Discussion authentic english topic pros and cons of online learning

Common Online Learning Methods Online learning platforms can be categorized into two main types based on their functions and learning approaches: - Interactive Learning Platforms: These

BỘ GIÁO DỤC VÀ ĐÀO TẠO TRƯỜNG ĐẠI HỌC THƯƠNG MẠI

-🙞🙞🙞🙞🙞 -DISCUSSION Authentic English

Topic:

PROS AND CONS OF ONLINE LEARNING

Lecturer : Đào Phương Linh

Class : 242_ENPR7011_08

Group : 07

Hà Nội, 2025

STT Name Student ID Duty

2 Trần Hương Linh 23D151032 Pros of online learning

3 Vũ Phương Linh 24D156064 Cons of online learning

TABLE OF CONTENT

I INTRODUCTION 4

1.1 Definition and Overview 4

1.2 Background & Growth 4

1.3 The Importance of Online Learning Today 5

1.4 Common Online Learning Methods 5

II PROS OF ONLINE LEARNING 5

2.1 Flexibility & Convenience   5

2.2 Learning More Skills Outside University Subjects 5

2.3 Encourages group work through online tools: 6

2.4 Provides instant feedback with AI tools: 6

III CONS OF ONLINE LEARNING 6

3.1 Technology issues: 6

3.2 Lack of student engagement: 6

3.3 Limited hands-on activities: 6

3.4 Work-life balance for teachers: 6

IV SOLUTIONS 7

4.1 Technical Issues 7

4.2 Lack of Student Engagement and Interaction 7

4.3 Work-Life Balance for Teachers 7

V CONCLUSION 7

5.1 Futures of online teaching 7

5.2 Conclusion 7

VI REFERENCES 7

I INTRODUCTION.

1.1 Definition and Overview

Online learning is an educational method that delivers lessons through digital platforms using the internet Instead of attending physical classrooms, students can access lectures, assignments, and discussions via computers, tablets, or smartphones

1.2 Background & Growth

Online learning has been around for years, but it took off during the Covid-19 pandemic when schools had to switch to remote teaching Since then, it has continued to grow, driven by advances in technology and the need for flexible education

Today, with AI, virtual reality, and interactive tools, online learning is more engaging and accessible than ever It’s now a key part of not just formal

education but also skill development and professional training

1.3 The Importance of Online Learning Today

Online learning has become a crucial part of modern education, providing

flexibility, accessibility, and a wide range of learning resources It breaks

geographical barriers, allowing students and teachers to connect from anywhere Beyond traditional subjects, online platforms offer practical skills training, preparing learners for real-world challenges As technology continues to evolve, online learning is no longer just an option but a necessity, shaping the future of education

1.4 Common Online Learning Methods

Online learning platforms can be categorized into two main types based on their functions and learning approaches:

- Interactive Learning Platforms:

These platforms focus on structured learning experiences where students engage with instructors and classmates through various activities such as live lectures, discussions, assignments, and quizzes They often simulate a traditional

classroom environment but in a virtual setting

Examples: Google Classroom, Zoom, Microsoft Teams

- Self-Paced Learning Applications:

These platforms allow learners to study independently at their own pace without real-time interaction with instructors They provide access to pre-recorded

lessons, reading materials, and exercises, making them ideal for skill

development and personal learning goals

Examples: Duolingo (for language learning), SoloLearn (for coding),

With the rapid advancement of technology, online learning is no longer just an alternative but is becoming an essential part of the education system Let’s explore its benefits and challenges in more detail

II PROS OF ONLINE LEARNING

2.1 Flexibility & Convenience  

+ Remote learning: Unlike traditional learning, where both teachers and students must be in a physical classroom, online learning allows them to participate from anywhere This is helpful for people who live far from schools or have health i ssues   

For example: During the COVID-19 pandemic, teachers used Zoom to give lectures, shared assignments through Google Classroom , and talked to students through messaging applications This helped students continue their studies without interruption. 

+ Flexibility: Students can study at their own pace and at times that work best for them This makes learning more comfortable and can assist students with different learning needs

2.2 Learning More Skills Outside University Subjects

- University students can gain additional skills beyond their major, making them more competitive in the job market

Most university programs focus on theoretical knowledge, but many practical skills needed for jobs such as coding, project management, data analysis, or financial literacy which are not always included in the curriculum Online learning provides students with access to these skills, helping them prepare for their future careers. 

- Learning job-related skills online gives students a head start in their careers.  Many companies prefer candidates with hands-on experience Through online courses, students can gain technical expertise, earn certifications, and build a

portfolio, making it easier to find internships or jobs

For example: Many accounting firms prefer candidates who are familiar with

industry-standard software like QuickBooks, SAP, or Excel for financial modeling

By taking online courses, students can master these tools, making them better prepared for internships and full-time jobs

2.3 Encourages group work through online tools:

+ Collaboration: Modern technology enables collaboration among students and teachers, even when they are not physically together Apps like Google Docs and Microsoft Teams allow multiple people to work on the same project or document simultaneously, no matter where they are Students can share their ideas, ask questions, and receive feedback from their peers and teachers in real-time This promotes teamwork and makes it easier for students to complete group assignments, communicate, and learn from one another

+ Global interaction: Beyond just working with classmates, technology can also connect students from different parts of the world This global interaction is valuable because it exposes students to diverse perspectives, cultures, and experiences.  

For example, a student in the U.S could collaborate with a student in Japan on a project, helping both to learn from each other’s cultural context while developing their skills in teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. 

2.4 Provides instant feedback with AI tools:

+ AI learning: AI tools have changed education by giving students quick feedback Before, students had to wait for teachers to check their work to know if they were right or wrong Now, apps like Duolingo can correct mistakes instantly and give tips to improve This helps students fix errors right away, learn better, and improve faster

+ Personalized learning: Teachers can use technology to track students’ progress over time and identify areas where they need extra help With this data, they can offer personalized lessons that cater to the individual needs of each student For example, if a student is struggling with math but excelling in reading, technology allows the teacher to provide extra math practice while allowing the student to continue advancing in reading This personalized approach helps ensure that each student gets the support they need to succeed

III CONS OF ONLINE LEARNING.

3.1 Technology issues:

Most teachers are familiar with traditional teaching methods, and becoming

proficient with online learning applications is quite difficult Not everyone has access to the internet and can afford technology equipment suitable for online learning

Another key challenge of online classes is internet connectivity While internet penetration has grown in leaps and bounds over the past few years, in smaller cities and towns, a consistent connection with decent speed is a problem Without a

consistent internet connection for students or teachers, there can be a lack of

continuity in learning for the child This is detrimental to the education process

3.2 Lack of student engagement:

Students can learn a lot from being in the company of their peers However, in an online class, there are minimal physical interactions between students and teachers This often results in a sense of isolation for the students

For many students, one of the biggest challenges of online learning is the struggle

to focus on the screen for long periods With online learning, there is also a greater chance for students to be easily distracted by social media or other sites Many parents are concerned about the health hazards of having their children spend so many hours staring at a screen This increase in screen time is one of the biggest concerns and disadvantages of online learning Sometimes, students also develop bad posture and other physical problems due to staying hunched in front of a

screen

3.3 Limited hands-on activities:

Subjects that require practice (science experiments, fine arts, physical education, etc ) are limited, leading to students not being able to grasp knowledge firmly and lacking practical experience In addition, students will not be able to develop their creative thinking comprehensively Online instructors may not be as readily

available for in-person interaction, making it harder for students to seek immediate clarification or support for their questions

In addition, online learning makes it difficult for teachers to accurately assess students' abilities through the online format

3.4 Work-life balance for teachers:

To have an effective teaching session, teachers will have to work more to prepare learning documents The lack of resting time, not being able to allocate time for themselves and family members, and being available all the time were the problems teachers faced during emergency remote teaching because of the irregularity of working hours Most of the participants who reported that the resting time was not enough during the process emphasized that they had to spend their time developing the teaching and learning materials, making the house suitable for courses, or

meeting their personal needs Therefore, they hardly found an opportunity to rest and felt exhausted

Nearly all teachers find it difficult to evaluate students' abilities because online exams and assignments can be susceptible to cheating and plagiarism, necessitating the implementation of robust security measures and academic integrity policies Therefore, the quality of online courses can vary widely, with some lacking the rigor and engagement found in traditional classrooms Accreditation and quality assurance are critical considerations

IV SOLUTIONS.

4.1 Technical Issues

Improving Internet stability is crucial for many students, especially those in remote areas, as poor connectivity can hinder their ability to participate in learning

Schools can provide guidelines on optimizing Wi-Fi networks or even offer pre-recorded lectures, allowing students to access learning materials anytime and

overcome connectivity issues

Teacher training programs should be regularly organized to ensure that educators feel confident and proficient in using technology These training sessions not only enhance teachers' technological skills but also help them engage better with

students through modern tools

Providing support for disadvantaged students is essential to ensure that no one is left behind in online education Schools or organizations can offer free Internet packages or lend laptops to students from underprivileged backgrounds, promoting fairness and equal access to education

4.2 Lack of Student Engagement and Interaction

Designing interactive lessons can help combat the lack of enthusiasm in learning Teachers can incorporate small quizzes, polls, or online games to make lessons more engaging and encourage active student participation

Encouraging small group activities by dividing students into virtual breakout rooms provides opportunities for interaction while increasing focus This collaborative learning model fosters idea sharing and enhances teamwork skills, making the learning process more dynamic and engaging

4.3 Work-Life Balance for Teachers

Utilizing available resources can significantly reduce teachers’ workload By using pre-prepared lesson plans or recorded lectures, educators can save time and focus

on other essential aspects of teaching

Establishing a dedicated technical support team helps teachers resolve technical issues immediately, allowing them to use technology in teaching with greater confidence and efficiency

Setting clear working hours is crucial for maintaining a balance between work and personal life By defining fixed schedules, teachers can allocate time for self-care and family while improving their overall teaching effectiveness

V CONCLUSION.

5.1 Futures of online teaching

* Elearning is changing the way we approach knowledge and learning In developed countries, E-learning is widely developed with many convenient features such as: flexibility in learning and payment, personalized training

In Vietnam, the EdTech and Elearning fields are growing strongly, attracting large investments from all over the world, especially in fields such as foreign language learning and training with the goal of improving the quality of teaching and equipment of life skills necessary for the modern labor market

*As technology continues to develop, we can expect more opportunities and benefits from online learning in the future New advances will open up opportunities for more interactive learning methods through virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), making education more vivid and

engaging Learning applications are also constantly updated to keep up with modern educational trends, providing personalized learning paths, answering questions quickly and accurately, meeting the increasing learning needs of students

* In the future, the hybrid learning model, a blend of online and face-to-face learning, will be increasingly widely applied, bringing the best benefits of both methods As technology continues to develop, online learning will not only become more effective but also more accessible to people around the world, making learning limitless

5.2 Conclusion

In short, online learning has its advantages and disadvantages, but is still a useful and popular learning method, especially in the context of increasingly developing technology and diverse learning needs of learners

VI REFERENCES.

https://platform.cloudclass.edu.vn/blog/day-hoc-truc-tuyen-elearning-tai-viet-nam-hien-nay/

Pros and Cons of Online Learning – Concordia University Texa

https://elearningindustry.com/advantages-and-disadvantages-online-learning https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1373668.pdf

https://luatminhkhue.vn/talk-about-the-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-online-learning.aspx