Debate: Can Online Learning Replace Schools?

    • Dheeraj.Jangra@timesgroup.com
    • Publish Date: Dec 5 2016 6:41PM
    • |
    • Updated Date: Dec 5 2016 6:41PM
Debate: Can Online Learning Replace Schools?

New Zealand has framed a legislation that will allow students to study online instead of going to regular schools. Will this reform improve learning outcomes? And should India emulate it? 
 
The online schools would be known as Communities of Online Learning (COOL) and any school-aged child would be allowed to enroll in them. Education Minister Hekia Parata, said "This innovative way of delivering education offers a digital option to engage students, grow their digital fluency, and connect them even more to 21st century opportunities. There will be a rigorous accreditation process alongside ongoing monitoring to ensure quality education is being provided.”
 
A case for online education 
Few students mentioned that online education allows for an easy access to course materials. It also offers them a flexibility to schedule their learning around hobbies, families and other activities. “A big flaw in our education system is that it promotes rote memorisation and mediocrity. There is little emphasis on shaping our dreams and passion. By opting for online courses we can have adequate time to work on our interests,” said a student. 
 
There are others who pointed out that a virtual classroom can make the learning process a lot more interesting with the help of multimedia content. “For example, instead of simply reading about places in books why not leverage technology to take us there — on a virtual tour. We can also have online collaborations with schools from around the world,” opined a student.  
 
A case for traditional learning 
We must put on record that an overwhelming majority of students and teachers we talked to favour the traditional classroom setting. They argued, rightly so, that schools are not only about imparting knowledge and skills. They provide holistic development to students and prepare them to meet any challenges they may face in life and in their academic career. In fact, a principal said, “It would be disastrous if online learning replaces holistic learning. It might not seem that school is preparing you for life but it totally is. You might not be learning about the complex formulas and equations, but you're learning how to show up, work hard, and apply what you've learned. These are valuable skills that will serve you well in later part of life.”
 
There are others who pointed that online classes can’t replace the fun and excitement offered by the schools. “Technology is already making us more and more isolated. School and other educational institutions are the last bastion where you get a sense of being in a community. We don’t have to mindlessly ape other countries,” mentioned a student. 
 
Also, the broadband connectivity in India is mainly limited to cities. Consider this: 73 per cent of Indians, or 912 million, do not have Internet access. India has 1.02 billion mobile subscriptions, but only 15 per cent have broadband internet. In this scenario, the ambition of providing online education to masses—as of now — seems lofty.   
 
But, what will be the role of teachers and schools in the future as more and more courses, delivered with increasing levels of sophistication, become available online? 
 

Do you believe that online education can ever replace schools? Let’s know your views in the comments section below. 

 
 

More From TOP NEWS...

Comments

Yashita Nagpal BHARTI PUBLIC SCHOOL (SWASTHYA VHR)

Somethings are good as they are.Though ,everything is available on internet these days but a need of teacher drives a person to attend the classes and not e-lessons.

Yash Narang HansRaj Model School

Yes, i think that online education con replace schools . But in the future ,Not now because if we do it now the small children as well as the students of higher classes will be addicted of it and they will not be able to cocentrate on there studies .

S.VIDHYAALAKSHMI SHREE NIKETAN MAT -

None of the machines can replace teachers. Electronics teaches from the book but teachers teach from the heart. None of the machines can teach us moral values from their experience as teachers do.

Mayank Seth Anandram Jaipuria School

No, I don''t think that online education can replace schools ever . In our country many people are teachers, online education will lead into unemployment of those. Also teachers teach with full labour and passion whereas , online education is just copied from the wiki pedia , which is very boring.

MANAS KUMAR BAL BHARTI PUBLIC SCHOOL (PITAM PUR

In this technological era we do need to bring a reform in our education system but not in this way I think it will make students all the more dependent on technology and will hamper their creativity and originality. Technology should be used for the learning process but it should not become the dominating and controlling key element of education otherwise situation will arise where there wil be no need of teachers and education system will become boring.

Hafsa Malwat F D SCHOOL

No, online learning never ever replace schools. Like , One can learn how to write alphabet but only teacher can hold our hands and teach us to write Alphabet.

Harini MS NAGARJUNA VIDYANIKETAN

Online education can never replace real schools. May be it is more efficient, but nothing can replace the idea of learning from an actual person amidst a class of people of your age. Online education will just deprive children of the fun and memories schools create.

MANAS KUMAR BAL BHARTI PUBLIC SCHOOL (PITAM PUR

Teachers are the knowledge givers who along with knowledge also give us the sole experience and learning of life and in this way through classroom learning they instill values of discipline, creativity, interaction and discussion. However where will such technological educational reforms lead to? It may develop some interest but to what extent and how will it inculcate essential qualities which shape a student''s personality? It will just increase dependency on technology.

Himanshi Dhawan Saffron Public School

Yes, I do think that online education can replace schools. Thanks to Youtube and e-learning apps such as Meritnation, Amazon Kindle boring topics have become interesting. Gone are the days, when a student used to yawn in a history class, but now using online-education through visuals and illustrations, history has become easy to understand.

MANAS KUMAR BAL BHARTI PUBLIC SCHOOL (PITAM PUR

Such kind of things can also remove inquisitive temper from students while decreasing real social interaction.

MANAS KUMAR BAL BHARTI PUBLIC SCHOOL (PITAM PUR

Through this move education system will lag behind in developing a student''s personality.

Aishwarya Iyer Deens Academy

Well, there are two sides of the coin here. While online learning will help us decide when we do what, the authenticity of everything on the internet cannot be assured. Although learning at school has disadvantages, as many of us already said, it teaches you other things too. The most important things being sports and friendship.

Onkarpreet Bhavan Vidyalaya

Sitting in the classroom, with kids of your age can''t be possible online.

Onkarpreet Bhavan Vidyalaya

That kind of environment is necessary.

Ritvik Baweja BAL BHARTI PUBLIC SCHOOL (PITAM PUR

At the dawn of this modern era, everyone loves using gadgets and prefer e- learning. Even though the modules and videos available online are sufficient for academic development but still for the holistic development of a child and also to imbibe inquisitiveness, it''s important to have a children student interaction. I personally believe e-learning can never replace the offline education in schools. Not only it kills creativity and imagination but also affects the curiosity of the child

Ritvik Baweja BAL BHARTI PUBLIC SCHOOL (PITAM PUR

Besides increasing over dependency on technology and addiction to e learning the online education will make the children more more serious. This kind of education will deprive children of their fun that they must have.

SRIRAM.C Amalorpavam Higher Secondary School - Puducherry

NO online education cannot replace a school.The teacher tells more information and we can understand it easily

Riya gupta MOUNT CARMEL SCHOOL(DWARKA)

I believe that online learning can be useful but only up to a limit. Everything is s easily available online things are one click away and hence children will never understand the true meaning of patience and learning.while searching in the books for a particular topic you have to go through a lot of other things and hence a wider platform of learning opens.

Riya gupta MOUNT CARMEL SCHOOL(DWARKA)

There are a lot of other distraction while learning online. Hence,proper utilisation with limitations might lead to proper usage of online learning but under proper supervision

Riya gupta MOUNT CARMEL SCHOOL(DWARKA)

Already we have so much of e-waste and if schools are replaced with online learning, things will surely turn against us.it will increase are dependency on machines and lead to addiction of machines

Simran Sekh SAHODAY SCHOOL SFDRJUNG DVLPMNT ARE

Although online learning would help the students a lot. Especially a break on carrying heavy bags to school regularly would be there and stress would reduce but teachers are the ones who can make us understand better than any other thing in this world!

Avani Goyal Slate

If technology could replace humans then it would be great but technology could not do so because sometimes machines cannot act correctly in a situation which humans can do.So I think online learning in mobiles or laptops cannot replace the explanation a teacher gives moreover a teacher can take help of a machine but a machine can not take help of a teacher.

Avani Goyal Slate

Online learning cannot replace a class of friends and students with a teacher because in a classroom of people we can understand where we stand and how we much we have to improve but learning alone cannot give this understanding.

saumya QUEEN VALLEY''S SEC-8 DWARKA

Maybe, It is an good idea to implement online learning but it cannot provide us that way of study we can do only in school. And most specially, most parts of india are not connected to the internet. Online study can only make us understand the chapter in brief. But it cannot clear our doubt which we get the opportunity in our school by our teachers.

Tanisha V VENKAT INTERNATIONAL PUBLIC SCHOOL

Online education can never replace schools. Apart from lesson learning, It is only at School we learn discipline, socializing , making friends, understand norms of life etc.. Our teachers being humans are emotional, they understand how each student is and what are strengths and weaknesses of each of us , but Online education can never address these things.

Renisha Christy.R Bethel Mat Hr Sec School

This can never give us the feel of classrooms and moving along with friends and peers. The values of co-operation and adjusting to conditions cannot be learned through e-lessons.

Raj damani Gopi Birla Memorial School - Walkeshwar

No, online learning can''t replace schools as it doesn''t give you he right knowledge at the right age , in schools you have professionals who teach you accordingly

Khushee Sharda SRI AURBINDO SCHOOL SEC-27-A CHD

No, I don''t think so that online education can ever replace schools because I think the student remains active only when he or she is in school. Sitting on a laptop and interacting with the teacher won''t be comfortable for the student. When the student is studying in a class, he or she remains active and passionate for the work because the circumstances are like this that makes a child passionate towards his work and studies too.

Rajathariga S P AECS MAGNOLIA MARUTHI PUB SCH

I feel online education can replace schools, especially when online education does provide a better learning platform for students! I feel like I learn more from online websites than I do at school.

Abhi Dabas Bal Bharati Public School Pitampura

online education cannot replace schools. There are many reasons for this. Teaching is a major occupation which provides employment . It may make the children lazy as would just sit and watch. No one can take the position of a teacher in a class as she understands all the students and knows what to do when.

Abhi Dabas Bal Bharati Public School Pitampura

In this technological era we do need to bring a reform in our education system but not in this way I think it will make students all the more dependent on technology and will hamper their creativity and originality.

Abhi Dabas Bal Bharati Public School Pitampura

Technology should be used for the learning process but it should not become the dominating and controlling key element of education otherwise situation will arise where there will be no need of teachers and education system will become boring for the children

gandwaid sai sri jahnavi P OBUL REDDY PUBLIC SCHOOL

for sure no...... in school we just don''t learn subjects but learn various things such as sports, art, culture, values etc.,Internet can have everything but not those extraordinary things which we learn at school......it is the best part of our life and we can''t wipe it away in the name of e-lessons

Dhruv Arora BHAWAN VIDYALAYA SCH PKL SEC15

NO, online learning can not replace schools as the about 50% of india''s population is teachers there would be unemployement. second thing is that e learning is boring as it a copy of wikipedia. third thing is that there would no memories about the teachers. the way teachers teach us is a very unique way

Dhruv Arora BHAWAN VIDYALAYA SCH PKL SEC15

no i don''t think that computers should replace school as school is the best place of life

Haya Naved FATHER AGNEL SCHOOL(GAUTAM NAGAR)

Education is not knowing your text well, it is the manners you learn, the way you present yourself, the personality you have and the list is endless. So it is okay to learn your text sitting at home but school life is something more than that. It is a beautiful experience that one should go through. So I don''t find this suggestion helpful.

Dhwani Advani UNIVERSAL HIGH SCHOOL-DAHISAR(E)

No, I don''t think online learning can replace schools.Though everything is available online, learning in school in a classroom is very different.The fun of learning slips away and a teacher is needed for a child to grasp a concept completely.

CHAITANYA AGARWAL J.M. INTERNATIONAL SCH00L

School popularly considered as the temple of learning provides the right environment, resources and ethics for gaining education while on the other hand we find these elements significantly missing in the case of education through online modules which lacks supervision.

Atharv Vedant SW VIVEKANAND INTL SCH-BORIVALI

Well,I admit that electronic devices such as smartboards contain more news about current affairs.It can track any event in an hour or so.But,I think that a smartboard, showing a video and a teacher teaching has a vast difference.A student can understand the subjects more when a teacher teaches.

Darshil Shah ST. XAVIERS - LOYOLLA -2 LOYOLLA 2

There is a vast difference on online learning and practical learning. The method used during the present times is good and should not be replaced by any advanced method. By going to schools, we can learn and experience things practically while in online learning it is not possible. So I strongly prefer a school learning rather than online learning.

Khushi Pandit VIDYA NIKETAN

I think online education cannot replace schools because no one can take the place of a teacher.In school except education we have many curricular activities to do and have friends to enjoy with. By learning online we can''t be able to do any curricular activities which we do in schools.

silky MOUNT ABU PUBLIC SCHOOL(ROHINI SEC_

i dont think that online learning can replace schools.though online learning has a lot of convenience and advantages still it lacks face to face interaction which is must for learning. Moreover school life teaches discipline and other co curricular activities and basically allover personality of an individual is developed.

silky MOUNT ABU PUBLIC SCHOOL(ROHINI SEC_

no

Asmita D.A.V Public School, Thane

Online learning sounds great but the concept of school is far more overwhelming than online education. Students using the online process will lack certain traits like sharing, caring etc. If all the people in this world will tend to use this system of learning then many people like teachers and peons will lose their jobs.

Pragyamita Basu B.D.M. International

Students who need a push from teachers for studying for them online education is not perfect but otherwise it is a time saving and organised way of learning.

SHUBHAM BANSAL RYAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

it can replace but to an extent because teachers have the experience as they are also taught by someone. internet, e-books e.t.c. cannot explain things in detail as much as teachers can explain something.

Tanishka Radcliffe School,Balnagar

Thus we can get education at the ease of our home and we will get more more interest in our studies.

ravi kumar J.M. INTERNATIONAL SCH00L

no ...online learning can never replace schools....although everything is available on internet these days.....but without the help of our teachers, they are of no use to us...online lessons cannot teach us moral values....to make our future brighter our teachers equally do hard work with us which machines can never do.....moreover machines are the creation s our teachers... they how can machines compete with them......

Abhi Dabas Bal Bharati Public School Pitampura

If technology could replace humans then it would be great but technology could not do so because sometimes machines cannot act correctly in a situation which humans can do. So I think online learning in mobiles or laptops cannot replace the explanation a teacher gives moreover a teacher can take help of a machine but a machine can not take help of a teacher.

Maithreyi Gopi DAFFODILS ENGLISH SCHOOL SANJAYNAG

I feel that online teaching can''t at all replace schools and even if it does , it will be way ahead in the future. Small online courses can do but online schools because children need to understand things person to person and even if that is what is happening or going to happen in online schools , I think you can''t emotionally make a connection with your teacher . I think though it is convenient it is not good .

Safina Khatri Canossa High School, Mahim

Might be, to some extent. Internet provides us with a plenty of information and knowledge. But, our teachers in school, not only tell us to study, but also support us emotionally and understand us in every aspect. And how can we forget the amazing and interesting environment created by our teachers in school. So online education cannot replace our all time supportive and encouraging teachers. After all, Old is Gold.

D.ashrita Bharatiya vidya Bhavan jubilee hills

In school we interact and learn, we learn to respect, our teachers develop our In e learning students miss the ability to cope in a social environment. The classroom structure and friendship with peers are very important part for the overall growth of a child., character development cannot be achieved through online learning. The creative way teachers teach us cannot be replaced by online learning. School life is very enjoyable.

KAVYASRI R M Bethel Mat Hr Sec School

I don''t think that this new methodology will work out.Online learning cannot replace school.Moral values that teachers teach in school cannot be inculcated in this method.Students health will also be spoilt.

KAVYASRI R M Bethel Mat Hr Sec School

I don''t think that this new methodology will work out.Online learning cannot replace school.Moral values that teachers teach in school cannot be inculcated in this method.Students health will also be spoilt.

Kashish Goel Bal Bharati Public School

This system has advantages as well as disadvantages. I completely agree with Manas who says that a good change in our education can''t be brought about like this. For me, the way teacher teaches can never be compared to the way we can learn things online. Even nature is a better teacher who tells us everything experimentally.

Kerin Pithawala S.G.M Shrioiya English School

Online education has a lot of benefits like accessibilty, time convience , better materials but it cannot replace school as learning life skills is more important than bookish knowledge.

Priya M G NEW BALDWIN RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL

No , online education cannot fully replace schools . The personal bonding between students and teachers will not be there. The interaction among students from various places will not be . The person will get bored , communication will reduce they will only interact with machines further and moreover subjects get boring .

maitriey mann J.B.MRIGAVTI VIDYALAYA(ALIPUR G.T.K

In the era of development and changes it would be a good step but It cant replace the guidance, advices and knowledge provided by our teachers. As they are not our teachers only but they also played a role of our second parent as most of the time of our day we spent in the school. They know us very well and help us in every way they can and e-learningsurely could not take the place of pur gurus

SHUBHAM BANSAL RYAN INT. SCH. SOHNA RD GURGAON

it can replace but to an extent because teachers have the experience as they are also taught by someone. internet, e-books e.t.c. cannot explain things in detail as much as teachers can explain something. moreover, our mind something gets distracted when we sit and study on internet but in case of schools, it is not.

SNEHA - R Kulapati munshi bhavan's vidhya mandir

Online education cannot replace schools.At school , students will not only get education but also social interactive skills as children are free to interact with teachers who open the minds and touch the hearts of their students .In online education there is a lack of face to face interaction.

KATHERINE PARSHAD RED ROSES [PUBLIC SCHOOL

it will be good if online education can replace schools as it will create an interest in students mind even if they are sick or not well , they can simply open their device and study .

Emima Thangapandi PADUA HIGH SCHOOL-MANKHURD

Its good as well as bad because children can get knowledge sitting at home but children will not get a chance to play with friends.

Pragya RUKMINI DEVI PUB. SCHOOL(PITAMPURA)

No, online education can never replace schools. They both can go on side by side online education can never replace schools as information provided is the internet is not always complete and we know that half knowledge is a dangerous one. Also particular syllabus and a way of teaching with real life examples and many experiments or facts related to the topic i,e. extra knowledge that would hardly be provided by the internet

vsreedattan Lecole Chempaka Kallayam

yes, learning form online is a good idea but just think of this situation a small boy goes near a university a hears the word quantum physics he doesn''t have a clue what it is so he goes and surf the internet .but in a school a student learn from the basics

BHASWAR DUTTA ST. THOMAS' DAY SCHOOL

Online education can definitely replace the traditional style of education. But in future, at least in India. Through computers it is the best way to impart knowledge in young minds. Though in India, only a few have broadband connection, it is not possible to replace conventional teachers with machines. Through webchat, internet - based systems we can definitely sophisticate our lives.

Raju kumar Sree Narayana Vidya Bhavan

NO online education cannot replace a school.

Afsha Saiyed PADUA HIGH SCHOOL-MANKHURD

No! I don''t think that online education can replace school. Because there is a different kind of atmosphere is there in school.There so many group activities carried out in schools which is not possible to Carry out online.

yasasvi The Creek Planet School - Venus Campus

Somethings never change a computer can''t teach a person influentially .Teachers are the only ones who can teach any kind of person,with any ability.

POST YOUR OWN ARTICLE, PHOTO & VIDEO

SIMPLY FILL DETAILS & POST


 
SIGN UP & EXPLORE MORE...
*


*
* *
* *
img
REGISTRATION SUCCESSFUL...
THANK YOU FOR REGISTERING
  • About Us

Times Newspaper in Education (Times NIE) is a novel program that helps students ‘Stay Ahead’ and aims at making ‘Learning Fun’. It introduces concepts that help individual growth and development beyond school curriculum.

A brainchild of The Times of India, the world’s leading English newspapers, Times NIE nurtures progress and innovation. Adapted from the international concept, Times Newspaper in Education program (Times NIE) was initiated in India in 1985.

Today we have over 3000 schools and over 9 lac students subscribing to the programme, spanning 16 cities viz. Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Kochi, Lucknow, Coimbatore, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, and Jaipur.

The Times of India Student edition, a customized student newspaper exclusively for the students, packs a powerful punch in terms of content that leads to a smarter and superior learning experience. The information is crafted such that it finds use in classroom discussions, thus making it relevant and current. It truly gives education a new dimension by fostering the simple habit of reading which in turn paves the way for a confident, informed and aware individual. A newspaper that inspires young minds and equips them to face challenges of today’s world, making way for global citizens.

Empowering students with new cutting-edge knowledge through various educative and informative activities is a commitment and tradition of Times NIE. The programme serves as a catalyst of education and interaction, as well as a window into the minds of the quintessential Indian youth. On a significant scale Times NIE comprises diverse interesting activities and events that boost the child’s passion for learning, while revealing hidden talent.

While you are aware that The Times of India is among the leading English Newspapers across the world, it has consummated its position as an everlasting winner. With several international awards and recognitions to its credit, The Times of India and Times NIE have validated an enduring tradition of setting the highest benchmarks in every respect. We have been awarded with the two most prestigious awards, Times NIE - World’s No.1 NIE program and The Times of India, Student Edition - World’s No.1 Newspaper for the youth in 2006 by the celebrated World Association of Newspapers (WAN). In 2008 we were honoured by the International Newspaper Marketing Association (INMA), yet another international recognition for ‘Youth Audience Development’. In 2013 we were again honoured by the celebrated World Association of Newspapers (WAN) as the ‘Times NIE - World’s Best Youth Engagement Program’.

Times NIE has grown remarkably over the last three and a half decades, touching millions of children across more than 16 Indian cities. Our absolute commitment towards the fledgling generation remains undiluted and our greatest strength lies in the school partnership and commitment.

  • Times NIE World Awards
EDIT STUDENT PROFILE...



img

JOIN NOW !!!

Create or join groups, share your views, ideas through posts (Text, Pictures & Videos)

GOT A QUERY?

FEEL FREE TO ASK HERE. GET IT ANSWERED BY EXPERTS

CLICK HERE TO SEE YOUR PREVIOUS QUERIES

win

Why You Think India Is Great....