Is Traditional Education any Better than Online?    

                                 Is Traditional Education any Better than Online?

  AbstracT

Learning is a whole process we go through to make our lives different, how one is taught, the methods and style is what brings out the difference. Due to advances in technology now students can learn online in the comfort of their homes. They can also do assignments, exams and end up with an online degree that is legit. This is a very big step in the education sector that cannot be ignored. Apart from that, there is another mode of study called traditional mode where one has to be in class physically, do exams in class and still excel and graduate. The difference in this modes of studies does not mean that one cannot get good education online or through traditional methods of education both methods work

Depending on one’s schedule, there are some who consider online learning as their preference, while others prefer to be physically available in a classroom. Is it true that traditional mode of study has similarities with online education in some aspects? The two modes of education similarities are pronounced and the difference are also pronounced but still need scrutiny. Although traditional mode gives more room for discussion among students, and also the students and the teacher, Online method is good for students who lack the confidence they can be free to interact with the teacher through email. This thesis intends to compare and contrast the two modes of studies in all aspects, financially, the use of technology, time and money. This is the best way of scrutinizing and understanding this topic in depth so that when one has to choose between the two they are able to make informed decisions that might one day help them in life.

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Both online and traditional learning the learners get to interact with the teachers and communicate about assignments and ask questions whenever the student has not understood. Looking at the benefits that comes with classroom learning, sitting in a classroom with a teacher in front comes in handy particularly for those slow learners since they can ask questions and immediately get a response. Unlike online learning where one has to listen to a pre-recorded video and if one does not understand it then it becomes difficult because communication with the tutor is limited. Both online learning and traditional learning students have to be self-motivated, since all learning institutions have deadlines to be met, but online learning at home can be a bit difficult and destructive. Learning online without the physical appearance of a teacher can sometimes make the learner feel alone and unsettled. As a student, we all need motivation especially after a good performance but since online studying limits contact between the teacher and the learner, the student’s loose motivation. Unlike traditional learning where the teachers can directly reward the students for good performance, this gives them the energy to study hard to perform even better.

Online and traditional education have a similarity in that the teacher can communicate with the students directly. Online learning the teacher communicates through emails or videos. Jane Rosecrans (Letter to editor, Jan 25, 2012) I carry on numerous conversations with individual students via email over the course of a semester (Pg. 2). while in traditional the teacher communicates directly face-to-face with the learners. Socially, those students learning online will not be able to interact freely since, learning is either by face-to-face video or pre-recorded and this limits interaction.

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The tutors don’t get the chance to know and learn their students better, also the students don’t get to meet new people. Barindra (2018) classroom learning helps students and teachers know each other in a better manner (Para 9). Those students learning in a class full of people get to meet daily, learn and know each other better. The teacher also gets to know each student personally, this enables the teacher to know each one’s strengths and weaknesses.

Both modes of studying are flexible depending on one’s availability. Although traditional learning does not favor those people with families. This is because with classroom learning that means one has to be physically in class and attend classes fulltime. The ones who are working and have families cannot attend classes because of unavailability. This limits them to learning online and in turn favor them as they work and also learn. Barindra (2018) However, many employees maybe be exhausted after their work and don’t want to attend regular classes (para 2). While travelling one can also study unlike traditional where you have to choose either one.

Online learning and traditional are both costly in order to enroll to either one, first there is a payment that is supposed to be met. However, traditional learning is more expensive, since it includes all the tuition fee needed unlike online learning where one only pays for enrollment and learning. The money paid does not include other extra-curricular activities, it only entails learning. Judith Levin (Letter to editor, Jan 25,2012) The trouble with a regular college education is that it costs too much. Students are saddled with debts they will spend half their lives repaying (Pg. 3). Learning online also favors those students who cannot be able to pay for the traditional learning, unlike traditional where the cost is up and those who prefer this mode of leaning have no option but to pay the large amount. Both online learning and traditional learning as modes of studying are good and beneficial to the learner.

IS TRADITIONAL EDUCATION ANY BETTER THAN ONLINE?                                            5

Although traditional learning is of a higher quality because the teacher gets to know each one, study every one of the students, this brings a close up between the teacher and the students. The teacher also gets motivated when a student comments something positive about the classes that the students discussed, this shows the teachers that the learning method used is perfect for the students. Edmundson (2012) From there he folds what he has learned into his teaching, adjusting his course in a fluid and immediate way that the internet professor cannot easily match (Pg. 2). Unlike online where the teacher cannot easily tell what goes in the minds of the learners following the teaching methods used. This brings in the debate on whether online learning is really of good quality. Tittzzhasiri (2013) findings of research conducted in two experiments shown that traditional learning gave high mean scores when compared to mean score of E-learning(Pg.73).

Technology can be used in both modes of education. In that in Traditional method of learning one can access online books from the library or even attend computer classes. Online learning students attend class through an online system. Although in Online classes technology is used fulltime even when communicating to the lecturer through an email.  Whereas Traditional method combines both the use of technology and Physical class attendance.

The two modes of studies have disadvantages and advantages, and dependence on one’s preference or availability. This does not mean that one cannot get good education through traditional or online modes of studies.  Traditional method is expensive, although it motivates both the teacher and the student and gives room for more interaction and discussion among the students. Online education is best for those with tight schedule and those who are challenged financially.

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References

Edmundson, M. (2012). The trouble with online education. New York Times.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/20/opinion/the-trouble-with-online-education.html/?

_r=1&pagewanted=print.

Titthasiri, W. (2013). A comparison of e-learning and traditional learning: Experimental

Approach. Retrieved from

https://www.academia.edu/11079155/A_comparison_of_E-learning_and_Traditional-

learning_experimental_approach.

Letters to the editor (July 25,2012). Learning in classrooms versus online. New York Times

https://www,nytimes.com/2012/07/26/opinion/learning-in-classroom-versus-online.html?

Pagewanted=print

De, Barindra. (2018). Traditional learning vs online. eLearning industry.

https://elearningindustry.com/traditional-learning-vs-online-learning