Technology has eased the learning cycle by leaps and bounds, and the same phenomenon applies to online education. The world as a global village is more accessible than ever before. However, some people still prefer the conventional way of learning in the Middle East. The percentage of online Middle Eastern students is much lower as compared to other regions of the world. However, recently, there have been developments with more students entering this arena.
Middle Eastern students are seriously considering the online option to further their studies and learning. Many conferences are happening in the region to this effect. Also, universities have been set up to impart online education.
Middle Eastern students can reap the benefits of online education as much as any other student belonging to whichever geographical location. However, the flexibility of time and place may prove to be comparatively more beneficial to Middle Eastern students.
Pros and cons of studying online for Middle Eastern students
Studying online means getting an education in a non-traditional manner without taking regular classes. The student is not required to leave his / her home and engage with classmates and teachers. One can study whenever he/she wants at his/her own pace.
It is a modified and modern form of distance education that used to be carried out through post. The advent and widespread use of the intent have revolutionized this concept. These days, a student in the Middle East can complete his/her degree from a college in New York without even leaving his/her city.
There could be many reasons why a student from the Middle East is getting enrolled in online programs, but the most prominent one is affordability. The advantages of online studying are many; however, the concept also has a few disadvantages. We will discuss both the pros and cons of studying online, in the article below
The pros of studying online are the following:
Cost-effective and time-saving
Online education costs less than regular training. The reason for the reduced cost being fewer expenses, no conveyance charges, and zero cost for school/college related stationery and supplies. One does not have to spend money on buying costly books or pay rent to stay. All these things save a lot of money and inconvenience.
24 /7 Access
Another aspect of studying online is that you have access to education 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You don’t need to struggle with physical limitations or time constraints when you are in the mood to study. Now, Middle Eastern students can smoothly get enrolled in online high school diploma programs within a matter of a few clicks.
Keeping your career
Online students have an added advantage of not having to follow strict schedules for taking classes in college. It allows them to keep working at whatever their chosen career is. Moreover, they are the ones who choose their own pace of study. There is no peer pressure or stress.
Distance is no issue
A student in the Middle East can get himself/herself enrolled in any university or college that offers online education. Physical distance is no longer a hindrance to obtaining a world-class education. The only thing that a student needs is a working internet connection and a laptop.
Exposure to other opportunities
While studying online, a student becomes adept at internet skills, which are essential for him/her to acquire requisite knowledge. It becomes an added advantage opening up new doors for networking. It provides further opportunities for growth and development in other aspects of life.
Getting personalized instructions
An online student gets specific and personalized instructions from the online tutor, which becomes incredibly beneficial in the knowledge acquisition process. The medium serves as a mode of communication between the tutor and the students.
An opportunity for physically challenged
Online education is also an excellent opportunity for physically challenged students in the Middle East. Such students can study within the confines and comfort of their homes. There is no need to go through the problems that they may face in a regular institution.
Work – education balance
An online student becomes adept at maintaining a balance between his/her work and educational activities. This trait helps such students when they enter the real market and need to maintain a balance between work and family.
While there are many advantages of studying online, the same phenomenon carries a few disadvantages as well. The Cons of Studying Online are listed below:
No immediate feedback
A regular student within an educational institution can get prompt feedback on his/her queries and questions. An online student lacks this advantage. He/she has to wait for a certain period before getting feedback from the tutor.
Limited courses
Online studying does not cater to all the needs of a student since the courses offered through this medium are somewhat limited. It is because certain technical subjects that require hands-on training cannot be delivered online. For these courses, physical interaction between the student and the teacher is a must. An online student cannot study these courses even if he/she wants to.
Degree acknowledgment issues
There are a few employers who still think that online education does not provide the student with the requisite knowledge to practice in the real world. These employers would refuse to acknowledge the validity of an online degree. However, this trend is changing.
The final word, there are advantages as well as disadvantages for studying online for Middle Eastern students. Studying online is a convenient and reliable option for students since it allows students to bypass some of the hindrances that they face due to their cultural and geographical constraints.
