Pros and Cons of Remote Learning
These days, remote learning has become common in many universities in the world as the preventive measure against covid-19. Almost all students are able to learn at home. While remote learning gives students more free time and security, students struggle with learning disabilities and less communication. I will look at some pros and cons of remote learning from the perspective of students.
First, student’s free time increases by remote learning because they do not have to go to school. That means they can spend time on other things such as studying or hobbies. In my case, my university switched to remote learning, so I can take more time for researching and brushing up my thesis, so I feel my learning deepened. However, students would struggle with time management .Some students might not be motivated to attend online class, or some of them have to work their assessments constantly. As a result, their daily schedule would be disrupted.
Second, remote learning is convenient because students can access the class by having one laptop. On the other hand, some students have difficulty ensuring the learning environment; students do not have necessary tools for remote learning, or students cannot secure their learning space because of family. This problem causes the gap of learning among students.
Finally, remote learning affects students mentally. Students do not have to worry about infection of viruses. The university is the place many students gather, but students can learn at home, and their security will be protected. In addition, even if there is a face to face class, they have to wear masks, and talking time is limited. In remote class, students can talk freely online. Meanwhile, the frequency of communication decreases. Students cannot meet each other, and this causes loneliness and isolation. For example, I take online classes at home, and I cannot ask questions and talk to my friend easily, so sometimes I feel isolated.
Therefore, while remote learning gives students more time, students struggle with less communication. Nonetheless, education will be online from now on too, so we have to improve the quality of remote learning, and utilize them.
