Online Learning: The Good, the Bad, and the Necessary

Online learning and the use of educational technology have been on the rise for many years, but the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated their adoption. As schools and districts scrambled to move instruction online in the face of closures and social distancing guidelines, educators and students have had to adapt to this new mode of learning. So, it’s important to understand the benefits and limitations of online learning and how teachers can make the most of its potential.

Online learning, or the use of digital technology to deliver instruction and educational materials to students, has become increasingly prevalent in schools around the globe. Fittingly, its unique sets of benefits, challenges, and questions are now synonymous with the state of the education system.

From the flexibility and convenience online learning offers to the challenges it poses for students and teachers, I’ll take a closer look at what online learning has brought to the table in the K-12 education system. Whether you are a student, a teacher, a parent, or just someone interested in education, this post will provide a comprehensive overview of online learning in K-12 classrooms.

Table of Contents

What Are the Pros and Cons of Online Learning?

Teaching online gives students more flexibility to learn at their own pace while also reducing overhead costs required to run in-person classes. However, online learning makes it harder for teachers to give students individualized support. Tech issues can also interrupt the flow of online classes.

The shift to online learning (also referred to as distance or remote learning) due to the COVID-19 pandemic has brought it to the forefront of education discussions and debates. These conversations have been so pronounced that leading organizations such as UNICEF have published guidelines for effective online teaching.

As schools and educators continue to grapple with the ripple effects of the challenges posed by the pandemic, it’s becoming increasingly clear that online learning will be used more and more — long after the peak of the pandemic.

With online learning now a constructive component of education, it’s important to consider the pros and cons of teaching remotely. Some of the benefits of online learning include the following:

Flexibility: One of the biggest advantages of teaching online is the flexibility it offers. With online classes, students can learn at their own pace and on their own schedule. This can be especially beneficial for students who are working or have other obligations that make it difficult to attend traditional in-person classes.
Accessibility: Online classes can also be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection, allowing students to learn from any location. This is particularly useful for students who live in remote areas or cannot physically attend the classroom.

Expanded reach: Another advantage of teaching online is the reach it can offer. With remote classes, students can attend and participate in a class from anywhere around the world, expanding the opportunities for learning and cultural exchange. Online classes also provide access to a wide variety of resources, such as online textbooks, videos, and other materials, which can supplement and enhance the learning experience.
Cost-effectiveness: In terms of cost-effectiveness, online education can be a more affordable option for both students and institutions. Remote classes typically have lower overhead costs, so institutions can offer them at a lower price to students. Additionally, students save on transportation and other related expenses.

However, while online classes have many advantages, there are also several potential downsides to consider, such as:

Limited interaction: One of the main disadvantages of teaching online is the limited interaction between students and teachers. Without face-to-face interaction, it can be more challenging for teachers to gauge student understanding and provide individualized support. Additionally, students may miss the social interaction and sense of community that comes from being in a physical classroom.
Tech issues: Another potential problem with online classes is technology issues. Students may experience technical difficulties, such as internet connection problems, which can impede their ability to participate in class and access resources. In addition, not all students may have access to the technology necessary to participate in online classes.
Reduced motivation: Online classes can also create feelings of isolation and loneliness for students, as they are not physically present in a classroom with their peers. As a result, without the structure of a physical classroom, it can be harder for students to stay on task and motivated. Online classes may require more self-discipline and self-motivation on the part of students.

In conclusion, the decision of whether or not to teach online should be based on careful consideration of the specific needs and goals of the institution and its students.

While there are certainly some unavoidable drawbacks, even Forbes has noted the distinct advantages that online instruction offers to virtually every key stakeholder in the education system.

Ultimately, the goal should be to provide the best possible education for students, whether that is through online classes, in-person classes, or a combination of both (known as blended learning).

Why Was Online Learning Necessary

Teaching online became necessary during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure that students could continue their education despite the disruptions caused by the virus. With quarantine and social distancing measures in place, online learning allowed students to continue receiving instructions.

With few alternative options, teaching online enabled students to mitigate the effects of isolation, quarantines, and lockdowns on their development.

Students continued to receive synchronous and asynchronous instruction from their teachers and engage with their classmates, even if they could not be physically present in the same location.

Another important reason for the shift to remote learning was to protect the health and safety of students, teachers, and staff. With the virus spreading rapidly, it was crucial to take steps to minimize the risk of transmission.

By moving instruction online, schools and universities were able to reduce the number of people gathering in one place, thus minimizing the risk of infection.

Online learning has provided a great deal of flexibility for students and teachers. With the ability to access course materials, participate in discussions, and complete assignments from anywhere with an internet connection, students have been able to continue their education regardless of their location.

In addition, with the ability to record lectures and make them available online, students can also go back and review material at their own pace.

While online learning requires significantly more attention and training for it to be an ideal way of learning, it has proven to be a viable solution that could not only be used during the pandemic but also in the future to reach and accommodate more students.

Challenges Faced by Teachers

Teaching online in K-12 schools can present several challenges not only for students but also for the educators who are making the shift. While much has been written about the difficulties and challenges students faced, it is also worth noting the stress and difficulty teachers endured when suddenly shifting from in-person to online instruction.

When it comes to online classes, some challenges faced by teachers include a lack of physical interaction, which makes it harder to provide individualized support to students, and a steep learning curve that comes with adapting to new tools and online teaching methods.

Knowing these challenges will allow districts, administrators, and individual teachers to address them in the future and produce a more knowledgeable faculty, resulting in a brighter future for online learning. Let’s examine these challenges in more detail:

Lack of interaction: One of the main challenges is the lack of face-to-face interaction with students. Remote teaching can make it difficult to build rapport with students and create a sense of community in the classroom. Additionally, it can be harder to provide individualized instruction and support for struggling students.

Removal from the learning environment: Another challenge for online teachers is the lack of control over the students’ learning environment. In a traditional classroom, the teacher can control the noise level and monitor the students to ensure they are staying on task. In an online setting, students may be in an environment that is not conducive to learning, and the teacher may not be able to tell if the student is fully engaged or not.
Adapting to new tools: Online teachers also often face difficulty managing and organizing the different types of digital materials and tools they use to teach. They’re also responsible for students who may have difficulties in navigating and using digital platforms.
Changing feedback methods: Providing effective feedback to students and assessing their progress is often more challenging when working remotely. Without being able to observe students in real time, it can be difficult to determine whether a student has truly understood the material or is just going through the motions.

To successfully teach in an online environment, schools and districts must remember the importance of teachers having access to ongoing professional development, which covers best practices, techniques, and tools for teaching online.

These challenges can be combatted with cutting-edge educational technology, but each requires forethought, planning, and investment.

How Teachers Are Adapting To Online Learning

Teachers are adapting to online learning by incorporating new tools in their classes and adjusting their teaching methods for a remote setting. They are also focusing on replicating the sense of community that in-person classes offer, as this can be a challenge for online learning.

The shift to online learning in K-12 education has presented many challenges for teachers, who have had to swiftly adapt to a new mode of instruction. However, many educators have risen to the challenge and have found innovative ways to continue providing high-quality education to their students.

One way teachers are adapting to online learning is by incorporating new technologies and tools into their teaching practices that they hadn’t previously made use of.

Many teachers have turned to platforms such as Zoom and Google Classroom to hold virtual classes, create online assignments, and share resources.

They also use other integrated digital tools like interactive whiteboards, online quizzes, and virtual manipulatives to enhance students’ engagement and understanding.

Teachers are also adjusting their teaching methods to be more effective in a remote setting. Many educators have found that shorter, focused lessons with built-in opportunities for active engagement and collaboration, such as breakout rooms and discussion boards, are more effective online than lecture-based classes.

Another adaptation that teachers are making is the use of various forms of assessments, such as self-reflection, peer evaluations, and digital portfolios, in order to better understand their students’ grasp and progress.

With cheating a serious concern in online education, these new assessments not only address concerns of cheating but also allow for innovations in how students demonstrate mastery and learning.

Additionally, teachers have found new ways to create a sense of community and engagement among their students. This can be done by incorporating group work, discussions, and other collaborative activities and encouraging students to take the initiative to interact with their classmates.

By doing this, teachers can also build relationships with their students, as it’s essential for the student-teacher bond to be maintained. This bond helps teachers understand their students better, address their individual needs, and provide personal support.

Finally, teachers are also looking for ways to support students and their families who may be experiencing challenges with technology, internet access, or distractions at home. They are providing additional resources and support through office hours, phone calls, or online chats, as well as alternative ways of submitting assignments and assessments.

For a detailed study of how teachers responded to the shifting landscape of online education in the wake of COVID-19, UNESCO has published a well-researched report.

Good Practices for Online Teaching

While online education is becoming more widely discussed in the educational zeitgeist, many teachers have still not received much education or training on what actually makes for effective remote teaching. This is especially true for experienced teachers who may have attended school before online education would have even been a possibility.

Good online teaching practices include establishing clear student participation guidelines and incorporating appropriate online learning tools. Other good practices include using various teaching strategies and creating avenues for students to receive additional, individualized support.

For teachers, adapting to online teaching — and doing so effectively — is tremendously important. Much attention has been given to the adverse side effects of poor online instruction.

However, online or remote learning is likely to stick around. Hence, teachers need to train and implement strategies that will address its shortcomings and highlight its strengths as they look toward the future of education.

While every situation is unique, the best practices listed below can be used as a general guideline that educators can follow when teaching online. Let’s examine these strategies in more detail:

Establishing clear expectations and routines: Setting expectations and routines for online learning can help to create structure and stability for students. This can include regularly scheduled class meetings, set deadlines for assignments, and clear guidelines for participation and engagement.
Adapting as necessary: As Fordham University outlines in their study of effective online education, there are different types of remote learning. They break the categories into synchronous, asynchronous, and hybrid online learning models. Each of these is ideally suited to different tasks and lessons, so effective teachers are well-suited to use them interchangeably and remain flexible in how they instruct online.

Providing regular, timely feedback: Feedback is essential for student learning and progress. In an online setting, providing consistent and timely feedback on student work is vital to help them stay on track and feel connected to the class. Teachers can send written or verbal feedback or arrange one-to-one conferences with students to inform them about their progress.
Encouraging interaction and collaboration: Online learning can feel isolating if students are not given opportunities to interact with their peers and teachers. Incorporating group work, discussions, and other collaborative activities can help create a sense of community and engagement among students. Times Higher Education has published extensively on this topic and has many best practices to offer educators.
Using a variety of teaching strategies: A variety of teaching strategies can help to keep students engaged and motivated. This can include things like multimedia, interactive activities, and hands-on projects. Additionally, incorporating diverse teaching methods can make learning accessible to different learners.

Providing opportunities for individualized instruction: Online learning can offer individualized teaching and differentiated learning opportunities. By providing different resources, assignments, and tools for students, you can meet learners’ diverse needs and learning styles.
Maintaining open communication with students and parents: Communication is key for successful online teaching. It is important to have regular communication channels with students and parents, such as email, phone, or virtual office hours, to address any concerns, answer questions and provide support.
Keeping yourself updated and continuing professional development: Online teaching is constantly evolving, so teachers need to stay informed and continue to develop their skills through professional development opportunities and resources to be able to navigate digital platforms, tools, and pedagogy effectively.

It’s always important to remember that while online education can replicate many of the experiences you would typically facilitate in a classroom, some experiences are just not possible in an online setting.

However, there are also new experiences that are possible online that couldn’t be accomplished in person. An effective online teacher should play to the teaching format’s strengths while combatting its limitations as much as possible.

This video from Teachings in Education discusses the online teaching strategies listed above and more:

Final Thoughts

There’s no denying that online learning has become a necessary part of K-12 education. The COVID-19 pandemic sped up the move toward remote learning, but before the pandemic, the shift towards increased use of educational technology was on the rise.

With ongoing advancements in technology and pedagogy, online education has the potential to improve and transform the way teaching and learning happen while providing more opportunities and access to education for students all over the world.

Sources

UNESCO: From School Closure to Recovery