Online learning is becoming an increasingly popular method of education, especially in colleges.

Online learning has been used to replace traditional education ever since the onset of the Pandemic. Most schools have adapted to using virtual classes during these changing times. Students who practice online learning may miss having physical lectures and the interaction between their peers, but online classes also have several positive effects. Virtual meetings all such as Zoom, Skype, Google meet, Adobe Connect and so on.

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The general effects of online learning on students can be classified into positive and negative effects.

Positive Effects of Online Learning

Online learning has positive effects on students which include:

1.      It prevents them from worrying about lateness in classes

Students don’t have to worry about coming late for classes as all they need to do is log in to respective virtual learning classes and attend their class. In cases where physical types aren’t feasible to use, online learning is an excellent alternative. Students can also participate in classes from any location in the world as long as they have a mobile device or computer they can use.

2.      It enables students to learn at their own pace

Asynchronous communication through virtual classrooms can be accessed at any time of the day, making it easier for students to learn effectively at their own time and pace. It also enables students to work and still attend classes without one affecting the other.

3.      It allows them to participate in class properly

Online classes encourage students who usually don’t participate in physical classes to promote synergy in learning. This interaction enables students to learn better and achieve higher academic performance.

4.      There is less pressure on students

During group/class discussions, students are less pressured as compared to physical classes, and this enables them to think appropriately and give well thought out responses to questions.

5.      There’s a sense of equality in virtual classes

Sometimes, students get discriminated against during physical learning classes. Discriminatory factors usually pronounced in physical lectures include age, race, gender, religion, mode of dressing, etc. In online courses, the main focus is on what the student has to contribute to the class.

Negative Effects of Online Learning

1.    Lack of access to technology leading to non-participation in classes

Some students do not have access to mobile computing devices or even stable internet connection on some rare occasions. These students who cannot afford to get the technology the school employs in teaching, or the cost of internet connection, online learning has a negative impact on their education.

2.      Effect on dependent learners

Dependent learners such as those who are not self-disciplined such as young children and people with difficulties in learning would find it difficult to pay attention during virtual classes.

In summary, the general effects of online learning on students have benefits and disadvantages. For online learning to work efficiently, it should be conducive for learning, and computers should be made available to people who don’t have access to these devices.