Education has changed significantly over the decades. Every few years, there is a noticeable shift in how most things are done. We are talking about the techniques used in teaching and the tools used in the classroom. The job market has also transformed and, as a result, led to a skills gap.
This has forced learning institutions to be agile and conform to ways to prepare learners for the market. Classrooms have become smart, with a wide range of educational technologies being used to deliver information.
Learner-educator engagement has also taken a different shape; there is increased accessibility. The changes experienced in this sector have improved the quality of education, with a rise in the graduation rates realized over the years.
There has been a change in perception of education, with people embracing the modern classroom and choosing flexibility. This has seen the rise of online learning, and hence the debate on which one works better the traditional or online education.
A comprehensive comparison of the two will shed light on the benefits and drawbacks of both models.
1. Location
This is where the primary difference between the two lies.
Online learning takes place over the Internet, and it can take different approaches. Classes over the Internet can occur in the presence of a moderator or educator. Alternatively, learners can use pre-recorded material to get information.
Learners can also find their learning materials and work through a course outline and prepare for examinations. There are no face-to-face interactions with lecturers or their peers. However, communication over digital devices and collaboration can take place.
Traditional classes take place in a physical location, be it a lecture hall or classroom. The educators and tutees have a face-to-face interaction whereby educators play the vital role of guiding the classroom. The instructor directs the flow of information to the students and often creates the lesson and study plans.
Online learning has some benefits over the offline model. It allows the students to attend classes anywhere and anytime. The traditional setting can be limiting as the learners have to work with their instructors’ schedules even if it does not work for them.
2. Teaching Materials
Online classes provide room for the utilization of a wide range of learning materials. Be it videos, podcasts, softcopy notes, infographics, write essay for me platforms, and other audiovisual mediums. The resources used in the modern setting are interactive and can be personalized depending on individual academic needs.
A traditional academic setting relies on hardcopy notes for the transfer of knowledge. The approach has been working for a long time, but not without significant challenges. The rigid system denies the instructors the opportunity to utilize practical tools for effective knowledge transfer.
E-learning programs continue to provide a versatile platform that both instructors and students can use to transfer and consume knowledge. Traditional classrooms do not provide the teachers many options unless they decide to integrate blended learning.
The interactive resources used in online classes are more engaging and keep the learners motivated.
3. Cost
Studying has never been more affordable. Online schools don’t have hundreds of staff to pay at the end of every month. There are no recurring overheads to pay. This way, they don’t have to factor in school fees, making education cheaper.
Students are also spared from living expenses incurred when staying on campus and commuting costs.
Running a traditional school is generally expensive. The institutions can have hundreds or even thousands of workers, depending on how big they are. There are numerous overhead and administrative costs that affect the tuition fees.
Conventional learning materials are also costly to purchase. Online learning has seen a significant drop in the cost of acquiring education, enhancing equality in the sector as more people can afford school.
4. Access
This has everything to do with location. Online, or distance learning, as the name suggests, allows students to attend lectures from wherever they are. Be it from their homes, a different state, or even different continents. All that is required is a computer and the Internet.
Traditional classes require the learners to go to where the educators are to get knowledge.
The modern approach eliminates all the restrictions brought about by distance. Students don’t have to be under the same roof as their professors to learn. This can be done on the go and anywhere.
On completing their assignment, all they need to do is make another click to submit. The access benefit mainly came in handy after the emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Despite the lockdowns and other covid-related restrictions, students could still attend lectures online.
5. Learning Approach
Online learning focuses on the self-education approach. The model is featured by sustainable education, whereby the learner is independent in their academic life. The model provides flexibility whereby the student is free to design their study schedule and plan.
The students have control over their learning environment. Taking online classes, they are responsible for their academic progress and success.
The traditional model endorses dependent learning, whereby students learn from their teachers and peers. They are barely responsible for their lesson plans and have to follow the lead of their professors.
Online learning promotes the overall development of the learners. It eliminates instances whereby students feel like they are being coerced to learn. It encourages lifelong learning, boosts confidence, and increases motivation.
6. Flexibility
Online learning has addressed the issue of flexibility which has been affecting learners for decades. The approach has made it possible for the working population to advance their knowledge and skills. People with jobs can enroll in programs without the need to quit or take academic leaves.
They don’t have to worry about making it to class on time as they can attend lectures from where they are. Learners also have the freedom to design their course schedules, which made it easy for this category of students to achieve a work-life balance.
Traditional learning doesn’t provide that much flexibility as the students and educators have to be in the same space for learning to happen. It is therefore challenging to find a time that will be convenient for all learners.
The rigidity of the traditional approach has posed a challenge to working individuals or persons with families to go back to school and advance their skills and knowledge. Those who can enroll end up having a strenuous and demanding academic life.
7. Technical Skills
E-learning requires certain technical skills to be able to learn. Basic computer and Internet knowledge and skills are needed for the students to navigate the online learning platforms. Unfortunately, the model may not work for audiences that don’t have the skills.
Online learning will, therefore, work for students who have reached a certain level of education and will be a bit challenging for the lower grades.
Traditional schooling works for everybody, even for students who do not have advanced technical skills. Though learners still need to be able to document and print their assignments using computers, they don’t need to know how to use complicated software and do other tasks associated with online education.
Which Education Model Is More Effective?
It may be wrong to say that one model is better than the other. A significant share of the world’s most educated people attended traditional schools. A new generation of equally educated persons that have studied online is also on the rise.
The success of the two models can only be determined by how effectively education has been delivered. The learners’ focus and commitment to studying also play an important part in their academic success.
Worth noting, however, is that e-learning is an excellent alternative to conventional education. It offers the much-needed flexibility that students struggled with before. Now, work or a health condition is not an obstacle to receiving a quality education.
It has also addressed the issue of the cost of acquiring education, as it is more affordable. Students can also take part-time jobs to take care of their expenses while still studying.
Accessibility has significantly improved as students and teachers don’t have to be in the same classroom to exchange knowledge.
Both models have their advantages and drawbacks. However, the rise of online learning has provided students with a wider range of options. They can now choose what works best for them, unlike initially where strategies were imposed.
Final Thoughts
Which approach works best for you will be determined by several factors. The first aspect is your budget. The course or topic will also inform your choice. Will you better understand the topic through independent learning or dependent learning? Which materials do you prefer to work with? Is it audiovisual content or hardcopy books?
The other question you need to ask yourself is how much time you have for learning. If you have a job, then you might want to consider e-learning. If you have all the time, then a traditional school will work for you.
The skills you intend to develop and the time you want to spend on the program will also inform your choice.