STANAG 6001 Level 3 – Speaking Task (Discussion): Negative aspects of e-learning
Examination Task
Although online learning is becoming more popular, some people worry about its negative aspects. Look at the list below. Discuss the following aspects and try to decide which of them is the most and the least serious. Be ready to justify your choice.
- Technology dependence
- Limited teacher’s support
- Need for self-discipline
Sample Discussion
A: Let’s discuss some negative aspects of e-learning, such as technology dependence, limited teacher support, and the need for self-discipline. I suggest we focus on how each of these factors affects the effectiveness of learning.
B: Alright. As we know, e-learning, compared to traditional methods of education, has many advantages, but it is not without its drawbacks. Starting with technology dependence, I believe this aspect is mainly related to excessive and uncontrolled use of the Internet, despite its negative effects on health and social relationships. According to scientific research, Internet addiction is considered one of the key civilization diseases of the 21st century.
A: Yes, that’s true. Online learning is associated with the risk of technology dependence, which in this context should be understood primarily as psychological dependence on the Internet and digital devices. As we know, e-learning requires constant contact with a computer screen, which increases the amount of time spent online. If we spend more than 12 hours a day in front of a computer, it may lead to a situation where a user becomes addicted to computers and the Internet. What do you think?
B: I believe that technology dependence can manifest itself in several areas. First, in excessive time involvement, when a user spends more time online than planned. Second, in neglecting responsibilities and social relationships in favour of online activities. Third, in strong psychological attachment to the digital world, which makes it difficult to function without Internet access. Computer and Internet addiction can also lead to many health problems. Long hours in front of a screen can cause headaches, neck pain, spinal problems, worsening eyesight, and fatigue. It can also weaken the body, disrupt sleep, and lead to general exhaustion and lower immunity.
A: I fully agree that excessive use of the Internet has specific psychosocial consequences. In the context of online learning, these negative effects may include problems with concentration, reduced learning efficiency, and difficulty separating study time from free time. Additionally, excessive use of technology may contribute to social isolation and limit face-to-face interactions. However, I believe that this risk largely depends on the individual. E-learning itself does not automatically cause addiction, but it can create conditions that encourage it, especially among less disciplined individuals who are more prone to excessive use of technology.
B: I’m of the same opinion as you. The mere use of technology does not automatically mean addiction. Much depends on how learning is organised and on the user’s awareness. For some people, e-learning may even be a more effective tool than traditional classroom learning.
A: Let’s move on to the second aspect related to e-learning, namely limited teacher support. In my opinion, this is a major disadvantage of e-learning. In traditional schools, students have direct and continuous contact with the teacher and other participants throughout the lesson. They can ask questions at any time and receive immediate feedback. In e-learning, this contact is often limited – communication takes place via educational platforms, chat, or email, which makes interaction more superficial, disproportionate, and shorter. As a result, there is a lack of genuine and in-depth interaction that supports motivation and better understanding of the material. For many students, especially younger ones, this is a serious barrier to effective learning.
B: I couldn’t agree more. It is true that teachers cannot observe all non-verbal signals, such as lack of understanding or decreased attention, which may negatively affect the quality of the teaching process. Moreover, there is less constant supervision and ongoing monitoring of students’ work, which makes it harder to detect learning difficulties quickly. The possibility of an individual approach is also limited, as online contact is often more general and less personalised.
A: From my perspective, teacher support in e-learning is crucial for the effectiveness of the entire educational process. Some language schools offer online courses in a 1:1 format, where the participant has constant, direct contact with the teacher throughout the lesson. This type of class supports personalisation, as the teacher can continuously adjust the pace, level of difficulty, and materials to the student’s individual needs. As a result, mistakes can be identified and corrected immediately, which significantly improves learning efficiency. Students also have more opportunities to speak actively and ask questions, which is often limited in larger groups.
There are also other forms of e-learning where contact with the teacher is limited. For example, some institutions offer self-study through online platforms with only one consultation per week with a teacher, for instance a 40-minute session. In such cases, the student has to manage most of the material independently, and the teacher’s role is mainly supportive and supervisory.
Let’s now move on to the third aspect related to e-learning, namely the need for self-discipline. In my opinion, self-discipline is the most important aspect of e-learning, as it largely determines a student’s success or failure. What’s your opinion?
B: I also believe that lack of self-discipline is the most serious aspect of e-learning. Unlike in traditional schools, where there is a fixed schedule, direct supervision, and continuous monitoring, in online learning students must maintain regularity and ensure that they complete the material on their own. Learners must find time for studying and be able to avoid distractions such as social media, games, or other online content. It is also necessary to maintain strong internal motivation, as the lack of direct supervision may lead to a decline in interest in learning.
A: It is true. Students often struggle with regular work, which leads to backlogs and reduced learning outcomes. In addition, the home environment does not always support concentration, as there are many distracting factors. In extreme cases, students may completely give up online learning. To conclude, I think that the need for self-discipline is the most important aspect of e-learning, as it largely determines success or failure. In second place, I would put teacher support, which is essential in the learning process, and in third place, technology dependence. Do you agree?
B: I fully agree with that ranking.