Online Learning: Is It Worth Trying?

Dr. Miguel (Miko) Nino, Asst. Vice President for Adult and Online Education at Rhode Island College

To many, online learning is a convenient method of instructional delivery that should only be used in case of emergencies like a global pandemic. To others, online learning represents “watered down” versions of face-to-face courses created by academic institutions in a relentless effort to increase enrollment and revenue. Of course, there are those who see online learning as a detriment to the quality of education, since they believe online courses cater to students who do not want to work as hard as face-to-face students.

I am completely aware that many of these misconceptions can be the result of negative experiences that instructors and students have had with online learning. Emergency remote teaching - different from online learning - as an expedite mechanism to ensure continuity during the rise of COVID-19 certainly provided non-examples of online learning that would make anyone skeptical. Furthermore, online programs have been used by academic institutions as a competition device to capture a new target: non-traditional studies who would only complete online degrees. In many instances, little to no attention is paid to the quality of these online programs, as long as the numbers reflect an increase in the student population, degrees conferred, and tuition generation.

However, as someone who has been involved in online learning at different capacities for over a decade, I am familiar with a different reality of online learning. It is not a reality created at my convenience to sell the idea of online learning or to join the latest instructional delivery format, but because of the many students’ lives that have changed for good because of online courses and programs. In addition, there is extensive research, data, and evidence of effective online programs and exemplary online learning carried out at many academic institutions, which has demystified the negative face of online instruction. As a witness of the life-changing benefits that online learning has had in millions of students around the world, I am wholeheartedly convinced that online learning breaks barriers and increases access to education.

For decades, formal education was not a possibility for millions of workers who had to join the labor force at an early age for several reasons. Leaving a job with financial compensation and benefits for the promise of a better future through an academic degree was not a realistic proposition for many employees. Unfortunately, the demanding academic and professional schedules forced employees to choose between a job and a formal education. However, the flexibility of online learning has allowed many employees around the world to work and complete their education at their own pace and at times that do not conflict with work. For those, online learning became the key to having the best of both worlds: a career and a formal education.

"Implementing Artificial Intelligence and online learning can be a game-changer for education, but it requires a deliberate and thoughtful approach. Providing training, ongoing professional, instructional, and technological support, and building a culture that values and embraces these technologies can make all the difference in creating a successful learning environment" 

Similarly, online learning has been instrumental in the career advancement of millions of workers. Working full time and having to attend evening or weekend classes became the only feasible solution for professionals pursuing an advanced degree. In many of these cases, these learners could not have it all: many times, they had to sacrifice the quality of their work at school or in their jobs. The flexibility of online courses to complete assignments at the leisure of the learner and not having to commute to campus after work had been a winning combination for learners advancing their current careers.

On the other hand, online learning has provided access to education to many individuals with disabilities. Having to physically go to a campus and attend face-to-face courses has been a challenge for many learners, especially if there is a lack of accommodation and accessibility services. For years, completing online degrees and programs has broken those barriers and has prevented disability from getting on the way to education.

Another barrier that online learning has been able to break is the financial one. Several online programs are more affordable than those offered in a face-to-face format. Besides the reduced cost in tuition, completing an online program also saves money in campus-related fees, transportation, housing, and similar costs. This is especially true for domestic and international students who aspire to join specific academic programs at specific institutions, but their geographical location and the costs of relocation cannot make it possible.

Even within the realm of traditional students who can attend a face-to-face program without challenges, there is a niche for online learning. The traditional campus experience, as we know it, might not be the dream educational scenario for everyone. Unfortunately, before the development of online learning, that was the only way to pursue a formal education. With online learning, students can complete courses and program milestones at their own pace with flexible structures and academic calendars. Moreover, online learning has given access to education to those who decided to start their studies later in their lives and who do not think that the traditional campus experience is for them anymore.

Online learning should not be seen as a competition for face-to-face instruction or as a delivery method that will replace it. Online learning has been established to serve several populations who did not have access to good education before. It has become the hope of a better future for those with non-traditional schedules, lives, and circumstances. Online learning has changed education from a privilege that few had, to something that everyone can aspire to benefit from. The best thing about online learning is that when well-designed and well-planned it can be as effective and life changing as face-to-face learning. With all of this said, many might wonder if online learning is worth trying it. I certainly think it is!

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