Online learning, the prominent aspect of e-learning, has been considered one of the most efficient ways to educate in modern life. According to Enman and May (2012), “Since 2000, the global e-learning market has grown by 900%.” By 2019, 50% of all training will be performed online. However, besides its benefits, online learning also has many negative effects on students of every age group. This essay will focus on two advantages: convenience and cost-saving, as well as two disadvantages: problems with technology and the quality of using online learning.

The convenience of studying online is a major advantage. To begin with, it is widely believed that online courses can be accessed whenever and wherever there is an Internet connection; in addition, online learners can study at their own pace via the Internet. Moreover, online materials also can be up-to-date twenty hours per day during a week (Chanoff, 2013). Furthermore, Hall and Rosenberg (2012) also stated that “E-learning is generally shorter than classroom training on the same subject by up to 25-60%.”
Another benefit of online learning for students is cost-saving. According to Messman (as cited in Richard, 2009), one of the most effective options for education will probably be online learning. To a certain extent, a massive of money can be saved, such as for traveling, accommodation as well as transport cost if students use online learning. By providing online courses, many universities’ operating expenses can be saved by up to 50%, stated Lawrence (2012).

On the other hand, using online learning also has many disadvantages, and one of the most critical drawbacks of studying online is the limitation of the technology. Regarding Koshy (2012), the Internet connection is sometimes really slow or even interrupted unexpectedly, which makes many people feel uncomfortable; in addition, some online students, especially those who have beginner-level computer skills, may have difficulty using and installing lots of complicated software. Despite the proliferation of technology, it also contains many disadvantages affecting online learning.

A further drawback of online learning is its quality, which probably makes employment difficult for online learners after graduating. Online learning has become more and more well-liked in recent years; however, it is still dismissed, and the qualification of online students sometimes not be accepted by several institutions. According to Evans, a professor at the University of Virginia, online courses may have extreme difficulty replacing traditional learning in classrooms. Moreover, it is generally assumed that online learning may not have the same quality as classroom training.

To sum up, the advent and development of online learning have challenged traditional education methods because of their prominent benefits. However, online learning also brings many negative drawbacks to students of every age group. It appears that it is very much up to the individual whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages or vice versa.