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OP5: benefits and limitations of online learning

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OP5: benefits and limitations of online learning Empty OP5: benefits and limitations of online learning

Post  Younghee choi Tue May 06 2008, 20:06

What do you think are the potential benefits and limitations of online learning applications for English education in Korea? Support your opinion with details and examples.


One of the ways that communication takes place is by online since we are living in an information age. In other words, it is not an exaggeration to say that we are highly dependent on a computer, which became a necessity in our life. Thanks to the rapid development of computer technology over the past few years, a learning method has gone through innovative changes, one of which is online learning. Therefore, online learning has become an additional way to study. Online learning brings us a number of benefits. However, it involves limitations as well.

Speaking of benefits of online learning, online learning is not restrained by time and place. Students can attend a course at anytime, from anywhere. This means that they can take classes outside the classroom. Parents can attend to their children, then sit down to class; working students can attend classes no matter what their work schedule might be, those who travel for business or pleasure can attend class from anywhere in the world that has internet access.

In addition, online learning makes it possible to have student-centered teaching approaches. Every student has their own style of learning that works best for them. Some learn visually while others do better when they learn by doing. They may choose the methods that are fit for them. Plus, course material is accessible 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Students are able to read and re-read lectures, discussions, explanations and comments. Often spoken material in the classroom passes students by due to a number of distractions, missed classes, tiredness or boredom.

Despite its advantages, online learning involves some problems. In order for any online program to be successful, it must have students who are able to access the online learning environment. Lack of access whether it be for economical or logistics reasons will exclude otherwise eligible students from the course, especially in rural and lower socioeconomic neighborhoods. As far as Internet accessibility is concerned, it is not universal, and in some areas, Internet access poses a significant cost to the user.

Added to that, user friendly and reliable technology is critical to a successful online program. However, even the most sophisticated technology is not 100% reliable. When everything is running smoothly, technology is intended to be low profile and is used as a tool in the learning process. However, breakdowns can occur at any point along the system. For instance, a participant may access the class through a networked computer which could go down; individual PCs can have numerous problems which could limit students’ access; finally, the Internet connection could fail. In situations like these, the technology is neither seamless nor reliable and it can detract from the learning experience.

To conclude, online learning is becoming an alternative way of education these days. Online programs have significant strengths and offer unprecedented accessibility to quality education such as its convenience of learning at any time and from anyplace, achieving student-centered learning, and rerunning of the same lecture. However, there are weaknesses inherent in the use of this medium that can pose potential threats to the success of any online program such as lack of internet access environment and its technological problems. Therefore, we should make best use of the online programs, but should keep in mind that we had better not too much rely on them.
Younghee choi
Younghee choi
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OP5: benefits and limitations of online learning Empty Re: OP5: benefits and limitations of online learning

Post  Young Tue May 06 2008, 20:50

Hi! Young-hee.

Nice to see you here. Actually, without you our forum was almost stopped.
How is your teacher practicum?

I agree with your final comment. That's right. We should be careful not to rely on computers too much. As you mentioned, I am not a tech-friendly person. I hate to study English online. After 1-hour-long using computer, I have a headache and my eyes are very tiring. However, I am getting used to using them. Internet is very useful, cheap tool for studying. Hopefully, we can be proficient computer users soon.
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