Disclaimer: The Eqbal Ahmad Centre for Public Education (EACPE) encourages critical and independent thinking and believes in a free expression of one’s opinion. However, the views expressed in contributed articles are solely those of their respective authors and do not necessarily reflect the position or policy of the EACPE.
Studying abroad is a dream of every student. Students struggle during their college and university life and after that they look for different scholarships to go abroad and join universities there in order get quality education. But what about those who can’t avail such opportunities?
There is a solution: Online Learning.
Let me share my experience with you. I’m from Gilgit-Baltistan where quality education is a need. I am from a middle class family. Several years ago, I attended a session on the “Importance of Internet” conducted by the Aga Khan Education Services Pakistan (AKESP). There, I was informed about many educational websites, like edX, Coursera, Udacity, Khan Academy, even Google, for getting latest information, and education, almost any topic. I was stunned and excited. Earlier, my exposure to internet was limited to Facebook and Twitter only. Knowing about these websites opened a new horizon for exploration and learning. Since then, I have registered on these websites, and continue learning online.
Nowadays, along with my university lessons, I use these websites during my spare times. They provide top quality education to everyone around the world. Those who have internet access can easily take free and certified courses on these websites. They provide courses from excellent universities on various subjects, like Science, Mathematics, Arts and Humanities, World History, personal development and many more.
Distance learning is playing a key role in education nowadays. Interacting with world’s best instructors and universities is an awesome experience.
Khan Academy, in particular, improved my mathematical and scientific skills. It is a massive learning tool. Short and precise videos explain the concepts well and it’s fun to use it. Coursera and edX gave me the opportunity to enhance my critical thinking in various fields like Science, English and Logical Reasoning. It connected me to the top institutions like MIT.
On edX, I took a free course from MIT on “Biochemistry: The Secret of Life”. It was an immense learning experience. On Udacity, I took personal development courses; I learned about healthy life styles like yoga and meditation from Deepak Chopra (MD).
Google for Education is a massive virtual education school, where I learned so many new stuff. You tube is a virtual hub where I improved my English skills, by listening and watching.
Distance learning is playing a key role in education nowadays. Interacting with world’s best instructors and universities is an awesome experience. The Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCS) are available all the time. The courses are unique and require attention and hard work. Online quizzes and interactive exercises help students feel like one-on-one tutoring. Peer grading helps students know their performances.
The good thing about online learning is that I can easily interact with my peers, other fellow students all over the world. It’s like one world global classroom. I can get instant feedback, badges and energy points which keep me motivated. As we’re living in the 21st century, Internet is becoming a beacon of change. The world is becoming more global and it’s important to embrace the change.
I urge youth to not be hopeless, and keep looking for opportunities and make online learning a part of your life. As Brian Herbert, an American author says, “The capacity to learn is a gift, the ability to learn is a skill but the willingness to learn is a choice”.
I wish you all the best.
The writer is a BS (Hons) student at Karakoram International University, Gilgit.
Nice and encouraging article with good advice.
No doubt, internet is a blessing of the 21st century.
Thank you for your encouraging words.