What are the advantages of using virtual learning environment in

higher education during the coronavirus pandemic?

Over the years, various instruments have been used to educate, such as

the telephone, radio, television, computer, etc. Technology and its advances

have been present in education and it has been an important tool for learning.

Virtual education began to be used heavily in 1996, in academic programs

taught by universities, marking a before and after in history. Virtual education

presents a series of advantages and disadvantages that are evident to those who

have participated in programs taught virtually. The advantages offered by the

system during the coronavirus pandemic are: saving time and money, greater

coverage at the geographical level and 24-hour access to information.

Saving money and time is somewhat greater for those who live further

from the educational establishment. Daily transport is one of the items that is

eliminated, thus saving time and money for mobilization.In addition, the use of

the infrastructure of the educational establishment is canceled and the pensions

may be lower.It also provides the opportunity to have virtual meetings between

students, without having to move geographically. The saving of expenses in

mobility and infrastructure is a fact that can be favorable for the student

considering that just now the country's economy has been affected.

The use of the internet in education breaks geographic barriers but

creates certain limitations. In fact, students no longer have to go to an

establishment to educate themselves and can do so from the comfort of their

homes. If the student has a computer and a good internet connection, education

coverage increases without the need for student travel. Otherwise, if the student

does not have the necessary resources, delays or interruptions in the

educational process are generated. Online communication can be a strength or a

weakness depending on the student's situation.

Access to information is adapted to the schedules of each student because

it is available 24 hours. You can study at any time and place if you have the

necessary resources. Also, other web pages can be consulted as a complement

to the information if the information given by the teacher has not been

understood. Students can meet at any time of the day to carry out joint work

without the need for physical contact or closeness. The ease of access to

information in a virtual way safeguards the health and life of the student

because they can remain in isolation without stopping learning.

The pandemic that has hit the country hard can be an imminent threat for

the student who attends classes in person. Without a doubt, virtual education

has been a very effective methodology to reduce the risk of contagion. People

can learn if they need to expose their health. Furthermore, students and

teachers can perceive the advantages and disadvantages of virtual

communication, allowing universities to increasingly refine their teaching

techniques. Technology is a very useful tool with many advantages for learning

and plays an important role in this pandemic, but there are still details that need

to be refined so that education can be totally effective and efficient.