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How does online learning impact students' social skills and socialization?

Greta Yarnall

Online learning has become a popular mode of education in recent times, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. This trend has changed the way students learn and interact with each other. The use of online learning platforms can impact students' social skills and socialization in various ways, both positively and negatively.

One significant positive aspect of online learning is the opportunity for students to interact with their peers from all over the world. With online learning, students can connect with people from different cultures and backgrounds, which can broaden their perspectives and social skills. Online learning also helps shy and introverted students to communicate more effectively since they have time to think about their responses before engaging in chats or videoconferencing.

Furthermore, online learning provides several collaborative opportunities such as group assignments, online discussions, and forums. Online group assignments help students build teamwork and communication skills, and they learn how to work effectively in a team even when they are not physically present in the same location. In addition, online discussions provide students with a platform to share their ideas and opinions on various subjects, thus improving their critical thinking and analytical skills.

On the negative side, online learning can inhibit socialization and communication skills negatively. With online learning, students' physical interaction is limited, and they don't get to experience the non-verbal cues and body language that come with face-to-face learning. Therefore, students lack the crucial emotional intelligence that comes with interacting with other people in person.

In addition, online learning platforms' anonymity can also lead to a lack of accountability and uncivilized behavior online. Students can hide behind their screens and engage in cyberbullying, which ultimately hurts their socialization and communication skills.

In conclusion, online learning impacts students' social skills and socialization both positively and negatively. While students can have access to diverse cultures and collaborate from a distance, they can also experience a lack of face-to-face interaction, causing difficulties with emotional intelligence and communication skills. Nevertheless, online learning promotes creativity, critical thinking, and teamwork, skills that are vital in today's work culture. Nonetheless, it is crucial to strike a balance between online and face-to-face learning to maintain and develop students' socialization skills.