Online education is a way of learning that is increasing its application. Due to the lack of time available for people to study in person, due to the schedules demanded by these. The detail that demands a stable and fast connection, considering the amount of applications that we use for this activity.
Among the most basic requirements are videoconferencing platforms, which can range from Zoom to Google Meets or Google Classroom. Not to mention other tools such as simulators, online libraries, and virtual classrooms that need constant transmission.
What kind of connection do is best for online classes?
One of the most frequent concerns is what type of connection is necessary to take online classes. The most recommended is a fiber optic connection, since it has the fastest and most stable internet connection. This will allow you to access the tools you need, although you must take into account the speed it may require.
Videoconferencing platforms: Tools for virtual meetings or classes are the best, as it allows you to share the screen and show students how to perform each activity. However, they require a fairly fast connection of no less than 20 mbps.
Virtual classrooms: Virtual classrooms show videoconferences or video tutorials of the classes to be developed. These transmissions can be less heavy than the previous one, although it also depends on the quality of the video. For this type of access we suggest that you have a connection of no less than 15 mbps.
Access to simulators: The tools to perform the activities are important and many of them are heavy. In some cases, you can do your practices online and in others you can download them and use them in desktop mode. Considering both cases, you may need a fast connection of no less than 20 mbps.
As you can see just in the access to the virtual platforms to watch the classes and do the practices you should have at least a 20 mbps connection, although we suggest 50 mbps, taking into account that you may have other users connected to the network, decreasing the bandwidth of the connection.
Consequences of not having an adequate connection for online education
Not having a stable connection can be detrimental to the teaching process. For example, when entering the Zoom room or any conference room you may have problems to connect, to see the screen or to hear clearly the teacher's indications.
You may also have problems accessing the simulators, hanging the simulators or making the practices much longer. In the case of online applications it is worse, considering that the connection time is limited and when you reach this the data face is stopped, causing you to lose the progress made on several occasions.
Finally, you would have problems accessing information, whether it is research you need to do, work or even projects of some of the subjects you are studying.
As you can see, having fast and stable internet is necessary to have an effective online education. We recommend that you talk to experts who will recommend which speed to purchase, depending on the number of computers connected and the routine use of each one.