BMAF000-20 Academic Study Skills Assignment Sample
Module code and Title: BMAF000-20 Academic Study Skills Assignment Sample
Task 1: Report
Introduction
Online learning is one of the most evolving trends in the worldwide educational industry. However, the emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic has, been a significant stimulator in reconsidering this trend in permanence (Deshmukh, 2021). Institutions have felt the necessity of reissuing learning approaches to deliver classes and retain the academic culture during the pandemic.
However, there are both advantages and disadvantages to the online learning system based on all-around factors. Educational institutions and universities must consider many aspects in pursuing online classes during and after the pandemic. Since online learning is expected to be a long-term trend, the system needs improvements to counter the disadvantages.
Considering all these aspects, the report will deliver insights into the pros and cons of online learning initiated during the pandemic. It will use researched reasons and justifications for the advantages and disadvantages identified ever since the beginning of online learning. Furthermore, the report will discuss the concept and features of online learning to align experiences obtained so far in online classes. Examples will help to identify the points and connect them with real-time situations. Overall, a justified overview will assist the case understanding.
Concept and Features of Online Learning
Educational institutions have simply defined online learning as educational processes ongoing over the internet. Often referred to as e-learning, it is regarded as a type of distance learning, an umbrella term for all forms of learning occurring remotely (Barbour et al., 2020). Unlike traditional classrooms or physical interaction-based classes, online learning takes classes that rely on virtual media tools and technologies.
Critics opined that online learning has been gaining popularity in recent years owing to the system’s convenience, cost-effectiveness, and accessibility. However, the coronavirus and pandemic situation since 2020 has been a major stimulator in this process. In addition, the sudden closure of schools, colleges, and universities for an unprecedented time has led institutional authorities to rethink ways to maintain the academic culture among local and international students (Barbour et al., 2020). As a result, online learning has become an accepted culture of studies and learning.
Among prominent features of academic learning online, mention should be made of the flexible nature. Most professionals have agreed that online learning is the most agile framework with the convenience of timing and learning spaces (Saeedi and Visvizi, 2021). The e-learning framework is also characterised by the tutorial and recorded class mechanisms that support the study sessions for learners and teachers. Another feature is the high quality of student and teacher interactions. Teachers can explore teaching methods based on remote class sessions (Saeedi and Visvizi, 2021).
Another characteristic of online learning is the scope for extended enrollments from within and outside the countries with web-based popularity. It means that students from different places can enroll in various courses without any stringent limitations for locations. Finally, Cost-effectiveness is an indispensable aspect of online learning that makes the courses more popular across cyberspace.
Importance of Online Classes in the Educational Industry
It is important to understand that technological evolutions have changed classroom and teaching implications over the years. Across all domains of the academic environment, technology is a major determinant at present. Everything in classes has been transformed into digital formats in the last few years, ranging from projectors to smart screens. Interestingly, the public appreciation of online learning mechanisms is over 46 per cent as per a survey of graduates (Barrot et al., 2021).
The diversity of e-learning platforms, platform features, accessibility, and affordability are common aspects that have made online learning necessary. On top of these factors, the pandemic is a major constraint to traditional classroom learning. As a result, it is undeniable that online learning is still an option for institutions to further the academic cultures locally and internationally.
Current Scenario of Online Classes in Universities
Based on the report by HubSpot, over 75 per cent of academic professionals believe that online training and learning are better than conventional teaching (Barrot et al., 2021). They prefer to use online videos and live sessions to educate students in different institutions. Lately, around 68 per cent of professionals have also opined that online learning platforms of their choice are trustworthy and better (Barrot et al., 2021). For employees, online learning is crucial to advancing their careers and counselling students for the same. Thus, the online learning system is highly acknowledged in the educational industry.
The following figure helps to anticipate the rising trends based on the number of learners accessing online learning worldwide.
Figure 1: Graph on the Rise of Online Classes and Learning Globally (Source: World Economic Forum. 2022)
Based on the figure, it is anticipated that online learning is a convenient model in the modern situation. Considering the pandemic and the aftermath, global edtech investments have also risen to around 18.66 million dollars in 2019 (World Economic Forum. 2022). Expert predictions suggest it will rise to 350 billion dollars by 2025, ranging from language applications, virtual tutoring, and video conferencing to online software learning.
Moreover, applications like Byju’s have attained a 200 per cent increase in the number of new student entries for varied products and services (Rediff. 2022). Also, Alibaba Cloud, a distance learning solution, has expanded the cloud servers to one lakh in just two hours to capacitate an expansion in classroom courses globally (Alizila. 2022). All these aspects reiterate that online learning trends are permanent inclusions in education and are expected to grow further in the next decade alone.
Advantages of Online Learning
Tracing the features of online learning, institutions have identified and executed the merits into actions across the globe.
Flexibility and Management
Educational professionals from different universities have acknowledged the flexibility of online classes and learning approaches. Many educators have opined that in traditional classroom learning, they failed to manage time for higher studies, given the tight work schedules. However, online classes are easily shifted as per timing and convenience, which helps them to indulge in advanced learning. Again, based on strict timings and deadlines for tests and specific courses, educators can manage their classes and put-up recorded sessions in these channels for students to follow. Even students are benefited from this approach as they can easily collect information from the downloadable and recorded sessions.
Cost-effectiveness of Courses and Diversity
Another major benefit of the online learning system is the diversity of courses and programmes with cost-effective purchases and expenses. Experts claim that it is a win-win situation for both universities and students. Based on experiences as a foreign candidate, the cost of affording classroom courses in universities in countries like the UK and the US is quite expensive. However, technical assistance from online platforms offers comparatively lower charges for courses. For example, in Alibaba Cloud, Udemy, and Think and Learning applications, a sudden influx of enrollments have been due to the easy access to many new courses at much lower expenses (World Economic Forum. 2022).
Figure 2: Course Diversity and Percentage of Accessibility (Source: Emailvendorselection.com. 2022)
Based on the above figure, it is clear that the majority of courses are free online. Many of these new courses are available for free download (Emailvendorselection.com. 2022). Even pre-order courses are negotiable subscriptions with seasonal offers. The lower pricing is because of the lower maintenance and infrastructural expenses of the universities and companies, which traditional classrooms cannot offer (Emailvendorselection.com. 2022).
Higher Retention Rates and Student Growth
Having mentioned that course charges are much lower online, students automatically tend to take more interest in online learning courses. Additionally, students get to avail a wide range of courses that are otherwise unavailable in classroom formats. Moreover, they also get to enrol in top universities at cheaper expenses through digital learning programmes. All these factors influence universities to approach the larger market of aspiring students. The decrease of stress factors like deadlines, assignments, and cocurricular events in traditional classrooms is also avoided online, which helps students to learn at their own pace (Guru99.com. 2022).
Automatically, the retention rate tends to rise for online learning programmes. For example, online educating institutions like Coursera and Edx have expanded courses to 3800 and 2600, with learners over 45 and 24 million, respectively (Guru99.com. 2022). Even media organisations like BBC are powering courses (Bitesize Daily) for kids on several new content under celebrities like Sergio Aguero, the Manchester footballer (Guru99.com. 2022).
Career Advancement Options
New courses and contents are being listed; another advantage of online learning is the advancement of career options (Emeritus. 2022). The Emeritus survey reports that career aspirants responded that the main motivation for online learning was upskilling and reskilling options (Emeritus. 2022). Students not only get access to theoretical learning but also enhance their career fields in flexible options, which assists in self-evaluation and assessment needs.
Disadvantages of Online Learning
Even though online learning has a wide range of advantages, being less demanding than traditional classes, it does not make things easier. The following problems are also notable for e-learning systems.
Limited Teacher and Student Feedback
The first problem experienced while pursuing online learning as a foreigner is a gap in feedback and two-way communication. Several university faculties have addressed that in conventional classrooms, teachers are quick to approach, and students can personally discuss their problems face-to-face (Prosperityforamerica.org. 2022). However, written communication cannot facilitate the needful exchange of ideas and advice for proper learning.
Universities like Kingston College have faculties dealing with several local and global students, which makes personalized feedback difficult online (Studentcrowd.com. 2022). The option of online application-based feedback is quite incompetent for personalised learning as they lack the feed-forward or communicative senses.
Risks of Social Isolation
One of the most prominent issues experts has noted is the risk of social isolation in online learning. Even though e-learning gives homely comfort, it does not offer the sociable environment necessary for students to flourish (Understood.org. 2022). For many students, the academic space is their primary source of social interaction, which is hindered (Prosperityforamerica.org. 2022). Moreover, extended exposure to digital devices affects their physical and emotional wellness. It also increases anxiety and stress levels making the students mentally vulnerable.
Lack of Practical Components to Learning
Many subjects call for practical learning and application-based feedback. Online learning is ideal for theoretical knowledge, but there is no scope for practical learning. University faculties have encountered problems in teaching the practical elements for courses on programming, sciences, and other subjects. For the practical part, direct interaction and supervision of the teachers are vital, which gets neglected altogether (Prosperityforamerica.org. 2022). As a result, students cannot learn the ways and techniques to work on practical aspects of the courses online.
Technical Dependence and Limited Discipline
Because online learning is totally based on the internet and advanced technologies, students lacking access to the internet and technological know-how or devices cannot participate fully in online classes (Nature. 2022). For example, international student analytics shows that 95 per cent of the students from Switzerland, Norway, and Austria have computers, while only 34 per cent of Indonesian students have the devices (OECD. 2022). Moreover, disciplinary issues are also noteworthy in online learning.
Cheating is a major example to claim in online tests and examinations as supervisors can only view a limited part of the student’s room via device cameras (OECD. 2022). Again, several learning disciplines, like medical sciences or mechanical engineering, cannot be taught online due to the nature of work. Hence, e-learning is not suitable for these courses in the market to keep classes ongoing.
Figure 3: Remote Learning Attendance Percentage Statistics (Source: Nature. 2022)
The figure above reflects that online technologies affect class performances adversely. For example, many have not switched their cameras on, stating technical glitches, while many have not even attended the sessions (Nature. 2022). These help to anticipate that online learning has many loopholes in execution.
Changes Necessary
Having stated the pros and cons of online learning, it is vital to note that many aspects of this system need to develop. For example, the disciplinary areas need to be supervised with proper mandation of audio-visual presence (Understood.org. 2022). However, some areas cannot be altered, such as the practical courses cannot be shifted online. Therefore, a mix of schedules is necessary.
Conclusion
Based on the discussions, it is concluded that the online learning system is beneficial and limiting for different courses. On the one hand, it helps universities to extend their approach and makes courses cost-effective. On the other hand, it limits the scope of students’ sociability and the implementation of practical learning. It is, however, a vital feature based on the change and development of the academic framework. Proper acknowledgement of the gaps can help faculties and universities to transform the online learning experience for all participants. Hence, the report is a wholesome assessment of the pros and cons that different universities have located with time. It also helps to predict the situations further.
Task 2: Self-Evaluation
Introduction
Having discussed all aspects of online learning developed in popular academic cultures, it is essential to align personal experiences. Based on the research undertaken in Task 1, learnings will be expressed in this journal essay. It will be a reflective account of my learnings based on the research done. It would also discuss the problems I have faced during the research and the likes of the assignment. Based on these, I would identify the knowledge to discuss the changes necessary for further improvements. The scopes for future learning would also be detailed based on the topic.
Self-evaluative Journal
The research process has been an intriguing journey on this topic. There have been several scopes and problems that I have faced while finding research for this assignment. For example, while pursuing the investigation, I faced problems collecting example data on different universities and their learning channels. It is because many online learning applications have privately opened and flourished.
These are independent of university channels, so their promotions are much extended (Nartiningrum and Nugroho, 2020). It is observed that these channels have clearer reports on online learning experiences than university reportings (Reichstein et al., 2019). However, I did find some well-researched online articles that have discussed the university aspects in detail.
Another problem I have noted in this research is in data collection. I have noticed that the positive elements of online learning are discussed in great detail over the negative aspects. Very few journals have offered a balanced overview of the subject, making the process complicated.
It is worth mentioning that despite all odds, I have also enjoyed several aspects of this assignment. For example, I liked the topic, which addresses an important aspect of learning. The fact that learning systems have revolutionised in the last three years has helped to find a wide range of information to predict the future (Reichstein et al., 2019). I have also enjoyed researching the good and bad aspects of online learning. The fact that articles published online did not have much information on the negative aspects has helped me to invest more time in collecting data on the disadvantages.
Another aspect I liked in the process is the scope of the research. It is not deniable that online learning is a vast prospect of research at present. The reason is the growing popularity of the system in academia under the limitations of the pandemic (Nartiningrum and Nugroho, 2020). That makes the topic a respected subject for current and future research. Even the scenario analysis has helped me to identify different information on the topic. I believe these make the assessment worth pursuing.
Moreover, I have been able to know how technology is changing the educational atmosphere rapidly. On the one hand, I have derived information on things making online learning a demanded change. On the other hand, I have learnt how it damages the learning mindset of students by limiting sociability. I have also found much factual data on future predictions, some of which are listed in the report above. These have helped to make the study compact and interesting to compile and hopefully interesting to study further.
Given that both good and bad elements have been underlaid, I need to highlight the lessons from this assignment. I also believe in the need to identify the potential areas for improvement of my skills and knowledge. The choice of the topic is very strategic and relevant to the modern situation. Thus, there is a huge scope for advancing the study and research in future. I also believe some areas could be pursued differently in this topic. For example, the issues with university data could be handled better if the pandemic was not constraining direct interactions (Nartiningrum and Nugroho, 2020).
I also believe I have improved my communication skills within my classes and outside to get valuable information in any subject. Evolving student-teacher relationships is a mandatory aspect, as I have discussed in the report. It would help me in getting advanced and personalised guidance from professionals in any case. I also think that I should work on my critical analysis and interpretation skills to evaluate the facts into legible ideas. Interpretation of numerical data into statements is essential to align evidence to arguments raised (Reichstein et al., 2019).
So, I think critical thinking would help me in future research analysis. I also need to improve my writing skills, particularly in balancing ideas. Several articles and journals have discussed the advantages while only pointing out the disadvantages of e-learning. I believe it makes the papers opinionated which also reduces the preference for citations in future.
Conclusion
Having assessed the experience of the research altogether, I have concluded the need to make changes in my existing skills. I have acquired valuable inputs on the topic, the current and future trends, merits and demerits, which summed up online learning assessment.
However, there have been gaps and challenges in pursuing the research on totality, as discussed above. Based on this journal essay, I have realised the need to improve various skills associated with researching and reporting. I think working on these areas can help me in upskilling for further assessments and projects. I also think these need to be changed.
References
Alizila. 2022. [online] Available at: <https://www.alizila.com/dingtalk-included-in-unesco-list-of-distance-learning-platforms/> [Accessed 11 October 2022].
Barbour, M.K., LaBonte, R., Hodges, C.B., Moore, S., Lockee, B.B., Trust, T., Bond, M.A., Hill, P. and Kelly, K., 2020. Understanding pandemic pedagogy: Differences between emergency remote, remote, and online teaching. State of the Nation: K-12 e-Learning in Canada.
Barrot, J.S., Llenares, I.I. and Del Rosario, L.S., 2021. Students’ online learning challenges during the pandemic and how they cope with them: The case of the Philippines. Education and Information Technologies, 26(6), pp.7321-7338.
Deshmukh, J., 2021. Speculations on the post-pandemic university campus–a global inquiry. Archnet-IJAR: International Journal of Architectural Research.
Emailvendorselection.com. 2022. [online] Available at: <https://www.emailvendorselection.com/online-learning-statistics//> [Accessed 11 October 2022].
Emeritus. 2022. [online] Available at: <https://emeritus.org/benefits-to-online-learning//> [Accessed 11 October 2022].
Guru99.com. 2022. [online] Available at: <https://www.guru99.com/online-learning-statistics.html#:~:text=The%20majority%20of%20students%20in,learning%20for%20their%20higher%20education.> [Accessed 11 October 2022].
Nartiningrum, N. and Nugroho, A., 2020. Online learning amidst global pandemic: EFL students’ challenges, suggestions, and needed materials. ENGLISH FRANCA: Academic journal of English language and education, 4(2), pp.115-140.
Nature. 2022. [online] Available at: <https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-022-00506-6/> [Accessed 11 October 2022].
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Rediff. 2022. [online] Available at: <https://www.rediff.com/business/interview/how-byju-built-the-worlds-highest-valued-edtech-company/20190116.htm/> [Accessed 11 October 2022].
Reichstein, M., Camps-Valls, G., Stevens, B., Jung, M., Denzler, J. and Carvalhais, N., 2019. Deep learning and process understanding for data-driven Earth system science. Nature, 566(7743), pp.195-204.
Saeedi, K. and Visvizi, A., 2021. Software development methodologies, HEIs, and the digital economy. Education Sciences, 11(2), p.73.
Studentcrowd.com. 2022. [online] Available at: <https://www.studentcrowd.com/university-l1055199-s1008298-kingston_university-south-west-london&ved=2ahUKEwiMpoTR3tf6AhVvwjgGHYtNAOQQFnoECA4QAQ&usg=AOvVaw3FjXsp-9niZxqA0bhqX4YQ/> [Accessed 11 October 2022].
Understood.org. 2022. [online] Available at: <https://www.understood.org/en/articles/5-reasons-students-arent-engaging-in-distance-learning&ved=2ahUKEwjh96rw39f6AhVT4TgGHedjBWQQFnoECAIQBQ&usg=AOvVaw08mNYH4vIp5x3BpvVCpnhC> [Accessed 11 October 2022].
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