My Online Educational Experience

 

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced everyone to change the way they live and work. For students, this means attending classes online instead of in person. While there are some challenges that come with online learning, there are also many benefits. In this article, I will share my online educational experiences from this semester and how they have been both challenging and beneficial.

My Initial Thoughts on Virtual Education

When I heard that my school would be implementing online education, I was initially skeptical. I worried that the quality of education would suffer and that the lack of face-to-face interaction would make it difficult to form relationships with my peers and professors. However, after some research and reflection, I came to see the potential benefits of online education. When done correctly, online education can provide a more flexible and customizable learning experience. Students can access course materials at their convenience, and they have the opportunity to learn at their own pace. Additionally, online courses often incorporate interactive elements, such as forums and chat rooms, which can facilitate student engagement.

Suggestion

There is no doubt that virtual education has revolutionized the way we learn. However, there are still some areas where virtual education could be improved. First of all, the quality of virtual education depends heavily on the quality of the internet connection. If the connection is slow or unreliable, it can be difficult to participate in online classes or access course materials. In addition, virtual education can be quite isolating. Since students are not physically present in the classroom, they can miss out on important social interactions with their peers and instructors. Finally, virtual education can be quite expensive. While many colleges and universities offer discounted rates for online students, the costs of textbooks, software, and other course materials can still add up. Despite these challenges, virtual education provides a number of advantages that make it worth considering for students of all ages. With a little bit of effort, we can make sure that everyone has access to a high-quality education regardless of location or circumstance.

Advantages

One of the biggest advantages of online education is the flexibility it offers. I can study when it is convenient for me, instead of having to stick to a set schedule. Additionally, I can take breaks when I need to and not feel guilty about it because I am not missing out on anything. Another advantage is that I can learn at my own pace. If I do not understand something, I can go back and re-watch the lecture or read the material again. This is a huge benefit for me because I often need extra time to process information.

I have been also able to save a lot of time by not having to commute to campus. This has been especially valuable considering the traffic situation in Baguio. In addition, I have been able to tailor my learning environment to my own needs and preferences. For example, I can study at any time of day or night that works for me, and I can take breaks whenever I want. I also don't have to worry about distractions from other people in the classroom.

Drawbacks

This semester I experienced a few drawbacks I wasn't expecting. First, there was a disconnect between myself and the professor. Although we met "face-to-face" over video chat, it was difficult to get to know each other or build rapport. This made it difficult to ask for help when needed. Additionally, I missed the face-to-face interaction with classmates. In a physical classroom, you can easily strike up conversations before and after class or during the break, but this was much harder to do online. As a result, I felt quite isolated throughout the course. Finally, the technology itself was sometimes unreliable, which made it difficult to submit assignments or participate in live discussions.

Despite its drawbacks, I am enjoying my online educational experience. I have found that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. I am learning a lot, and I appreciate the flexibility that online education offers. Additionally, I am excited to learn new skills, such as how to use different online tools and how to manage my time effectively when working on assignments.

Skills I Learned

This semester, I have had the opportunity to learn a variety of skills through my online educational experiences. One skill that I have developed is time management. With classes and assignments being entirely online, it can be easy to procrastinate and fall behind. However, I have learned to set aside specific times each day to work on classwork and to break down larger tasks into smaller ones that can be completed over time. This has helped me to stay on track and get my work done in a timely manner. In addition, I have also honed my research skills. With everything being online, it is important to be able to find reliable sources of information. I have become adept at using search engines and finding credible sources of information for my assignments. Finally, I have also gained a better understanding of how to use technology for learning. From attending online lectures to submitting assignments electronically, I have become more comfortable with using technology in the classroom. Overall, this semester has been a great opportunity to learn new skills that will be beneficial in the future.

What I Miss

I have to say that I really miss the traditional educational experience this semester. I miss the face-to-face interaction with my professors and classmates. I miss being able to ask questions in class and getting immediate feedback. I also miss the feeling of being in an actual classroom, with all the associated sights and sounds. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate being able to take classes online and not having to commute. But there's just something about being in a physical space with other people that makes learning more enjoyable and memorable. I hope that we can soon return to some semblance of normalcy so that I can once again enjoy the traditional educational experience.

Although my online educational experience this semester has had some drawbacks, it is still overall positive. The main benefits of online education for me have been convenience and flexibility. I have appreciated being able to work at my own pace and complete assignments when it is most convenient for me. Additionally, the online format has allowed me to maintain a more flexible schedule that accommodates my other commitments. Thanks to online education, I have not had to sacrifice my job or social life in order to continue pursuing my degree. Are there any specific benefits of online education that you have experienced?