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The Internet has influenced learning in more than one way. It has made it more accessible, more convenient, and more articulate. It has inspired conceptual learning in students. It has enabled teachers to adopt holistic learning approaches. Furthermore, the advent of high-speed internet packages like Cox bundles has democratized learning.
While digital learning has its own challenges, its benefits far outweigh the cons. Of course, naysayers would continue to highlight the disadvantages instead of appreciating the achievements. The increase in internet use during the COVID-19 pandemic speaks volumes about mankind’s dependency on technology.
That said, here’s how the internet is transforming the learning experience:
Provides Greater Accessibility
Long gone are the days when you’d have to be physically present in schools to attend classes. Pre-internet education was exclusive to a select few. The situation was even worse in rural areas with poor infrastructure. Along came the Internet and things changed, and they largely changed for the better.
The Internet allows convenient access to information. You can watch news, sports, political shows in an instant. You can stream your favorite movies and TV shows at any hour of the day. Students can access learning material without the need to visit libraries. Teachers can conduct lectures remotely. This and much more is happening 24/7 around the world – all thanks to the Internet.
Promotes Self-Learning
Today’s younger generation is much more advanced than the children of the eighties and nineties. The obvious answer is the internet. You have four-year old’s passing exams to become Microsoft certified professionals. That’s right, a four-year-old girl did that. I don’t even remember what I was doing at the age of four, probably crying.
The Internet has provided a platform for both educators and students to interact with each other. Many educational institutions are offering eLearning services. Virtual universities are thriving all over the world. For instance, these online courses in Australia can provide you with the skills you need to launch your career and improve your job prospects. The convenient access to research papers, journals, and eBooks has enabled students to gain expertise over a wide range of subjects in just a short period.
Involves Little to No Cost
There was a time when education was exclusive to certain privileged individuals. Lower classes could not afford to pay to get into prestigious institutions. High-ranking jobs were dominated by the elites due to their educational background. The class division still prevails, but education and learning are no longer the domain of the select few.
The Internet has provided a wide range of options for learning. This has enabled people with limited resources to benefit from learning opportunities. Remote learning does not involve commute costs or paying for campus accommodation. Many virtual classrooms are providing inexpensive education without any hidden costs.
Imparts Practical Skills
Most of us have come across how-to videos and what-to guides. There’s a channel on YouTube that goes by the name of “Dad, How Do I?” It documents a 55-year-old named Robert Kenney demonstrating how to perform everyday tasks. Of course, not everyone knows how to fix a toilet seat or install a ceiling fan.
The Internet is also a great platform for people interested in learning professional skills. The hyper-competitive market of today has prompted employees to improve their skills. And many are doing this with the help of the Internet. Masterclasses, webinars, online courses are becoming increasingly popular due to their tremendous benefits.
Many businesses have begun to invest in online training programs to improve productivity. eLearning platforms cater to a wide range of audiences. Some companies develop online tests to gauge the skills of potential recruits and identify the best candidates.
Boosts Collaborative Efforts
The Internet has paved the way for enhanced collaboration between providers and learners. Educators can assign interactive tasks to students. Learners can collaborate to find innovative solutions to different problems. eLearning platforms like Google Classroom have proved to be of great utility when it comes to online learning. Google Slides allow employees to give presentations effectively.
Enables Multitasking
eLearning enables you to test your multitasking skills. Students can perform different tasks on their computers. The tabs in your browser enable you to access a plethora of websites at the same time. You can solve a math quiz while reading about the basics of a new language.
But there is a drawback. Juggling between online learning and social media can be extremely distracting. Surveys have found students using social media during online classes. Such behavior can create multiple distractions during the learning process.
Conclusion
The Internet is continuing to facilitate the overall learning experience. It has provided innumerable ways to deal with complex problems, whether related to the academics or workplace. It has expanded the horizons of learning. It has enabled equal access to research material. Both children and adults can benefit from its use. The Internet will continue to be of great use as long as we want it to be.
