How Online Learning Is Revolutionizing Education in Times of the COVID-19

March 17, 2021 Brandi Marcene

According to UNESCO, there are up to 1.2 billion kids in 186 countries who continue to face school closures because of the coronavirus outbreak. Even if the coronavirus infection rates start to decrease, there is a question mark dangling over the future of education. And this is where online learning takes center stage.

Contrary to what you might believe, online learning is not the spur-of-the-moment initiative. The benefits and logic of online learning made sense long before the pandemic crisis hit in 2020. With the onslaught of the COVID-19 epidemic, it makes more than for students, instructors, and independent learners to embrace online learning apps and platforms.

The Past, Present, and the future: Growth in Online Learning

The last 12 months have been transformative for online learning apps and programs. Now, it does not mean the traditional approach to receive a certification or degree is not going away. Instead, the “mode” of learning is shifting online. In retrospect, the post-pandemic world will focus more on remote learning than the in-person approach.

Of course, there are still challenges for online learning. In fact, academic experts concur that this is the infancy stage of online learning. It means the online apps and platforms will continue to evolve. It is no wonder tech experts, and It industry is more observant about this monumental academic shift to online.

In these moments of crisis, students can reap all the benefits of online learning and change the way people consume information. This change, in fact, has now become inevitable for millions of students and learners around the world.

Embrace and Adoption of Online Learning

As of now, the parents and educational institutes open to online learning tools have an important role to play. The truth is you need a progressive approach to adapt and embrace online learning applications. Prior to the COVID-19 crisis, there was massive growth and implementation of online learning methods.

In 2019, EdTech investments managed to reach $18.66 billion. Plus, the current market projection for online education and learning tools is over $350 billion by 2025.

From video conferencing apps to music learning apps to virtual tutoring platforms to language learning platforms, there is a massive spike in the use of online learning software amidst COVID-19. In fact, it would be fair to assume that this spike will continue for the next couple of years.

Online Learning in the Age of COVID-19 Pandemic Crisis

In comparison to traditional in-person education, online learning has already managed to set a new precedent. The question is “how” students and learners across the world can leverage online apps without ever stepping foot into a class.

In any case, the benefits of online learning outweigh the cons of traditional education.

Online Learning is More Transparent and Open

It is imperative to understand that educational institutes and independent learners don’t necessarily have to be in crisis mode to reap the benefits of online learning apps. It is simply a new paradigm of learning that defies the traditional boundaries. After all, online learning apps are more robust and transparent.

Saves Money and Time

Without commute and extraneous lunch expenses, students can save their valuable time and money. No one understands more than students how the daily commute to school or college can take a toll on mental and physical health. So, online learning also helps students maintain optimal health mental and physical health.

Freedom to Create Flexible Routine and Environment

Students and learners don’t have to stress about getting a ride or drive to the class. Online learning cuts down on exhaustive effort to reach the school or college. For instance, if you don’t like to wake up in the early morning, you can assign online learning sessions at a different time.

The newfound freedom to schedule online sessions doesn’t come with a ticking clock. Online learning tools essentially allow students to schedule classes and learn at their own pace. As a result, it makes learners more persistent to learn a specific piece of information or subject.

On top of all, the same flexibility allows you to create a more creative time learning environment. Besides, it makes sense for learners to consume information at their own speed, style, and schedule.

Safety Net from the COVID-19 Pandemic

Yes, there is an urgent need to harness the power of existing technologies and online resources. And online learning tools and programs offer a safety net to global learners from the wrath of coronavirus pandemic. There is only so much you can do in distance learning, and online learning apps are insightful and resourceful enough to consume the same information with more speed.

The Need for More Communication

Online learning boils down to micro changes. Even the most tech-oriented educational institutes and learners have to catch up in terms of communication technologies. On the surface, communication is not a hurdle for online learning apps, but it is essential for learners to move forward in the right direction.

Bottom Line: New Tools, New Way of Learning

Throughout the pandemic, Microsoft Teams, Google Classrooms, and Zoom have become saviors for businesses and students. But moving forward, these tools might just be the tip of the iceberg. It means you can expect hybrid apps and platforms that offer a more comprehensive, personalized, and intuitive online learning experience.

For instance, Skoove, the piano learning app, has managed to draw the attention of bored celebrities during the pandemic. And now beginners can learn how to play piano and advanced learners can improve their piano skills. Just like Skoove, there are more perfected apps in different industries on the horizon.

Moreover, online learning apps will continue to forge a healthy relationship between students and teachers. In essence, collaborative and communicative is at the center of online learning, and AI is already playing an integral role in “how” learners interact and use apps.