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The ongoing COVID- 19 pandemic has interrupted global learning activities, forcing

schools to close temporarily. To continue the learning process, most countries have devised new

learning methods, such as virtual online learning. Consequently, online learning has gained

immerse popularity and turned out to be a mandatory and essential school resource for all

students worldwide. Students find themselves in weird realities of attending lessons at home

without any supervision or warning from the facilitator. Although online learning has emerged as

the only option, it has its advantages and disadvantages.

Online learning provides students with increased flexibility. Students can study at any

time, any place. It has also lead to easy access to educational materials, ensuring learning at a go.

Online class also improves students self-discipline and motivation to learn. Nobody is pushing

them to attend classes; therefore, they have to take responsibility for their learning.

The disadvantages of online learning include minimal social interaction, lack of access to

technology and the internet, and lack of in-person assistance from the teacher. Lack of social

interaction with peers and teachers creates a sense of isolation in students and may lead to poor

interpersonal communication (Herdiana & Usman 2020). Schools assume all students have

access to technological gadgets and the internet. However, most students are unable to afford

internet connectivity, which makes learning a challenge to them. Lastly, lack of in-person

assistance from teachers or instructors makes it difficult for them to understand concepts such as

calculations. Online learning requires learners to be fast active learners placing those who are not

at a disadvantage.

I do not concur with having classes fully online. Studying online denies me a chance to

interact with my peers and have in-person assistance from my teacher.

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Standardized tests such as FSA are affecting teaching and the quality of education. Such

tests negatively affect learners, such as reducing student creativity, lowering their motivation,

test anxiety and low self-confidence in underperforming students. Test scores are assumed to

correlate with teaching effectiveness, leading to unfair blame on good teachers if the students

score low marks (Knoester & Au, 2017). Test preparation emphasis detracts students from the

overall educational experience since students study to pass tests rather than gain knowledge.

Most students end up clamming up and giving answers they cannot explain. In my own

experience, I have done clamming for some tests which were difficult to understand.

Emphasis on standardization on accountability gives stress to students. Students may end

up failing, and the teacher gets blamed for effective teaching methods. Teachers are forced to

accept ownership over their student's performance. However, this is unfair since most factors that

affect students' learning, such as physiological factors, physical health, and fatigue, are not

considered. Such factors are beyond teacher's control, and therefore, teachers cannot be held

responsible.

Reference
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Herdiana, F., & Usman, O. (2020). The Impact Of Teachers, Students, and Technology on

Distance Learning During The Pandemic COVID-19 In Jakarta. Students and

Technology on Distance Learning During The Pandemic COVID-19 In Jakarta (June 21,

2020).

Knoester, M., & Au, W. (2017). Standardized testing and school segregation: like tinder for

fire?. Race Ethnicity and Education, 20(1), 1-14.