Some universities now offer their courses on the Internet so that people can study online. Is this a positive or negative development?

Technology has permeated many aspects of
education
, as seen in the way online
courses
are becoming a common feature of
university
education
.
Although
there are inherent problems associated with Internet-based learning, it is a fundamentally positive development. Admittedly, the drawbacks of the trend towards offering and attending online
university
courses
are indeed evident. Chief of these is that there is invariably less direct interaction between students and their professors.
This
, given the complexity of knowledge in
university
courses
, could have an adverse impact on students’ understanding of the concepts learned and their performance at school. Added to
this
is the fact that these learners may
also
lack the motivation and element of competition that conventional lectures bring.
This
can be seen in the way many students zealously raise their hands in class to showcase the depth of their intellect. Despite the negatives mentioned above, I believe that online
university
courses
are a welcome development for various reasons. The key benefit is that they allow learners to study in a flexible way. meaning that they can work whenever and wherever is convenient, and they can cover the material at their own pace. Working adults,
for example
, now can pursue their
education
from the comfort of their own homes by taking online classes, which would have been impossible in the days before internet-based
education
.
Furthermore
, by eliminating the costs of travel, accommodation and the use of
university
facilities, online
courses
are made much more affordable.
This
renders
university
education
accessible to a larger section of the human population. In conclusion. I believe online learning to be a positive development
overall
because it offers online learners flexibility and accessibility.
This
is provided that these students proactively seek help from their professors when they encounter difficulties and have group work or group discussions to maintain high levels of competition and motivation.
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coherence cohesion
Ensure your essay has a consistent logical structure throughout. Maintain clear transitions between paragraphs for better flow.
task achievement
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coherence cohesion
Well-structured introduction and conclusion, which neatly frame your argument.
task achievement
Covered key points comprehensively, with relevant examples such as working adults benefiting from online courses.

Use cohesive linking words accurately and appropriately

Linking words are very important in your essay.

To score effectively on your IELTS exam, you should make an effort to implement short concise sentences coupled with linking words.

Almost every sentence in your essay should have a linking word of some sort.

In fact, the only sentences that can omit linking words are your background sentence and thesis.

Linking word examples:

  • firstly
  • secondly
  • thirdly
  • in additional
  • moreover
  • also
  • for example
  • for instance
  • therefore
  • however
  • although
  • even though
  • despite

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Topic Vocabulary:
  • Distance learning
  • Flexible schedule
  • Virtual classroom
  • Digital resources
  • E-learning platforms
  • Asynchronous learning
  • Synchronous learning
  • Cost-effective
  • Self-paced study
  • Technical difficulties
  • Blended learning
  • Online modules
  • Remote access
  • Student engagement
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