ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF ONLINE TEACHING AND LEARNING

Today, as the Internet becomes more accessible than ever before, e-learning has exploded. While there is no denying the benefits of virtual learning over the traditional classroom model, I believe being taught face to face by actual teachers is an experience that can never be completely replaced. As with most teaching methods, online learning also has its own set of positives and negatives. On the one hand, teaching and learning on the Internet has many advantages in education Firstly, it is extremely cost-efficient. Online classes effectively dispense with numerous expenses that running a brick-and-mortar operation incurs such as space and administrative staff, among others. This allows online course providers to offer them at a price point that is accessible to the masses. Moreover, online courses are no commuting, no paying or searching for parking Secondly, web-based classes help learners and teachers overcome time constraints and geographical boundaries. To attend such an online class, the student and teacher just need to have a PC and a good internet connection. In the fact that, online courses provide an excellent method of course delivery unbound by time or location allowing for accessibility to instruction at anytime from anywhere. Especially, during the social distance of COVID-19 pandemic, almost schools have to closed, but learning couldn't be stop so learning online is optimal solution to maintain study that many school approved. For example, I have taken part in the Online courses at Đong Thap University scince 2020 and many another online courses. Online distance learning meets the needs of an ever-growing population of students who cannot or prefer not to participate in traditional classroom settings. These learners include those unable to attend traditional classes, who cannot find a particular class at their chosen institution, who live in remote locations, who work full-time and can only study at or after work, and those who simply prefer to learn independently. In the same way, teachers can stay in another place like a different state or even country and still deliver the lesson perfectly. There is no need for the students and the teachers to remain in the same place, locality, as they do not need to meet physically. Most of the online classes are flexible. The teachers and students mutually decide upon the time they are willing to invest in the study. Besides, they can also decide on the class's date, type, and location and the number of students they want to teach in a group. Thirdly, there will be no more traffic hassle. Travelling to and fro will consume most of your time, not to mention the risks associated with travel and the energy spent in the process. If you choose online learning, you can save this time and use it more productively for learning something new or updating what you already know and practice harder. In addition, online education makes enhanced learning. For instance, learner can freely prepare materials from a variety of sources from the internet or friends without being constrained by the small number of teachers’ teaching in the class. Clearly, learning with computers helps us look up information quickly and conveniently. So the teacher and students can easily check and rectify their respective work. Especialy, without the internet, preloaded documents in the form of text save us a lot of time taking notes and editing easily. Online learning, on the other hand, allows you to return to lessons and watch videos until you have properly comprehended the principles. There are also no time limits. Moreover, learners can improve their technology skills and life skills time management, independence and self-discipline. Besides, hi-tech gadgets stimulate learner's creativity and imagination. For example, my son (4 years old) could learn to conduct simple experiments by watching educational programs like Minute Earth or Best of science. On the other hand, there are a number of major drawbacks when we learn or teach with technological devices. The first drawback is this trend would have an adverse impact on their health. Learners who devote a large amount of their time to screen are more likely to suffer from various health problems such as eyes strain, shortsightedness or obesity. To some extent, online studies are costly as well because it needs advance computer, laptop or iPad which are expensive devices and a normal person cannot afford to buy it and also there will be the high consumption of electricity for the usage of these devices. Another key challenge of online classes is internet connectivity. While internet penetration has grown in leaps and bounds over the past few years, in smaller cities and towns, a consistent connection with decent speed is a problem. Without a consistent internet connection for students or teachers, there can be a lack of continuity in learning for the child. This is detrimental to the education process. Another disadvantage is indifferent attention. For a teacher, one of the major disadvantages of online education is managing student attention. When a teacher is teaching an online class, it can be difficult for them to focus on each and every student. It can be tough to tell who is focused and who is simply attending the class for the sake of attending. Besides, there are many tools and entertainments on computers or smartphone, learner may not be able to focus well on their lesson or the teacher's lectures. Indeed, there are many tools and entertainments on computers, learner may not be able to focus well on their lessons or the teacher's lectures. Furthermore, some certain fields inextricably require physical interaction which we can not do with online education. For example, disciplines that involve elaborate lab set-up and equipment like chemistry or engineering are impossible to learn in the comfort of one’s own home. Also there are elements of classroom dynamics that a virtual environment simply cannot emulate. For instance, the interactive activities and live discussions in a physical lecture allow students to improve their interpersonal skills – something that is difficult to recreate in online classes where two-way interaction is rare. In conclusion, online education has both advantages and shortcomings. While virtual learning is superior to conventional learning in several aspects such as affordable, flexible, no more traffic hassle and effectiveness in pandemic. Also there are some drawbacks such as affect the health or lack of physical interaction or lead to decline in concentration. While there is no denying the benefits of virtual learning over the traditional classroom model, I believe being taught face to face by actual teachers is an experience that can never be completely replaced. In COVID-19 pandemic, however, finding a way to incorporate the interaction into virtual classrooms can pave the way for a more innovative and effective e-learning experience.