CIPRIANI COLLEGE OF LABOUR &

CO-OPERATIVE STUDIES

LOG 120: CRITICAL THINKING

SEMESTER 01-2023/2024

The Ineffectiveness of Online Learning in Tertiary

Education

Mini Argumentative Essay Assessment

LECTURER: Kari Manswell.

STUDENT ID # 1009020117.

STUDENT NAME: Jason Thomas.

DUE DATE: 24/11/2023.

In the contemporary landscape of higher education, online learning has emerged as a seemingly
innovative solution to accommodate the evolving needs of students and institutions. However, a
critical examination reveals a disconcerting reality—the ineffectiveness of online learning at the
tertiary level. Despite the initial allure of flexibility and accessibility, the inherent shortcomings
of virtual education become apparent when scrutinizing factors such as diminished student
engagement, compromised learning outcomes, and the erosion of a vibrant intellectual
community. This essay aims to dissect these issues and argue that the current online learning
paradigm falls short in delivering the comprehensive and enriching tertiary education experience
that students deserve.

In the first place, a thesis conducted by Narmeen Tayseer Fayed Elayan and the Middle East
University, highlighting both the advantages and disadvantages of online learning. Research
shows a significant number of diminished student engagements, in that some problems that
students and faculty may encounter in online learning are the lack of awareness of society
(Elayan 2021), especially some students who do not know how to use a computer, economic
problems as some students cannot afford the cost of enrolling in online programs and cannot pay
the fees to provide the network due to the poor economic situation (Elayan 2021). Furthermore,
according to Aljaraideh and Al Bataineh (2019), one of the main potential obstacles to the use of
online learning is inadequate online infrastructure. (Yousef Aljaraideh 2019)

In addition to this Chandra in 2020. The way postsecondary students approach their academics
has been significantly impacted by COVID-19. The pandemic has made it clear that home
education has been extremely inconvenient for both parents and pupils. (Hamlin and Peterson
2022) While certain studies have connected online learning to improved students' capacity to
absorb and retain information at a faster rate, research such as that of (Grubic et al). (2020)
asserts that the constrictive learning environments connected with online learning are certain to
cause increased stress and consequently bad academic consequences. (Ezgin 2021) Believed that
education is a great equalizer when it comes to giving young people opportunities for the future.
However, because online education is fundamentally biased, these differences have resulted in
the development of negative viewpoints against it (Ezgin 2021). Under such trying conditions,
there would have been a decrease in the efficient use of the online learning platforms due to
psychological stress and anxiety. Many students, particularly those from poor nations, come
from families that are struggling financially, which exacerbates the situation. Internet
connectivity and a laptop are necessary before beginning an online learning course; these are not
inexpensive resources. (Ezgin 2021)

As a matter of fact (Emma J. Stodel 2006) states; that data reflected a jumbled perception and
expectations about what learners do in online discussions, some commented that the sessions
were merely used as a way of reporting into the discussion. To some the discussions were too
loose and drawn out (Emma J. Stodel 2006). Other researchers have encountered similar findings
regarding learners’ experiences with discussion forums. Thomas (2002) found an overall
incoherence in online discussion in terms of “branching structure, the large proportion of
messages that terminated branches, and the abstracted nature of students interaction” suggesting
that “the online discussion forum does not promote the interactive dialogue of conversation, but
rather leads students towards poorly interrelated monologues” (Gao 2013). Some findings made
researchers question whether or not students preferred participating critically in online
discussions and whether discussions should take place in this type of platform. Although online
discussion boards are already a common feature of flexible education delivered over the Internet,
it is clear that they may not be the ideal technology to support the interactive and collaborative
processes necessary for a conversational model of learning. (Gao 2013)

Conversely, researchers found that numerous students over the globe can now access a wide
range of courses virtually without having to leave the comforts of their homes (LYNCH 2020).
However, online learning has been proven over time and again the negative effect caused to
students and parents alike such as psychologically, physically and financially, which in the long
term produces a society lacking intellectual, emotional and creative thinking skills needed to
excel.

In conclusion, online learning lacks the student’s engagement, as well as it has shown to
compromise learning outcomes, and moreover is deficient of that intellectual and critical
thinking aspect of learning. Without a doubt I have found online learning to be ineffective at
tertiary level learning.

Bibliography
Elayan, Narmeen Tayseer Fayed. "Middle East University." Advantages and Disadvantages of University
Online Learning , 2021: 81.

Emma J. Stodel, Terrie Lynn Thompson and Colla J. MacDonald. "International Review of Research in
Open and Distributed Learning." Learners' Perspectives on What is Missing from Online, 2006: 25.

Ezgin, Akpınar. "The Effect of Online Learning on Tertiary Level Students Mental Health during the Covid-
19 Lockdown." EjSBS - Issue 1, 2021: 11.

Gao, Fei. "Designing Asynchronous Online Discussion Environments: Recent." VISUAL

COMMUNICATIONS AND TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION, 2013: 4-9.

LYNCH, MATTHEW. "The Tech Edvocate." September 24, 2020. https://www.thetechedvocate.org/5-

advantages-and-5-disadvantages-of-e-learning/ (accessed October 2023, 2023).