Advantages and disadvantages of online education in Foreign Language Class

1. Definition of online learning

Online learning is defined as learning which includes a range of technologies as web, email, chat, video-audio conference delivering with the computer and even a phone. The term online education, called differently: "distance education", "e-learning", "online learning", however, online learning is a kind of "distance learning".

In Online education teachers' role is not only facilitators but also as knowledge transmitters, and ICT knowledge is regarded as a source that enhances students' learning experience.  E-learning is considered as an innovative and interactive way of teaching which brought joy in learning. Liu and Wang (2009) found that the features of the online learning process are mainly dependent and focused on the Internet, namely, the transfer of learning resources, the exchange of data and information through the network, as well as the flexibility of learning, since a computerized learning environment helps to solve the problem with distance and time [1, p. 398].

2. Teaching online: benefits and challenges

Now, due to the situation in the world, online learning has become widely used all over the world, and it has enough benefits, although on the other hand there are some challenges.

Tallent-Runnels et al. (2006) augmented that the persistent development of technological innovation and internet connection availability increased the motivation for online learning since the beginning of the millennium [1]. This motivation for online learning can also be deduced from its benefits.

Online education is notable for its flexibility and convenience, you do not need to go somewhere, spend money on travel, you can adjust the time for yourself, the main thing is to have a computer or phone with you and access to the Internet. Online learning is interacting, interaction, and discussion between student-to-teacher and student-to-student is increasing, the learning environment is more focused on the students. Passive listening decreases, more practice, and assignments for students, more active learning.

Of course, online education has many advantages, but do not forget about the problems faced by both sides, teacher and student. The researchers Young (1997) and Burdman (1998) identified the most important problem of online learning, namely the complete lack of personal interaction between teachers and students, as well as students with their peers [2, p.402]. In addition, the learning process is much easier with face-to-face communication with the teacher. Since tests or important tasks are conducted in an online format, it is impossible to control the cheating actions of students.

3. Advantages of online learning from the teachers’ perspective

It is suggested that online learning used as a tool for improvement of educational outcomes and assess ability with low-level expenditure than traditional teaching approach. The assessment of students in online learning allows teachers to collect new data about their knowledge, accomplishments, strengths, and weaknesses by means of embedded assessments and performance evaluation on authentic tasks accordingly results of student performances allow teachers to get acquainted with how they are using time and what kinds of instructional strategies they should use for exact types of students.

During online learning, the diversity and creativity of teaching increases, teachers are student-centered and use different teaching methods and styles. This allowed teachers to document and record online interactions during the lesson. In addition, shy students do better in their work and answer on an equal basis with others, as well as in the online learning process, the student can think longer and more carefully about the answer, as there is more time.

Talking about the skills that the teacher acquires during online teaching; the digital competence of teachers has improved, many have learned to use different programs and platforms, and the more experienced are looking for new ways and sources for teaching online.

4. Disadvantages of online learning from the teachers' perspective

On account of the investigation by Adedoyin and Soykan [1], online learning depends on technological devices and an internet connection, therefore the instructors and students who have a low internet connection can be denied access to online learning. Accordingly, the dependence of online education on technological equipment and providing them is regarded as a big problem for educational institutions, teachers, and learners.

The main requirement for online education is awareness of instructional technology, otherwise, if teachers and students have no knowledge of technology it might be a big obstacle for the online learning-teaching process's completion. Students and teachers may have frustration in the case when they are not able to access materials and supplements with a low internet connection.

In line with the study by Zounek and Sudický, online-based learning may cause health problems because of long time spending while working with computers, the problems related to eyesight strain, backache, sedentary life, and also there can appear disorders with mental health [3, p.60].

Conclusion

To summarize, online learning is one of the best and radical innovations of our century, which has evolved over time. Online learning is called differently, sometimes it is E-education and sometimes it is distance learning, but as it turned out, online learning is just a form of distance learning. Online education has many definitions, but the main idea of all is that online learning is the transmission of information via the Internet.

Over the years, online learning has both beneficial and challenging parties. The teachers and students named the advantageous aspects of flexibility and convenience, interactivity, expansion of learning, creativity, participation of all students in the lesson, receiving feedback, and also that this makes it possible to cooperate with experienced professional backgrounds all over the world. The experiencing side included the complete absence of personal interactions between teacher and students and student with peers, and the most necessary thing for online learning, namely, lack of Internet access or problems with it. in addition, due to long-term work with gadgets, health problems such as headaches, blurred vision, or back pain can arise. Every year, online language learning is getting better, during online learning, a student can improve and practice writing and speaking skills and receives feedback.

The sudden transition to distance learning affected the psychological state of teachers, increased stress, frustration, fear, anxiety, and depression. However, all this did not stop the teachers from working on and teaching students.

Everyone, especially teachers, had to adapt to online learning, and several factors affect successful adaptation, such as: creating a comfortable and open online environment, familiarity with technology, choosing simple teaching platforms, a clear explanation, adding variety to online lessons.