ONLINE LEARNING: GOOD OR BAD?

Dr. Ditas Therese T. Ramos

Online learning and its teaching platforms have been in use for more than a decade now and have been widely accepted as an effective means of education in many places around the world. In the Philippines, Open Universities and other institutions have been using online learning platforms to deliver and conduct teaching-learning processes, mostly, in a form of blended learning that combines online and face-to-face instructions. However, the pandemic has put online learning into spotlight due to the sudden need for distance education and avoidance of face-toface instruction.

As for everything under the sun, online learning has its advantages and disadvantages.

The good news first. Norman (2016) discussed some of the most important advantages or benefits of online learning and of using online learning platforms. First, online learning offers almost all types of learning and courses and because it only requires telecommuting, access to programs and degrees is generally unhampered. For the Department of Education’s Basic Education, this pertains to the ability of online learning to offer all grade levels to practically all learners who have access to internet. Second, online learning offers a comfort level only a person’s home can offer. Learners do not need to physically attend classes for hours, sit in an uncomfortable chair, and suffer from back pain by the end of the day. All lectures and needed materials are provided via online platforms so they can be accessed in the comfort of the learners’ homes. Learners do not need to commute or travel to attend classes.

Third, online learning is a natural self-paced learning method. Regardless of the set-up the learners are signed with in an online learning, the distance education provides a level of independence when it comes to self-direction in learning. And lastly, online learning is generally more economical or less expensive compared with traditional classes. This is because of lesser physical or material consumption of learners in studying and less involvement in school programs and activities that require costs.

But again, online learning has its own share of disadvantages. Tamm (2019) listed some of these disadvantages. Online feedback of learners is limited compared to traditional classes wherein learners can immediately or even simultaneously share their ideas, ask their concerns, and work on their improvement needs with teachers in person and in real time. Of course, online learning can cause social isolation due to limited personal and physical interaction between the learners. The usual designs of online platforms tend towards individualism and limited exchanges to control noise and facilitate orderly conduct of lessons.

Online learning also requires learners to possess strong motivation and selfdiscipline. This is especially challenging for young children who are not yet independent learners and to learners with poor time management skill. Online learning demands assistance and support from parents and older relatives who might be busy in their chores or work. Without keeping the interest of the learners at a high level, dropout rate can rise dramatically.

Based on research, online learning diminishes speaking activities and degrades good writing skills. Over-all, communication skills of learners are not fully developed. Another concern is the prevalence of cheating because learners are not directly observed while accomplishing activities and assessments. Being at home and with their computers connected to the internet, cheating can be too much a temptation for young people. Online instruction also tends to focus only on theory and not on practice and some skills are difficult to target and cultivate.

In the question whether online learning is good or bad, the answer largely lies on the hands of both the teachers and the learners themselves. If they will take advantage of the benefits of online learning and make it their shared responsibility to learn at the highest possible level given the limitations of online learning, then the good will surely overtake the bad for miles and miles.

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The author is Principal I at Delos Remedios Elementary School, Bamban

East District, DepEd Tarlac Province