The Effectiveness of Online Learning on a Student’s Academic Performance

Introduction

It is undeniable that online learning, also called distance learning, is here to stay. Online
learning consists of classes that are fully delivered via the internet, or a combination of internet
delivered classes and periodic meetings in a traditional classroom. Following the announcement
of the (World Health Organization [WHO], 2020) that COVID-19 has already reached the
pandemic status (WHO, 2020), countries declared community quarantined and lockdowns
(Kaplan et al., 2020). Online learning appeals to diverse populations of students with ranging
academic needs that traditional education classes are deficient or incapable of meeting.
The Internet and the World Wide Web have made significant changes to almost all
aspects of our lives ranging from a global economy, personal, and professional networks to
sources of information, news, and learning. The Internet has made online learning possible, and
many researchers and educators are interested in online learning to enhance and improve
student learning outcomes while combating the reduction in resources, particularly in higher
education (Pape, 2010). Moreover, there have also been increases in demand for online
learning from students from all walks of life. The demand for online courses is derived from a
push. According to Chaney (2010), “to provide quality education to all students, regardless of
location and time” (p. 21).
Since the start of the Online Learning, learners have expressed through online platforms
they have been experiencing and the effectiveness on the academic performance of the
students. And such may be grouped into three themes: Technology in Education, Comfortable
Experience of the Students, and Benefits of Online Learning.

Body

Technology in Education. The use of electronic technologies has led to the

development of educational opportunities and helps students develop their skills.
According to studies of Magnoson et al. (2010), the evidence shows that e-learning can
have a profound and positive impact on learners’ involvement, positive attitudes of
teachers, personalized learning, and learners’ creativity. Furthermore, Zare et al. (2014) it can
be said that e-learning refers to the use of systems of electronic education such as computer,
internet, multimedia disks, electronic magazines, virtual newscasts, and etc. Whose purposes
are to reduce time and expenses and achieve better, faster, and easier learnings.
 Comfortable Experience of the Students. As they are not in a classroom setting.
Thus, quieter students may feel more comfortable partaking in class dialogue without being
recognized or judged. This, in turn, may increase average class scores (Driscoll et al., 2012).
The classroom setting provides more motivation, encouragement, and direction. Even if a
student wanted to quit during the first few weeks of class, he/she may be deterred by the
instructor and fellow students. Research by Kemp and Grieve (2014) said F2F instructors may
be able to adjust the structure and teaching style of the class to improve student retention.
Benefits of Online Learning. Since they are used the online learning platform, there
are some student, also parents are worried about the effect of online learning on the mental
health and academic performance of the learners. In their study at the e-learning center in Khaje
Nasir Toosi University concludes found that the use of e-portfolio significantly improved
students' attitude, motivation and academic achievement (ZarieZavaraki & Rezaei, 2011). The
goals of this endeavor are to increase completion rate, reduce time to degree attainment,
reduce costs to postsecondary education, and offer more access to non-traditional students.
However, there is concern over whether colleges will accept the recommendation, and there is
also concern about the dilution of a traditional degree due to the transition (Kolowich, 2013;
Lorenzetti, 2013).

Conclusion
In awareness and the agreement of parents and guardians is a prerequisite to online
learnings. Let alone the moral and logistical support they could give to learners.
Understandably, there may be students should think about their life and their academic
performance status in online learning platform.

The

It would be too easy altogether to jump on the online learning bandwagon or to dismiss it as a
fad that will go away (and come back as many educational fads have been known to do).
Overall, there is strong evidence to suggest that online learning is at least as effective as the
traditional format, but the evidence is, by no means, conclusive. Online learning is a story that is
still being written, and how it progresses will likely depend on those present.
References

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