REMOTE LEARNING : THE PROS AND CONS

As technology advances and more opportunities arise for learners to participate in quality distance
education, remote learning is recently increasing in popularity. Remote learning provides an avenue for
students and teachers to remain connected and committed to the learning objectives without attending a
physical classroom. The variety of educational activities involved in this set-up can take place online and
offline, including communicating with students, collecting coursework, and distributing supplementary
materials.

Although we have switched to remote learning during this health crisis, the school’s goals remain
the same — ensure that students advance in their education without compromising their safety and well-
being. While the types and methods of remote learning continue to grow and evolve, parents and students
should consider some identifiable factors before enrolling. Here is a compilation of the pros and cons of
remote learning to enlighten you and help you weigh your options. Although these factors are not
applicable to every remote learning situation, they do apply to most.

PROS
 Convenience
As remote learning does not require you to be
physically present in a classroom, you are able to
join scheduled online class times and learn at the
comfort of your home.
 Flexibility
Remote learning provides you the freedom to  Student Accountability
attend your video-call sessions through any
mobile device and complete your coursework
from anywhere, at any time, and at your own
pace.
 Cost-efficient
Since you are learning inside the house, you  Less Social Interaction
need not spend money on transportation and
you can budget your allowance for home-
cooked meals and snacks.
 Self-directed
You study at your own pace and complete your  No Campus Atmosphere
educational tasks at any specific time that best
fits with your busy schedule.
 Time-saving
Remote learning enables you to prevent hectic
commute and even the hassle of trying to reach
the class on time, thus keeping your mind free of
anxiety and stress.
CONS
 Technical Difficulties
Remote learning often has technology involved
to help you do your coursework. There may be
days when your connectivity is unstable and
when programs and software are down that you
are unable to access the content.
The temptation to procrastinate can be immense
when it comes to remote learning, as you are on a
self-imposed schedule. Therefore, you need to
stay focused, disciplined, and motivated to
accomplish your coursework.
While you often interact with classmates via e-
mail, chat rooms, or discussion groups, there are
no parties for school events or actual social
gatherings.
Part of the traditional school experience, of
course, is the beauty of the campus – the
academy spirit – but you have none of that with
remote learning.