Classroom learning vs online learning: differences, pros and cons

Classroom learning vs online learning: differences, pros and cons!

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by Liubomyr Sirskyi
Copywriter at Kwiga

Now more and more people are enrolling in online courses and even getting a full-fledged university education via the Internet. This approach is based on virtual communication when the presence of a teacher in the classroom is not necessary. Therefore, hundreds of teachers decide to create online school and make money on knowledge.

There are a huge number of courses online - from drawing and mathematics to acting and playing musical instruments. However, there are still people who prefer to attend classes offline. Learning more information on classroom learning vs online learning helps you make the right decision on how to get new knowledge and skills.

Why is this happening? Let's try to understand the question of what is online learning and what is classroom learning!

What is online learning

Online learning is the process of gaining knowledge and skills using various Internet resources and learning platforms. Modern technologies help students to study up-to-date information in a comfortable and familiar environment. Online learning can be in the form of video and audio recordings, slides, chats and other interactive elements you can generate on online teaching platform.

Online learning is a great way to get a quality education without having to attend classes in person. It provides flexibility for students as they can watch courses from anywhere, at any time, on their own schedule. Online learning also allows for a variety of learning styles as each individual can tailor their experience to personal needs and preferences.

Advantages of online learning

Online learning has many benefits for both students and teachers.

  • Flexibility. It offers students more flexible schedules and the opportunity to study from the comfort of their homes.
  • Mobility. Students can move at their own pace and access a variety of materials and resources.
  • Availability. Online learning can make education more accessible to people from low-income backgrounds or people with disabilities.
  • Coverage. Educators can use the online teaching platform to reach a wider audience and offer courses to more students than in a traditional classroom.
  • Personalization of learning. The online environment allows teachers to track student progress more closely and provide a personalized learning experience in real-time.
  • Qualitative assessment of knowledge. Educators can save time and resources by using online quizzes and grading tools.

Cons of online learning

One of the most significant disadvantages of online learning is that it is much less interactive than face-to-face classes. Lack of direct interaction with the teacher can make motivation difficult, as students may lack support and feedback, unlike traditional teaching. And in the case of a single course, the student may experience a sense of isolation.

There are other disadvantages you get when you create an online course:

  • Some students are unable to keep track of homework deadlines and the publication of new learning materials.
  • It can be difficult for students to ask questions and receive timely feedback as communication in an online course is often asynchronous.
  • Online learning requires a certain level of self-discipline and technical literacy. Therefore, students should feel comfortable using the learning platform, be able to manage their time, and take initiative.

Overall, online learning has some drawbacks, but with the right approach, it can be just as effective as learning in a traditional classroom. And for some people, the answers to the questions “Should I choose to study online or offline?” and “Why online schooling is better?” will be obvious.

What is classroom learning

Classroom education refers to the traditional form of learning that takes place in a physical classroom or another educational environment. It includes face-to-face lectures and discussions between faculty and students, as well as other forms of learning such as field trips, workshops, and co-education.

Classroom learning gives students the opportunity to interact face-to-face with their peers, ask questions, and receive immediate feedback from instructors. In addition, traditional education allows for physical demonstrations and experiments, which is not always possible in an online environment.

As the name implies, for classroom learning it is absolutely not necessary to have a laptop, smartphone or tablet with an Internet connection. It is enough to come to the designated place at a certain time and start practicing.

Advantages of classroom learning

Traditional training courses have the following advantages:

  • Learning experience. Learning in a traditional format gives students a deeper learning experience. This makes it easier to focus on learning materials without being distracted by the Internet.
  • Availability. Classroom learning is more accessible to students in remote areas or those who do not have internet access.
  • Practicality. Hands-on activities such as building a model or demonstrating skills are best done in a class.
  • Flexibility. Traditional learning can be tailored to the individual needs of each student and delivered at their own pace.
  • Interaction. Classroom learning allows for constructive interaction between the teacher and the student, which can lead to a deeper understanding of the material.

All these advantages are the main arguments of supporters of traditional education.

Disadvantages of classroom learning

The main disadvantage of classroom learning is that students may not have access to the same resources as online. For example, online learning platforms typically have access to a range of learning materials such as videos, books, and lectures that students can access from anywhere.

There are other disadvantages of the traditional approach to gaining knowledge:

  • Students do not get access to interactive components - a chat with a teacher and discussion boards. Therefore, students may feel disconnected from their peers and teachers.
  • Studying in a class can be more expensive than studying online, as students must pay for materials and other costs associated with attending in-person classes.
  • Sometimes you may need to move to attend classes. This can become an additional financial burden as well as disrupt their lives.
  • Students of classroom courses are limited to a certain place for conducting lessons and a clear schedule. This may limit opportunities for students who are unable to attend classes due to work or family commitments. Online learning, on the other hand, can be more flexible, allowing students to access materials anytime, anywhere.

One way or another, the traditional approach to gaining knowledge continues to be popular.

Which is better: online or classroom learning?

To summarize, both formats for gaining knowledge have their pros and cons. However, online courses are very popular. They allow you to receive teacher assistance and attend classes without the risk of being late to the classroom and with the ability to watch lessons anywhere in the world. Therefore, you can study in electronic courses from any device that is connected to the Internet.