Evaluating the Pros and Cons of Digital Learning Tools for Students

Ever since the start of pandemic lockdowns in 2020, a lot of students in different parts of the world have gone through some type of digital learning. In fact, most schools even switched to entire remote learning, while others offer blended learning methods, which is a combination of traditional and online elements. Up until now, there is a mixed opinions when it comes to digital education. The following are some of the most essential advantages and disadvantages of of using digital learning tools.

Pros of Digital Learning Tools

Digital Classes Can Be Accessed Anywhere

One of the greatest benefits of remote learning is that you can attend your classes wherever you are. As long as you have internet connection, you can open your online classes. Also, it important to use different passwords on different apps. If you are having a hard time remembering all your password, then you can store them all in a password management software such as LastPass. However, due to the 2022 LastPass breaches, its security has been compromised. That is why it is important that you should explore supreme alternatives to LastPass to replace it with. When choosing an alternative, be sure that it includes encryption and reliable security features.

Cost- Effective

You can save more time since there is no need for you to commute from your home to the school and vice-versa. Furthermore, you can save money since you don’t have to buy car fuel or transport tickets, making it cost-effective.

Recorded Lectures Allow Students To Understand More

Recording online lectures can be done easily with just a touch of the button. Lecture recordings have a lot of benefits. For instance, students can watch them over and over again if they want to understand a certain topic. For students who are slow learners or slow in taking notes, then this is extremely helpful so that they can catch up with their classmates. Additionally, students who are unable to attend a class due to sickness, or other causes, can also take advantage of recorded lectures. In other words, they won’t miss anything and they don’t need to ask for notes from their classmates.

Can Be Personalized

With the constant advancement in learning programmes and technological developments, classes can be personalized based on the needs of the group or the student. For instance, some students might favor visual aids while others think that they are distracting and favor learning through audio. Also, it is easier to manage the size of a group online than in-person since it can allow teachers to create a smaller room without actually reorganizing the whole classroom.

Creativity

Digital education allows children to show their creativity. Even though some teachers may find that switching to a digital learning method is a bit complicated at first, sooner or later, they will discover that online classes can be fun and more engaging with the help of technological advances. For instance, students can use Animoto in creating short videos about the lessons that they have learned from their class.

Environmentally Friendly

Aside from saving some money on the cost of transportation, digital learning can also help in reducing pollution that comes from vehicles if students will commute. The institution can also save some paper, gas, and electricity, not to mention the abundant waste generated from in-person classes.

Cons of Digital Learning Tools

Technological Issues

Sad to say but one of the greatest disadvantages of digital learning is internet connectivity since a lot of people are struggling with it. If students can’t find a stable connection, then it would be impossible for the teachers and the students to communicate effectively and participate in the class actively. Furthermore, not all households have the required resources, such as tablets, laptops, and computers, which are essential for remote learning. It is important to get the best laptop for homeschooling. Although the government is trying to help disadvantaged students by supplying them with laptops, however, they can only reach a specific group of students that unfortunately do not include most of the struggling students.

Time Management and Self-Motivation

It is important to consider that remote learning requires excellent time- management skills which smaller children don’t have. If adults are having a hard time in managing work-life balance, then how much more for students who will be juggling between studies and other activities such as household chores. However, there are ways that can help them in improving their time management skills. Moreover, they also need to motivate themselves so they can sit down in front of the computer for several hours and study hard.

Insufficient Social Contact

One of the most important parts that students miss during digital learning is physical interaction with their teachers and classmates. Sometimes chat messages and emails just can’t substitute face-to-face interaction, leaving students feeling lonely and isolated. At the same time, it is also difficult for them to learn from each other, which is necessary for their social development.

Is Digital Learning Here To Stay?

Even after students have returned back to their classrooms, it is still unlikely that digital learning will be gone forever from the educational systems. Students, teachers, and even parents have different experiences on this style of teaching and at the same time, they also have different opinions about it. Although it brings us some difficulties, but let’s not forget its essential benefits including personalization, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.