Distance learning is quite effective depending on how the individual is, what platform is being used, and of course the resources of a computer, mobile and tablet device. In addition to a good internet connection, which often these things cannot be obtained properly in the rural area.
E-learning is successful and effective mainly on how course content is designed, subject outline content, student and lecturer interactions and learning materials (Demuyakor, 2020).
A curriculum is designed according to future needs. In a world that is constantly changing, it is important to have teachers or mentors that are competent. Although it needs to be acknowledged that several majors such as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) are still very limited because of the lack of practice in the laboratory.
On the other hand, when it comes to the disadvantage of online learning, especially in social science, communication is a real challenge. We cannot easily communicate and neither practice interpersonal communication, face-to-face communication like non-verbal communication (Mersham, 2019).
However, online learning is still needed even when education is in the post-recovery stage during the pandemic. There is a need for face-to-face adjustments which until now t face-to-face interaction in school are still prohibited for some countries because schools need to provide hygiene such as wash station, hand sanitiser, more space to give some distance for students, and of course vaccine. Which is something many schools cannot afford to do.
Online learning is not completely perfect, as is the case with conventional learning that can be obtained in schools, but students can choose freely what subjects they want to learn. This provided freedom is one of the important things in the world of education. Moreover, in the midst of the rapid evolution that occurs during the pandemic, the education system is demanded to be more adaptable to the times, online courses are a good alternative. Making students more adaptive and teachers more explorative.
Reference :
Demuyakor, J. (2020). Coronavirus (COVID-19) and online learning in higher institutions of education: A survey of the perceptions of Ghanaian international students in China. Online Journal of Communication and Media Technologies, 10(3), e202018
Mersham, G. (2009). Reflections on e-learning from a communication perspective. Journal of Open, Flexible, and Distance Learning, 13(1), 51-70.