IndividualEssay nguyễnthịthungân AEnT321WSB7 b1112013030

ASSIGNMENT COVER SHEET
STUDENT DETAILS
Student ID
Student name:

Nguyễn Thị Thu Ngân

number:

B1112013030

UNIT AND TUTORIAL DETAILS
Unit name:

Academic English

Tutorial/Lecture:

Unit number:

PM2

Lecturer or Tutor name:

7

Class day and time: November 29 2021
Gabriel Ryan

ASSIGNMENT DETAILS
Title:

Capstone Project Presentation
Date

Length:

Due date:

27 December

submitted:

27 December

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another (previous or current) assessment, except where appropriately referenced, and with

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Student’s signature:

Thu Ngan

Note: An examiner or lecturer / tutor has the right to not mark this assignment if the above declaration
has not been signed.

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Virtual schooling was offered in some universities during the epidemic. Is this a
positive or negative development?

Nguyen Thi Thu Ngan

Western Sydney University Vietnam

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Gabriel Ryan

January 2, 2021

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Many schools have to shut all across the world due to the COVID-19, education has changed
dramatically, with the distinctive rise of e-learning, whereby teaching is undertaken remotely and on
digital platforms. Some people argued that with online education, students can learn whatever they
want, it is more comfortable, and they can manage their time more effectively. However, according
to Rosenberg (2006), because of the fast-paced expansion and change of information, as well as the
increasing market pressures, researchers must look for new ways to complement training. It provides
a place where students, teachers can interact, experiment, collaborate and create. Therefore, this
essay aims to demonstrate and compare the positive and negative impacts of online learning on
higher education.
Virtual schooling is the most suitable learning style at this period of the Covid-19 contagion.
However, learners from low-income families and underprivileged groups are the most likely to suffer

as they may not afford high-speed internet connection and require technical gadgets for online
learning. In rural India, online schooling is arduous where children have to borrow smartphones, and
the lack of internet connection in many villages will lead the students to skip classes. According to
the nearest survey by Pollikoff (2020), just 63% of schoolchildren have access to computers and the
Internet. Nevertheless, some people might think that due to the assistance from all-level
administrations and donors, those students will have access to online classes. The technological
devices are delivered to more than 300,000 children through around 150 civil society and
community-based organizations. According to Pravat Kumar Jena (2020), several measures have
been taken by the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and the educational authorities of India to
provide seamless educational services during the crisis. Nonetheless, a large number of computers
and tablets cannot be prepared and delivered immediately to those students living in rural areas.
Additionally, there is no guarantee that every student will receive help from charity groups since
fundraisers tend to send money to famous locations of impoverishment. In conclusion, online
education has certain disadvantages as students who live in poverty will not have the opportunity to
attend classes.
Secondly, students will use tricks to avoid studying before taking online exams. A lack of social
interaction is becoming the most significant barrier to students learning online (Berge & Mrozowski,
2001). In comparison to offline classrooms, students are less likely to engage in collaborative
learning, exchanges, and debates with others. Some of them might not want to study but still want to
get a high score for their tests. Besides, the lack of having the teachers' direct instructions for primary
students also leads to an unstable educational foundation. These will lead to a knowledge gap and the
recession of education as students value their scores over their understanding. It appears that many
websites used for studying online are evolving and will soon be in demand by students and staff in
higher education institutions (Oliver & Goerke 2007). Many websites like Safe Exam Browser (SEB)
and various testing regulations have been formed to prevent cheating, including turning on cameras
and microphones. Moreover, the students can ask for their family support to avoid struggling later
due to the lack of knowledge. However, there are still blind spots that the cameras can't cover when it
comes to cheating. Furthermore, in some households, parents are unable to support their children.
Overall, online learning has a negative impact on the educational system since it reduces interaction
and involvement in teaching and learning.

One of the great advantages of online education is that learners can study at their own pace,
students will have the opportunity to learn at the school they want to attend even when it is very far
away. It is quicker and more convenient for children who live in rural areas and have mobility issues.
According to Jordan Friedman (2020), online classes can reduce the issue of time and place for
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students, in which they can be active in arranging the schedule and workplace that is appropriate for
each individual. In most developing countries, including Vietnam, the population in rural areas is
higher than in urban areas. It is an opportunity for Vietnam's whole education development to
progress. Rural students do not need to go to cities or other countries to learn, making it easier for
their parents to care for them.Besides that, it will help parents save money by allowing them to pay
for their children's journey to distant locations. For example, it can reduce the cost of car fuel, the
danger of vehicle repair, and accidents. Some people believe that the limitation of moving and eye
contact may lead students to be lazy, less confident, and lack communication skills. Many
introverted students lose the opportunities to prove themselves because the teachers could not notice
them. However, teachers have to interact with each student in the class and create a chance for all the
students. To summarize, with the help of online courses, pupils will have more options for their
educational ladder without being limited by geography.
Secondly, the cost of getting an online education is cheaper on average than receiving a
traditional education. Distance learning has reduced financial costs and is far more inexpensive than
physical learning. The reason for this reduction in expenses is that distance learning eliminates the
cost of meals, real estate, transportation, and clothes, etc. Another plus point is the availability of all
the study materials and courses online that creates a paperless learning environment for the students.
It is not only more affordable but it is also good for the environment. According to Melanie Hanson
(2021), the lack of fees for campus events, usage of on-campus facilities, maintenance, or security
reduced the overall tuition cost for 63 percent of universities that charge less for online education.
Some people believe that the reduction in tuition makes students neglect the importance of studying.

Many learners from high-income families might not focus on lessons and drop class anytime due to
the low tuition fee. However, the universities just cut off a suitable portion of tuition prices and
students said they feel satisfied with that. To sum up, students will have more choices for their
education ladder without budget limitation with the help of online course.
It would not be fair to either of the learning methods as there are benefits to both learning options.
With online learning, students and teachers benefit from a more casual, flexible approach. Being
unrestricted in regard to location and times means every learner can benefit from the courses.
According to a survey by Caroline (2020), of over 700 corporate learners, found out that 87 percent
of them preferred to take online courses during work hours. It takes less time than face-to-face
learning, and they can easily squeeze it into their daily tasks. However, some people argue that
classroom teaching is more important than ever .Classroom teaching enhances students’ critical
thinking skills. Classroom studying provides an opportunity for students to engage in live discussions
where they can better utilize their critical thinking skills to voice opinions or involve themselves in
an argument. According to a recent study conducted by College Reaction/Axios in April, 77 percent
of the more than 800 college students feel distant learning is worse or substantially worse than inperson sessions. But overall, it seems that online learning is a full-fledged alternative for classroom
training. Maybe choosing one over the other is too rigid. It can not say that online learning is more
effective than traditional learning, or vice versa. It certainly depends on the learning topic and how
its effectiveness has been measured.
In conclusion, online classes bring us various benefits, such as the versatility of location and the
growth in value of the online academic software industry. However, studying online is just a
temporary plan during an epidemic so these disadvantages are far outweighed by the positive side of
the issue since several reasons resulted, such as the different financial status of each student's family
and especially the reduction in educational quality.

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References

Al-Hassan, A., 2010. A comparison of e-learning and Traditional classroom Teaching: Petra
University. In IATEFL (International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign

Language) Conference.
A comparison of e-learning and Traditional classroom Teaching: Petra University

Andrews, T., Smyth, R., Tynan, B., Vale, D., & Caladine, R. J. (2008). Rich media technologies and
uncertain futures: Developing sustainable, scalable models.
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Muilenburg, L. Y., & Berge, Z. L. (2005). Student barriers to online learning: A factor analytic study.

Distance education, 26(1), 29-48.
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Friedman, J. (2020). Tackle challenges of online classes due to Covid-19. US News.
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Melanie, H. Cost of Online Education vs. Traditional Education
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Dumford, A. D., & Miller, A. L. (2018). Online learning in higher education: exploring advantages
and disadvantages for engagement. Journal of Computing in Higher Education, 30(3), 452-465
/>
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