ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF ONLINE LEARNING.

Abstract

The globalization flow of changing is becoming faster and faster. One of the important changings that affect the modern world of higher education is disruptive technology, especially online learning. In fact, online learning has been offered both formal ways and informal ways. General public can use online learning by paying money or non-paying money. Specifically, the objectives of this study were to investigate the advantages and disadvantages of online learning as well as to examine the opportunities and challenges faced by the higher education institutions. This study utilized qualitative method. The population of the study included many staff and faculty members from many different universities who were involved with various form of online learning programs. The sample group were about 30 staff and faculty members who were willing to be in focus group and subject to an in-depth interview. The interview protocol consisted of four general domains: listening, gramma, comprehension, and vocabulary. The findings of the study revealed that online learning programs were becoming a significant part of higher education learning and training. However, the success rate of learning online without close monitoring were very low. The advantages included low cost, flexible time, and mass audiences, whereas, the disadvantages included low success rate, easily distracts, and no class interaction.