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The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted the majority of public and private sectors, including the education system. As the quarantine restrictions tightened, most universities switched to online delivery methods. The development of online education platforms over the past decade made this transition possible. Before the pandemic, many colleges already provided students with lecture recordings and some computer-based assessments. However, in the wake of the global crisis, universities are beginning to completely reconsider the traditional educational practices. The current educational system suffers from unnecessary organizational rigidity and high costs. Students experiencing financial struggles or disability are, thus, often at a disadvantage. This paper discusses how online classes can improve disadvantaged students experience by providing increased flexibility, lower costs, and improved accessibility.
Traditional college education requires students to fit the rest of their commitments around the scheduled classes. Conversely, online courses can accommodate the students daily routine by being always accessible. Students who are more productive in the nighttime can organize their learning accordingly to optimize productivity and reduce stress (Arkorful & Abaidoo, 2015). Furthermore, for financially disadvantaged students, the flexibility of courses can ensure simultaneous employment and study (Arkorful & Abaidoo, 2015). To support their college education, many students work full-time during the day while attending classes in the evenings. However, many institutions only offer a limited number of evening courses, forcing them to choose from the available options. Today, most degrees are available online, meaning the students no longer have to compromise between a stable income and higher education. Additionally, professionals who wish to change careers can maintain their current job while exploring potential new avenues through the courses offered online (Arkorful & Abaidoo, 2015). Similarly, organizational flexibility allows parents with small children to maintain a study-family balance.
Online classes offer lower educational costs for both the students and the institutions and promote equal learning opportunities. Despite the digital prevalence of education materials, many educators still opt for print-outs or require the students to bring paper-back textbooks. Online classes eliminate the course-material costs by providing the students with all the resources necessary (Arkorful & Abaidoo, 2015). Furthermore, many reputable colleges offer free online courses, whose credits can count towards the official degrees. Together with the eliminated commuting expenses, it significantly reduces the overall expenditure for the course. The absence of commuting, textbooks, and the possibility to take free courses ensures greater accessibility to marginalized communities. Rural students, previously hindered by the lack of public transportation or fuel prices, can now access online tertiary education (Arkorful & Abaidoo, 2015). Similarly, students with physical disabilities can benefit from online classes as traveling to and from the university can be challenging (Arkorful & Abaidoo, 2015). The students are less likely to miss a class due to bad weather or transportation delays, improving their motivation and overall performance.
Online classes are becoming more commonplace, with the potential to eliminate traditional course delivery. Due to their flexibility, working students can maintain a work-study balance. Parents can learn a new subject without being away from their children. Rural communities can access higher education regardless of the availability of public transport. Students with disabilities bypass the commuting challenges by learning from home. Financially disadvantaged students benefit from the overall reduction in costs, from course-material to travel expenses. Increased flexibility and accessibility can reduce stress and boost the productivity of all students regardless of background. Online classes are a stepping stone towards equal educational opportunities, and more universities should consider implementing them into their curriculum.
References
Arkorful, V., & Abaidoo, N. (2015). The role of e-learning, advantages, and disadvantages of its adoption in higher education. International Journal of Instructional Technology and Distance Learning, 12(1), 2942. Web.
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