Lack of Face to Face Interaction: Understanding the Drawbacks of E-Learning

The phrase "new normal" has been among the most popular since the outbreak. The rising usage of online learning resources is the new standard in education. The COVID-19 pandemic has spurred novel approaches to education. Educational institutions worldwide are turning to online learning environments to continue teaching pupils.

Online learning is the center of the new normal, a reimagined idea of education. Digital learning is becoming an essential tool for students and educators worldwide. This is a whole new approach to education that many educational institutions have to implement. 

These days, students can use online learning to acquire knowledge for extracurricular activities and academic subjects. The need for online education has grown dramatically in the last few months and will only get bigger.

Online learning offers its disadvantages, much like most other teaching strategies. Deciphering and comprehending these advantages and disadvantages will assist educational institutions in formulating plans for more effectively presenting the curriculum, guaranteeing a continuous learning experience for the pupils.

Needs of e-learning still

However, e-learning still needs help integrating student input. When students complete regular tests and they don't receive tailored feedback, they get frustrated. Online education providers must explore alternate ways to deliver student feedback because conventional approaches sometimes function in an e-learning environment. Giving feedback to students online is still an issue with many unanswered studies. Therefore, it may take some time before any particular techniques are thoroughly investigated and shown to be successful.

The issue of insufficient student feedback in e-learning may be resolved using the peer feedback systems researchers have successfully proven in online learning. Furthermore, video chats with instructors can occasionally address this drawback of online learning by acting as a substitute for the professor's office hours during in-person instruction.

Social isolation brought on by e-learning

The E-Learning techniques used in schools nowadays sometimes force participating pupils to spend their time in isolation and introspection. Because they are undoubtedly spending a lot of time online, many teachers and students may exhibit symptoms of social isolation due to their limited opportunities for face-to-face interaction. Increased tension, anxiety, and negative thoughts are just a few of the mental health problems that are frequently brought on by social isolation and poor communication.

Encouraging more interaction among online students is one strategy to counteract social isolation and loneliness in the context of online learning. Making use of hybrid learning settings. A lookout for indications of social isolation in the students.

Strong Time Management And Self-Motivation Abilities Are Necessary For E-Learning

One of the main causes of students' failure to finish online courses is their need for self-motivation. Many elements work together to continuously push students toward their learning objectives in typical classroom settings. Strict timetables, peer-to-peer interactions, and in-person interactions with instructors prevent students from straying from their studies.

But there are fewer outside forces pressing pupils to meet expectations in an online learning environment. During their learning activities, students are frequently left alone with someone to guide them toward their learning objectives consistently. 

When enrolled in online classes, students frequently have to study challenging content in the comfort of their own homes, free from the extra stress of attending a regular university. Because of this, it may be challenging for students who need more self-motivation and time management skills to meet deadlines when studying online.

The secret to thriving in an online learning environment is developing strong self-motivation and discipline abilities. Additionally, peer-to-peer activities should be encouraged between online students like those in traditional classrooms, and in-person interactions with instructors can be replaced with online interactions.

Online Educators Frequently Emphasize Theory Over Practice

While some of the most creative online learning platforms are beginning to address and resolve this E-learning limitation, the issue has yet to vanish. The issue is that many e-learning training providers prioritize theoretical knowledge development over practical skills, often excluding other factors. 

This is easily explained by theoretical lectures being far simpler to incorporate into an online learning environment than practical courses. After all, carrying out practical projects in an online course necessitates far more preparation in advance than theoretical instruction since there isn't in-person interaction or access to physical classrooms for use as a workshop.

Developing practical skills in online students can be achieved through 1:1 mentorship and practical project implementation. Successful practice-based online courses may be found on various platforms, including Udacity and Springboard.

Lack Of Face To face-to-face interaction 

Numerous drawbacks of online learning previously highlighted are related to the absence of in-person interaction. Students who don't interact with their teachers in person find it difficult to provide feedback, become socially isolated, and may even feel less under pressure. Less pressure leads to pupils quitting their studies more readily, which is a drawback. Although many people may find it annoying, lecturers' constant prodding is a useful strategy for increasing student retention.

Another form of communication must be used instead of a lack of face-to-face interaction in e-learning. Chat rooms, discussion boards, and video chats, for instance, can mitigate the negative impacts of face-to-face isolation in online learning.

Only A Few Subjects May Use E-Learning

Not all study topics may be successfully pursued through e-learning, at least not yet, and not all educational specialties are equal. Social science and the humanities are better suited for e-learning than scientific subjects like engineering and medical science, which call for a higher level of practical expertise. 

For medical students, nothing can replace an autopsy; for aspiring engineers, no number of virtual lectures can replace hands-on industrial experience. We currently need a place where we can educate all vocations exclusively through e-learning. However, this may change in the future.  

Which Is Better: Online or In-Person Learning?

Every learning approach, including in-person and virtual, has pros and cons. The benefits of online learning are indisputable, even though many students may still prefer the structure and familiarity of in-person instruction.

The self-paced format of eLearning materials may be quite advantageous to both the contemporary learner and companies looking for fresh approaches to staff training and development in the wake of COVID-19.

Learners generally find this learning form more practical and adaptable than traditional learning. However, due to the distinct benefits of instructor-led training, many students still find that having a live teacher helps them absorb the material more fully. Each of the two learning strategies is very successful in its own right. Selecting one kind of training over another comes down to personal preference, learning style, and the subject matter covered in class.