Online Learning Persuasive

Online learning is a growing part of pedagogical practice, and has distinct benefits over traditional classroom learning. For example, online learning opens up educational opportunities for a greater number of people, potentially eliminating barriers of socioeconomic class or geography for personal and professional development. Online learning also fosters independence, and creates more flexible educational opportunities. In most cases, online learning is more cost-effective than traditional learning and puts education within the reach of greater numbers of people around the world. However, surveys indicate that online learning is not perceived of as positively as traditional classes (Lederman 1, para. 1). Some of the perceived drawbacks with online learning include the perception of less academically rigorous classes, and less qualified instructors, and less applicability of the degree in the job market (Lederman, Doug, Table 1). Although online learning can potentially be less academically rigorous with less perceived value versus a traditional learning environment, the benefits such as flexibility and cost-effectiveness far outweigh the drawbacks.
One of the most important benefits of online learning is flexibility. The flexibility built into online learning is not just related to the time students spend on their studies, but also in the wider range of classes students have access to in the digital environment. In the Gallup poll cited by Lederman (Table 1), respondents claimed that online learning is preferable to classroom-based learning in that there are wider ranges of curricula. Online learning often entails greater geographic and time flexibility. Students can take online classes from anywhere, allowing people living in rural regions to avoid long commutes, or enabling people with families to continue working while also taking classes. The flexibility of study means that students no longer need to commit to showing up at a specific day and time, instead choosing to study after work or in their spare time.
In addition to its benefits for geographic, time, and curricular flexibility, online learning is also beneficial for its cost-effectiveness. The cost savings for students can be tremendous, allowing those who might normally not be able to afford education to do so and therefore achieve upward social mobility. Lederman points out that most Americans do perceive online learning as offering a good value for the money when compared with classroom learning (Table 1). The value in online learning is also important to educational institutions. Educational institutions save money by investing in online classes because they save money on reduced rent, precluding the need to expand their geographic footprint even while expanding their curricula.
Of course, it is important to consider some of the drawbacks with online learning. One drawback is that many employers continue to perceive online learning in an unfavorable light. Online learning is perceived of as less valuable and of poorer quality than community college classroom learning (Lederman, Table 2). The misperceptions about online learning may take some time to undo, and will require greater scrutiny and accreditation of online schools (Lederman 2, para. 5). With advanced accreditation systems, employers would be better able to distinguish between quality online instruction and online instruction that is subpar.
In conclusion, the potential drawbacks of online learning are due more to misperceptions than to the fact that online learning is highly beneficial for students and schools. Online learning costs less to manage and maintain, and democratized education by allowing poor and disenfranchised individuals the chance to participate in personal and professional development. More convenient by far, online learning offers greater flexibility to students. Students can manage their time better with online learning, and also have access to coursework in a wider variety of subject areas than they might if they had to enroll in person. Online learning may never completely usurp traditional classroom learning, but it should be viewed as both beneficial and credible.





Works Cited

Lederman, Doug. “What Do We Have Against Online Classes?” Inside Higher Education, Oct 16, 2013.