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Online learning opportunities

Distance learning methods / Education Motivation (Menntahvöt)

Other flexible learning
There is a wide range of courses that can be taken online.

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Online learning is a form of education where courses or study programs are designed to be taught entirely online.

Online learning has both advantages and disadvantages. The advantages are that there is less stress, you are in the comfort of your own home and there is easier access to the study no matter where you live. The disadvantages, however, are a lot of screen time, studying requires self-discipline and time management and results in less social interaction. There can also be a lack of trust between teachers and students.

1. Efficiency

Online learning gives teachers an efficient way to deliver learning material to students. Various ways can be used, such as written material, videos, podcasts, and teachers can use a combination of all these ways in their teaching. By shifting instruction from using only textbooks to using online materials as well, teachers have a way to become more effective instructors.

2. Access independent of place and time

Another advantage of studying online is that students can attend classes regardless of location. It gives schools the opportunity to reach a larger group of students instead of being limited by geographic location. Online lessons can be recorded and watched later when it suits the students. This allows students to access the study material at a place and time that suits them.

3. Lower costs

Studying online is cheaper than studying in person. Distance learning reduces the cost of travel and accommodation. In addition, the course is available online in a paperless environment.

4. Improved attendance

Since lessons are picked up from a location of their choice, students are less likely to miss a lesson.

5. Suitable for different learning techniques

Each student has different ways of learning. Some students learn visually, others prefer to learn through sound. Likewise, some people thrive best in a classroom, while others are disturbed by being in a large group. Learning online often has many possibilities in learning technology that can be adapted to their needs, and thus each student can create their best learning environment.

1. Difficulty focusing on a screen

For many students, one of the biggest challenges with online learning is that they find it difficult to focus on a screen for long periods of time. Students are also more likely to be distracted by social media or other websites. That is why it is important that teachers make the lessons engaging and that the students participate so that they remain focused during the lesson.

2. Technical difficulties

Another factor is the quality of the internet connection. Although internet connections have improved a lot in recent years, it is still a problem in some places, especially the speed of the connection. A good internet connection is a prerequisite for being able to actively participate in lessons.

3. Isolation

Students learn a lot from being in the company of their peers. In online learning there is little physical connection between students and teachers, this can lead to students feeling isolated. It is recommended that schools ensure that students can communicate with each other and with teachers. These can be messages, emails and video conferencing to increase the sense of communication and reduce the likelihood of isolation.

4. Teacher training

Online learning requires teachers to have basic knowledge of how online learning should be. It is therefore necessary that schools train teachers in the technology needed so that they can teach online without problems.

5. Screen time

Increased screen time is the main concern and disadvantage of online learning. Some students get used to bad posture in front of the screen, which results in physical discomfort. It is necessary to take good breaks between lessons to rest the mind and body of the students.

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