What is Online Learning? Brief History, Benefits & Limitations

With the evolution of technology and its widespread usage across various sectors, education has been one of the primary sectors to witness this transformation. Online Learning often called digital learning or e-learning implies the use of technology to deliver educational resources while beyond the traditional classroom boundaries. E-learning has revolutionized human approach to education by offering flexible learning opportunities ranging from self-paced video tutorials to virtual classrooms.

The roots of online learning can be traced back to the mid-20th century with the development of internet. Online learning has come a long way—from mail-based lessons to today’s interactive digital platforms. Milestones include teaching machines, televised courses, and the rise of Learning Management Systems like Blackboard. With time, MOOCs from top universities made business education globally accessible through platforms such as Coursera, Edx, and Udemy. From the COVID-19 pandemic and to the current times, online education has gained momentum as more institutions have started offering fully online courses and degrees, blending flexibility and willingness to learn.

Online Learning is mostly conducted in two formats- Synchronous Learning and Asynchronous Learning. In synchronous learning, a learner is able to attend and interact in a live class by an expert through platforms such as Zoom, Google Meet. On the other hand, asynchronous learning enables learners to access learning resources at their own pace. Although, asynchronous learning often includes deadlines for assessments, the access to content is flexible for a learner.

While online learning provides an individual the flexible access to learning and growing, it is also important to consider the need for digital literacy. Without one knowing how to access internet or even a device, be it a student or an instructor, it is difficult for them to leverage online learning/teaching. It is therefore an imperative to invest in training faculty to adapt to digital-first environments and equip learners with tools to succeed independently.

Key benefits of Online Learning

Online learning benefits a wide range of learners—from school students attending live classes to MBA students accessing coursework asynchronously. The key benefits that online education has to offer include-

• Ease of access and flexibility- Learning from any location and at one’s own pace. This breaks down geographical and physical barriers, making education more inclusive.

• Personalized Learning Experience- With the availability of a wide pool of e-learning materials such as videos and e-books, online education provides learning tailored to individual preferences, abilities, and styles.

• Cost-effective Method- Online learning helps eliminate the need for physical infrastructure, such as classrooms and textbooks which helps reduce the cost that comes with it and make learning more cost-effective through MOOC Courses and e-books.

• Global Connectivity- Digital or online learning acts as a bridge between learner and educator in any part of the globe, encouraging cross-cultural collaboration and providing learners the opportunity to delve into diverse perspectives.

Limitations of Online Learning

While online learning serves as a boon for learners, it also has its own set of limitations due to which some are unable to undergo the learning process, specifically for ones who cannot afford. The limitations that online education often entails include:

• Lack of social interaction- With continuously using online education tools, learners often lack the social interaction with peers they otherwise could experience in a physical learning set up like classrooms.

• Technical Difficulties- Lack of internet facilities or unstable connectivity in accessing study resources to engaging in live classes often hampers the essence that online learning aims to provide.

• Requires self-motivation and discipline- Staying on track with deadlines and completing the course and assessments online often requires self-motivation and discipline which may be lacking in individuals as there is no external pressure to fulfil the same.

• Limited hands-on Learning experience- Some subjects may require practical learning or field work, often limiting the use of online learning as they are difficult to be learnt effectively in an online format.

• Credibility and Quality Concerns- Some platforms offer unaccredited courses lacking relevance or recognition, making learners more vigilant while selecting online programs to pursue.

Essence of Online Learning for Aspiring MBA Students

For instance, to put across the significance of online education in the context of MBA Courses, many working professionals are seeking MBA courses to add to their profiles. It is difficult for them to attend on-campus classes along with their regular job. This facilitates the process of leveraging online MBA courses, provided by various top MBA Institutions. Online MBA enables the learner to flexibly access learning resources, network with global faculty and diverse peers, at their own pace and at a cost-effective price than traditional classes. It also equips the learner with a variety of learning platforms- Zoom/Skype, Miro (innovative collaboration platform), learning management systems.

How non-working professionals can benefit from an online MBA?

Pursuing an MBA degree can benefit many non-working professionals aspiring to explore diverse avenues for their careers. It instills in them the essential business skills, confidence to network and build their business, marketing and leadership skills to run their business effectively. Once an individual has completed their course, he/she can explore domains such as HR management, marketing, product development across sectors such as health care, hospitality, tech, and more.

Conclusion

Despite all limitations that online learning holds, it is often overpowered by the benefits it provides. The idea of online learning is enhancing the traditional classroom learning by upskilling an individual, not replacing it altogether. With rapid advancement of technology, more and more people are embracing the use of it and contributing to the growth of the e-learning industry. In the contemporary times, with the emergence of Artificial Intelligence, users learning experiences have been more personalized based on their preferences of learning, which also amplifies the leveraging of online learning for any learner be it an MBA student, school student, or even an instructor. The blend of digital and in-person experiences is shaping a more inclusive, future-ready model of learning, the one that meets the needs of learners today who strive to become leaders of tomorrow.