Broadband technology has impacted the field of education in the most profound way providing an opportunity for required knowledge and learning experiences. With WiFi connection implemented you are thus able to teach and learn online, eradicating geographical barriers, thereby making education easily accessible.
Perhaps, the most prominent effects of broadband technology on online education are, on availability of education resources. This implies that through broadband connection students are able to download and use a wide range of online courses, e-books, research papers as well as embracing various multimedia products. Such availability of resources means that learners can always find a subject of interest, analyse it and even use specific issues to learn as they approach their needs and preferences.
Broadband technology has also brought significant transformation in how a learner can access more content that is related to education. Online classes today include elements of a separate classroom, real-time web-conferenced classes and bulletin board-type forums, which successfully creates a more engaging environment. Students can have group chats and ask questions to the instructors and get a response instantly, which creates a level of fellowship.
Another advantage of online classes, which is the greatest benefit of distance learning, is flexibility. High-speed WiFi connection helps the students to carry out their lessons at their own convenience from any location of their choice including their homes. This is especially advantageous to job workers today because they are able to balance their working hours with their college classes; it is also good for parents and people with disability who are usually crippled with some complications when it comes to pursuing their college classes in traditional campus-based institutions.
Distance learning always proves to be cheaper as compared to the conventional campus based classes. Since the need for infrastructures, commuting costs and housing in a campus is not required when teaching and learning is done through a Wi-Fi connection to the internet, broadband connection in online learning produces vast and substantial savings in the costs of attaining college education. This accessibility has been seen to provide opportunities to so many people who could otherwise have not been able to achieve their dreams of advancing their education.
Broadband technology has enabled the world over collaboration in education and thereby sharing of cultures. Students from different backgrounds are able to join groups in online platforms and work together, share ideas and learn from one another with global perspective. It helps to create the base for cooperation, get to know one another’s emotions and needs and an overall sense of belonging to one common unified world.
It is, nevertheless, imperative to recognise that there are strengths as well as the drawbacks and issues that have to be taken into account with regard to broadband connection’s impact on online education. Challenges that affects online learning includes: digital divide, availability of steady and reliable Internet connection, technology and update knowledge. In order to achieve high levels of education equity, educational quality and access it is important to strive to ensure that all the students especially those who come from disadvantaged background are given full support in order to be connect to the digital world.
The broadband technology has been highly effective in changing the days of the online education. Broadband enables students to utilise a wealth of educational material and has promoted group discussions and intensive learning as well has facilitated education through its flexibility and convenience. Since the availability of broadband and the advancement of technology, the growth of online education will be increased more and more for the future.