Prewriting: Outline of Taking a Position Paper

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Outline for a Position Paper
Introduction
General Background
E-learning is a system of education in which one has to use the internet to access and take part in online courses or modules. E-learning programs are offered through course-management software such as Blackboard or WebCT. However, it is always up to schools to select the most appropriate software. Today, thousands of students take online classes offered by different schools across the globe. In fact, for many working students, online education has become a commonplace. Instead of attending classes physically, these students opt for online versions of the same courses as many colleges provide both versions. Today, there has been heated debate on whether online education is better than the regular education involving physical class attendance. Many people have discussed the topic, but here is my position on the same.
Thesis
Compared to the regular education system involving physical class attendance, online education is better because it is highly flexible and offers not only great opportunities but also a variety of benefits for career enrichment and development.
2. Opposing Argument
a. Counter Arguments.
Undoubtedly, e-learning is more advantageous than the regular edifying systems, but that does not mean that does not face any opposition from other quarters. In fact, there are several counter-arguments against online education, with the major counterargument being that it is more expensive than the regular system.

E-learning requires one to have a computer or at least, a good device to access course material. One has to learn how to use those devices and course-management software before starting to learn. Also, there is an argument that online education requires one to commit more time and resources studying and accessing course materials.
Facts or details
People learn differently, and one-method-fix-it-all may not work
Education is expensive regardless of the approach that one takes
Without committing sufficient time in education, whether regular or online, one may not succeed.
Rebuttal (compare and Contrast)
-Regardless of the few disadvantages that one may encounter in the e-eLearning system, it remains the best option for many students, especially, those who are working.
-Unlike the regular education system, online education gives students a chance to work and get some financial benefits.
-The counter-argument touching on time is unmerited because time requirement applies to both regular and online.
-People learn differently, and online is one of the ways.
3. Arguments
A. On-line education programs offer more flexibility and convenience than regular (or offline) education programs.
Online courses alleviate the need to show up for regular classes. There is the ability to access course materials any time on virtually any computer. Distance no longer becomes problems learners since their presence is not a requirement in the school (Billings 36). Students can take online courses regardless of their location; whether they are at work, home and are traveling does not matter.
B. Online education improves other important skills
Besides helping one with regular coursework, online education improves one’s skills in other areas, such as the internet and technology. C. Financial benefits
Unlike the regular system of learning where one goes to school physically and listen to lectures, online learning gives one a chance to work independently on other exciting opportunities and generate income while learning (Bourn & Bootle 349).
D. A better chance to enrich one’s career
Comparatively, online learning offers a better chance to advance and enrich one’s career than the regular edifying system. Working students taking online courses are more advantaged in this respect because they get the opportunity to discuss issues they learned in classrooms with their colleagues, and to link work-place matters to study while focusing on the actual world of practice (Bourn & Bootle 349).
E. One studies at his own time and space
People learn at different pace and conditions. Bourn and Bootle found that many students prefer studying at their own speed, time and place (351), and this is what e-learning programs offer.
4. Cause and Effect
A. isolation
-E-learning reduces one’s chances of connecting with other classmates.
-However, it is true that not every long distance learner feels isolated
B. Lack of student-teacher communication
-Unlike the regular system, online limits face to face communication between students and teachers.
-Online education is one’s own choice, and if there is a need for communication between the student and the teacher, then, it is the responsibility of the student to make it work.
5. Conclusion
A. The debate on whether online education is better than offline (or regular) education is an already decided one.
B. Online education is better because it is more flexible and offers more benefits and supplementary opportunities for career enrichment than offline education.
C. Nevertheless, to succeed in e-learning, one must have a smooth-running life, self-discipline, and the ability to be exceedingly selfish.

Work Cited
Billings, Diane M. “Understanding the challenges of e‐learning.” Nursing2017 37 (2007): 36-37.
Bourn, Diana, and Keith Bootle. “Evaluation of a distance learning, post graduate advanced award in social work programme for child and family social work supervisors and mentors.” Social Work Education 24.3 (2005): 343-362.