requires knowledge and command over using digital operations.
Why a myriad of students do not find the idea of online education effective has to do with a number of underlying factors.
Virtual learning can never outdo real learning
Virtual learning is not new to the world, it has existed for over years now. However previously it was a deliberate and conscious choice made by those who wanted to acquire education through online resources. On the contrary, now it is the only option that is available, irrespective of the personal preference of students. Nevertheless, there is no denying the fact that it is comparatively less effective than a regular educational system.
In a classroom, where the sole purpose is to gain knowledge and learn new things, the probability of distraction is relatively lower as compared to the household setting where one tends to remain relaxed and fails to pay attention properly.
Also, the quality of courses being offered currently is not upto the mark as a result of which students are unable to get an extensive insight of the course.
Power failure is a major issue in Pakistan
In Pakistan loadshedding is a big issue and power supply is not guaranteed 24 hours. Hence, loss of power at any given instance can result in the halting of an online lecture thus distorting the whole process and undermining its effectiveness. Power failure can be a huge impediment in the way of acquiring education online. Moreover, an unhampered learning session would interrupt the flow making it equally irksome for the teachers as well as students. Hence, the amount of risks associated with online education are far higher.
Fails to inculcate discipline
An online education system fails to in-still discipline in the students as it does not require them to abide by the strict rules and regulations that they are bound to adhere to otherwise. Discipline is imperative to keep students on the right track.
The absence of a fixed routine in the case of online education is conducive for the development of ill habits in students, stripping them of the discipline that school/ college schedule has embedded in them.
A weak medium for the studies that require practical and field work
A lot of studies and degrees require a considerable amount of laboratory as well as field work which cannot be achieved virtually in an online education system. For instance a student pursuing a science degree would need to conduct experiments in the lab to be able to achieve the requirements of the degree. With no such facility in digital learning a student’s career will be threatened.
On-campus libraries that are a great source of collecting information for research students are unfortunately not present in this form of education making it less advantageous.
Online education does not contribute to personality building
A major issue that online education fails to address is personality building of students. Education is not only restricted to gaining bookish knowledge but it is rather an overwhelming experience that allows one to evolve. With zero exposure and no peer to peer interaction confidence development is jeopardized. A classroom provides an ideal environment favourable for learning things beyond books. Education has a huge part to play in polishing one’s personality.
Students tend to take online education for granted
Online education is not suited for the students that lack a sense of responsibility and devotion. Instead of attending the lectures, they end up wasting their time surfing online and logging into inappropriate websites while failing to learn something productive. Non serious students get a chance to exploit the online medium for their own interests putting their future at stake that eventually costs them a lot.
A problem for students belonging to remote areas
Internet access is a big problem for the students belonging to remote areas where there is little or no such awareness about technology and digital platforms. Online resources do not cater to the category of people living in villages and their fundamental right to education, in these circumstances is being compromised.
Not an ideal medium for gauging a student’s progress
Recently, most institutions in Pakistan promoted students to next classes without any examinations and class activities. However, the absence of strict invigilation grants many students the liberty to take advantage of the situation and gain the most score without attempting the exam honestly. This makes it unfair for the students who tend to score high purely through their hard work also making online education a weak medium for gauging a student’s academic performance.
Conclusion
There is no denying the fact that online education is the only alternative the world has right now and it is far better than no education at all. However, it has a fair share of perils associated with it that makes it less effective in nature. It only serves to provide knowledge and fails to address the other aspects that an education is ought to provide. Online education is not beneficial for disciplining students and shaping their personalities.
At the same time it is not favourable for the students that have no zest for learning on their own because they usually end up attending no lectures that affects their career development a great deal.
