Achievements and challenges of online learning in teaching foreign languages

Qurbanova Marjona

Department of Applied Disciplines 

Abstract: This article discusses the importance of online learning in foreign language teaching. Nowadays some people in all countries prefer to learn something online in a position of staying at home and on the time they want. Online learning is creating a number of facilities if its drawbacks are not regarded. Now we shall see its advantages and disadvantages together.

Key words: online education, information, university, course, Internet, student, lecture, technology, screen, foreign language.
Education plays the most important role in the life of people. A big piece of new and necessary information appears every minute. Nowadays online study or learning turns out to be more and more practiced. Many universities started to share their courses online. So, what is online education?                                       

Online education is the form of education that takes place over Internet. It is called as ‘e-learning’ or ‘online learning. Students attend online lectures with the help of computer or a smart phone. Although online education has become popular nowadays, it has both advantages and disadvantages. 

Advantages
Online learning is convenient. These is obviously the greatest benefit of online learning; as long as you own a computer and have an internet connection, it does not matter in which part of the world you are. Learners can access information from anywhere, anytime.
It is flexible. Learning becomes easier when aligned with one’s learning needs and preferences. Online learning allows learners to study at their own pace, whether they are students, busy adults, or employees. 

Online learning is cost effective.  The cost effectiveness of online learning is quite impressive; no more travel and accommodation expenses, reusable online content. It can be tailored to different needs. Different people learn in different ways, and online learning does everything in its power to ensure that all learning needs are met. Looking for economically viable options online learning for students is the best way;

It is immediate. Not only learners are able to begin their online learning immediately, but they are also able to see immediate results; whether self-paced or instructor-led.
It is unrestricted.  With online learning location is no longer a barrier; neither are culture and nationality.

In addition to studying, you can also work. In fact the majority of applicants who choose distance learning drop out they don’t want to give up, but they want to learn. In online learning you can study on weekends, when you return from work, even at night;  
  
It saves your time! Students in online programs can effectively manage their time, learn the materials, and complete assignments on their own schedules to name just a few benefits of online learning. Transportation to and from training centers you can save the time you spend waiting. In online learning  if you want you will receive information on the spot;

If you consider yourself aspiring, distance education is the greatest way for you.   The advantage is that some classes are held in groups. There are some students in the group the faster some understand slowly. In this regard, distance learning is a method more efficient.

Disadvantages
It may be a “solo” act. It is true that, although online learning might be convenient and flexible, it is also a solo act... Some people absolutely need personal contact with their educators or trainers in order to learn successfully. It is difficult to have group discussions in online education. Student-teacher interaction is also limited. The probability of being distracted is high. In face-to-face communication there are no classmates who are constantly reminded of upcoming assignments. If you want to successfully complete a distance learning course, find yourself you need to be diligent and careful;
It may be impersonal. No matter how we try to fully transfer human communication platforms, no matter how natural it seems to form relationships behind computer screens; a virtual environment is just not human.

Nothing can replace human contact. Too much time spent in front of a computer screen may be harmful. Being constantly online is the new reality, but the truth is that using a computer or a tablet all the time can cause poor vision, strain injuries, and other physical problems. 

It requires self–discipline. If your e-learning audience lacks self – discipline, it is unlikely that they will be motivated to self study. Traditional learning and training have the benefit of easily tracking both progress and falling behind, this works for many learners as well, as some people prefer their progress to be closely monitored in order to perform.

Technology Issues – Many students face technical issues like slow internet connectivity. This hampers the learning experience. The biggest enemy of online learning is the internet's slow performance of providers or disconnection. In this case, the applicant the desire to learn leads to exhaustion or nervousness.
Cheating – Students can cheat easily if exams are conducted online. They can copy the answers as they give the exams from their own house.
Inability to focus – Many students find it difficult to focus on screen for long period of time. Students get distracted easily towards social media or other sites too.

Possible lack of control: No matter how carefully you design e-learning course, there is no guarantee that your massage will get across. There is always the risk of your learners just going through the material without paying any attention. It is difficult to measure program results. Question remains: are students learning what instructor is saying that they should be learning? Students must be self-motivated and disciplined to progress through his or her program in a timely manner. 

In conclusion, the facts are that there are advantages, and disadvantages to every type of learning environment. Students have to analyze both the pros and cons, factors which contribute greatly to making an informed decision, about the direction of his or her career path. Students have to decide, how they are going to accomplish their goals: online, in the classroom or a combination of both. Today’s online learning is better than yesterday’s; and online learning of tomorrow will be better than today’s.

References:
1. https://elearningindustry.com/advantages-and-disadvantages-online-learning
2. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/04/coronavirus-education-global-covid19-online-digital-learning/