The pandemic had left us in unprecedented times with empty schools, colleges, and universities, thus leading to a new model of teaching and learning. Consequently, we were forced to start things online. But it also raised a vital question: classroom learning vs online learning; which is effective?
With the rise and popularity of online learning, education
is taking place remotely and on different digital platforms. However, as many
people have become accustomed to new technologies and transformation, they are
still confused about whether “is online learning effective or not?”
The sudden shift from classroom learning has left many
wondering whether online education will continue post-pandemic and how it will
affect the physical classroom system. Here we will sketch a comparison between
the two learning modes, i.e., online learning vs. traditional learning. We’ll
also discuss their major advantages, disadvantages, and fundamental
differences.
What is Classroom (Physical) Learning?
Classroom learning refers to a form of education where you
create a face-to-face environment for instructors and
students. In this mode of learning, real-time interaction happens between
students and teachers. The classroom's physical environment includes boards,
projectors, teachers, and class monitors. Therefore, it holds learners accountable,
and there are lesser chances of distraction.
Advantages of Classroom Learning
Physical classrooms offer many advantages that are not found
in online ones.
Relationship Building
Learners develop close relationships with teachers and other
students in a physical classroom. It allows students to receive feedback from
their teachers in the form of their voice tone, movement, body language, facial
expressions, and lessons taught on the chalkboard or whiteboard.
Exchange of Ideas
Students are present with their peers in the classroom,
allowing them to share ideas, clear their doubts, collaborate,
and network with fellow learners and teachers.
Reduced Distraction
Physical classrooms have fewer distractions or challenges,
unlike at home, such as television screens, calls, kids, or other noises.
Disadvantages of Classroom Learning
Until recently, there were no significant drawbacks found in
traditional learning.
However, with online learning making a name in the world of
education, some significant flaws have been identified in traditional classroom
settings. They are:
Time-Consuming and Costly
If the courses are taking place at a distance from your home
or workplace, you must travel from one place to another to attend classes.
Hence, it adds travel time and expenses like meals, tolls, etc.
Inflexible Schedule
An inflexible class schedule can cause serious issues if you
have a static work routine. Having to cancel attending a lesson or your work,
mainly because you are not the only student, can make completing the course
challenging.
Learning Speed
In face-to-face learning, everyone is expected to pick the
lessons at a particular speed, making personalized learning almost impossible.
In addition, some learners may not relate to a fixed learning schedule or class
environment and need to study at their own pace and convenience to
excel at education.
What is Online Learning?
Online education is a learning experience that lets learners
and instructors connect virtually. This learning mode uses online whiteboards,
video conferencing, and screen sharing to conduct live sessions and discussions
with students.
As online classrooms are cloud-based learning
solutions conducted digitally, they are customizable and
accessible to all learners on various devices like desktops, smartphones,
tablets, laptops, etc
Advantages of Online (Virtual) Learning
Online classrooms offer the following benefits;
Multiple Multimedia Options
Although in physical classrooms, there are many multimedia
options available, like videos and PowerPoint presentations, the choices in
online learning are unlimited, with quizzes, screencasts, videos, and a variety
of other technological functionalities.
Flexibility
Where in-person learning requires students to commute, bear
extra expenses, and disturb their work schedules, online learning doesn’t
demand learners to do so. A significant portion of e-learning courses doesn’t
need teacher-student
interaction. Learners can take lessons whenever and wherever they want
through laptops, smartphones, or offline.
Endless Opportunities
Besides online learning sessions, virtual courses will
likely improve students’ understanding of the study material. Students can
achieve their educational goals through tutorials, certifications, or
standalone courses in the corporate sector.
Shrinking Distance
With online learning, taking training from outside the
country becomes an easy task. Remote
classes let multinational companies train their employees across
borders. Likewise, it is easier to teach learners no matter which part of the
world they are in. Students can make online study groups and learn with their
peers.
Virtual Quizzes
Online quizzes are more effective than the traditional
pen-and-paper mode. They ensure the active
engagement of students in the subject material. Moreover, they
increase their motivation, help them recall information, and gain better
grades.
Another significant advantage of online quizzes is that it
reduces students’ stress. Platforms like Kahoot! And Quizizz has a live dashboard with
background music. Learners can see their own and others’ rank. So, they get
involved in healthy competition to get higher scores. The fun and interactive
features make students excited and forget they are taking a quiz.
Tracking the Results
In physical classrooms, teachers used to do manual checking
of the answers. But in the virtual world, quizzes and their solutions can be
sent to instructors, aiding them in tracking students’ progress.
Managing Study Materials
Learners submit assignments online and can email questions
to their instructors. They can also get the study materials before the class
starts, helping them to prepare in advance for the lesson and even understand
things at their own pace.
Disadvantages of Online Learning
Those who think online learning is a boon are not correct.
It also has flaws.
Technology Issues
Although the internet has been part and parcel of daily life
for a long time, not everybody is tech-savvy. That’s why it can lead to
feelings of frustration and loss of time while dealing with such issues.
Moreover, some students cannot handle the virtual sessions' tech requirements,
like reliable WiFi and a fast processor. So, online learning will be a waste of
time and energy in some cases.
Lack of Socialization
In face-to-face spaces, you can interact with fellow
students and build a bond with them. On the contrary, in online classes, the
scope of social interaction is limited, and the chances to meet and communicate
with your peers are lesser.
No Routine
Though learners benefit from attending classes at their
will, it can result in unnecessary delays. The disadvantage of online learning
is that any environment away from the classroom has plenty of distractions. One
must create and follow a consistent schedule to reduce the impact of these distractions
and delays.
Classroom Learning vs Online Learning
Virtual classrooms have resulted in maintaining information
and saving time, whereas physical classrooms offer greater socialization and
accountability.
Here are a few key differences between classroom learning vs
online learning.
Time Management
Time management plays a significant role in the difference
between online learning vs traditional learning. Virtual education is more
flexible, and one can attend lessons anywhere and anytime, saving students time
and travel expenses.
Which is More Flexible?
Another difference is the flexibility online classes
provide. Also, virtual education seems more organized with smaller parts that
are easy to learn and manage even on busy schedules.
Learners can also appear for tests at their selected time
and don’t have to be physically present in a class. Moreover, if they cannot
understand a particular lesson in an online course, they can go through the
subject material plenty of times to grasp the concepts.
On the other hand, traditional classes have rigid schedules,
where an instructor must manage many students simultaneously.
Interaction & Collaboration
Mode of interaction is another difference between online and
face-to-face classrooms. In physical classes, learners can interact
face-to-face with each other and their teachers. They can ask questions and get
answers on the spot, thus offering a dynamic learning experience. They also get
to share their views and ideas about the subject matter at hand.
Whereas such interaction is missing in online spaces, it is
somehow made possible via chats, emails, forums, and webinars. The only thing
missing from them is any practical experience, for example, activities or
illustrations practiced in real-time.
Mode of Instruction
An exciting feature of online learning vs traditional
learning is the mode of delivery or instruction.
In-person classrooms require teachers to deliver lectures
verbally or through PowerPoint presentations. In comparison, instructors use tools
like graphs, videos, presentations, and visuals in online education.
Additionally, traditional classes need the physical presence
of teachers and students, but virtual classrooms demand instructors to be
tech-savvy.
Teachers also need to monitor students’ progress. Manual
tracking is the standard in physical classes, where educators verbally
instruct.
Conclusion
So, you might want to choose between classroom learning vs
online learning. But the answer is we cannot conclude which is better as both
have their distinct advantages and disadvantages.
You can use any or go for a blended approach depending on the needs of the course material and your students.