TeamCurrently, colleges are offering their students both online and sit-in classes. As much as some institutions have only one option, most of them give their students these options. With the shifting global landscape, learners, just like every other person, have had to adapt to technological advancements, which involve meeting and attending classes through zoom and other online platforms.
We cannot overstate the importance of online learning. Online education has its merits, but is it sustainable or do they prefer their usual face-to-face interactive classroom learning? Let us explore these two modes of education and how efficient they are for students.
1. Online Classes
The world is surfing on a different wave technology-wise. Almost everything has been digitized, and education hasn’t been left behind, with students attending online classes and even sitting for exams online. Some of the merits of online learning include.
Accessibility
Online classes have made education more accessible, with the possibility of attending any institution without traveling miles. Traditional education somehow makes it impossible for students to study in their dream learning institutions due to distance. Additionally, many learners can gain further qualifications by retraining for the skills they want at any point in their life, even when working. Therefore this opens up formal education for students who wish to learn part-time without interrupting their everyday activities.
Students Acquire New Technical Skills.
Students mostly use computers, phones or any other device that supports online learning. Therefore using these digital technologies is a great way to work on their technical skills on different software and troubleshoot some technical issues that may arise in the course of learning.
The digital landscape is shifting, and employers are now keener on digital literacy; therefore, getting exposed early to these new technologies can help students secure an employment spot. Additionally, in the employment field, when working on a group project, submitting reports and replies through emails can be complex, and thus you can opt to use the following platforms.
- Skype for video conferencing with colleagues
- Dropbox for keeping all the files shared in one folder
- Slack is an instant messaging platform that allows you to form small working groups
Some of these applications are also used during online learning to submit assignments and to hold group discussions. Therefore having prior knowledge of them will work to your advantage in the employment field.
Flexibility
Most students taking up online classes prefer it due to its convenience and flexibility. Unlike traditional learning, you can continue with your regular schedule and still find some time to attend class. Therefore it makes it possible for students to take on part-time jobs as they continue with their classwork. Additionally, for pre-recorded lessons, students can develop their convenient schedules to catch up with such classes. It is unlike traditional face-to-face learning, where one has to attend class at the stipulated time.
Learners can learn at their Own Pace
Online learning makes it possible for students to learn at their own preferred pace. For example, one can do a recording of the lecture for future reference and understanding. Therefore it makes it possible for them to revisit the lessons and understand what was not apparent during the studies.
2. In-person classes
Many people argue that the purpose of education is not only to read and excel in our careers, but it also helps us develop our social cues. Interaction with others boosts our social life skills on how to deal with other people. As much as there is still interaction in online learning, it is limited, unlike when we attend class in person.
In-person Classes are more engaging
When learning online, it is pretty easy for students to lose concentration, and it may be hard for the teacher to tell which students have divided attention during class. In-person classes promote active participation in style since there are no distractions.
Unlike learning from home or elsewhere outside class, one may be tempted to go on with other activities instead of attending class. Therefore the classroom environment keeps students grounded, active and alert. It is also impossible to procrastinate when attending physical class since there are deadlines and strict schedules set. One may procrastinate and eventually fail to participate in online courses, especially the pre-recorded ones. Hence for students who lack self-motivation, in-person classes will work better for them.
Final Thoughts
If you are trying to figure out which one is the best learning method, you need first to understand your schedule and find out which one works for you. Of course, online learning beats in-person learning due to its flexibility and convenience. Therefore if you are a self-motivated student, you can always opt for online learning. Also, if you want to work on your discipline and self-motivation, you can go for online learning. Online classes broaden your spectrum when it comes to technology navigation which is a valuable skill that every student should have currently.
