Traditional learning vs. Online Learning

Traditional learning vs. Online Learning

As technology advanced, so did the methods of learning and instructions. They have evolved drastically, and face to face learning is getting absolute. Today, students can decide whether to learn online or traditional look to face learning, depending on factors such as costs and convenience. In his essay, “The trouble with online courses,” Brenden Doyle examines the drawbacks of learning online compared to traditional face to face learning. Brendan lists down a number of arguments as to why we should stop online learning. While his arguments make sense, traditional education can still not surpass the benefit of learning online. I firmly believe that it has more advantages than its drawbacks than Brendon discusses. This paper compares and contrasts traditional learning with online courses.

Online courses are flexible; this makes it even more convenient than traditional classes. It allows you to come up with a flexible schedule, unlike face to face learning where you don’t have a choice but to attend the classes. It will enable the students to take the course at any time when they are free. While they are loads of work, the precise time to take class always depends on the student’s preference. Online learning, through its flexibility, may also enable students to take part-time jobs as it allows them to come up with the perfect schedule.

On the other hand, there is no flexibility in traditional classes. Students have to follow the institution’s timetable strictly. This denies them the opportunity to do part-time jobs. Moreover, face to face learning, there is no freedom time as you Maureen attend lectures to learn. In online learning, you can simply take your class whenever you want.

In his essay, Brenden Doyle argues that online course costs a lot of money compared to traditional face to face learning; while this might be true to some degree, I disagree with his reasoning. Online learning is way cheaper than conventional learning. Think about this, we spend a substantial amount of money on food, rent, traveling cost and upkeep I haven’t even mentioned the institution fees yet. If you sum up, you will find out that the result is way higher than that of online learning. All you need is a smartphone, tablet, laptop, and good internet connection and you are all set.

On the contrary, in traditional, the institutions are forced to set up facilities to all for students’ needs, for instance, janitors, lab technicians, and security personnel. All these expenses can be availed by merely adapting online learning where institutions do not need facilities such as classrooms. Moreover, online learning encourages the use of search engines such as Google and Bing, thus reducing the cost of buying books. Therefore, even though the fees for online learning are high, it helps you avoid other unnecessary expenses associated with face to face learning.

Adverse weather conditions can, at times, undermine face to face learning. Weather conditions such as heavy rainfall and snowfall can make lectures to be postponed. Some institutions, especially in the polar regions, lead to postponed classes due to the adverse damages caused by weather. This can cost students a lot of productive times during the learning process. On the other hand, online learning is not affected by adverse weather conditions; one can still learn despite the situation (Hannay, Maureen, and Tracy Newvine,2006,1-11). The student is not affected by the closure of the institution or the cancellation of some classes. Some may argue that adverse weather can also hamper with electricity and internet connection; while this is true, the cases are fortunately rare. Brendan Doyle argues that online learning does not allow the students to have active, interactive sessions with students partly as online learning limits interaction. Still, it only limits student-student interactions due to lack of classroom; online learning offers the best solution. Online learning allows even students who are shy to have an active discussion with the lecturers online. It will enable them to ask questions and get immediate answers. However, the interaction is impersonal. Recently, email and chatrooms to help students to get answers for their queries.

In conclusion, there are several advantages and disadvantages to both forms of learning. However, online education has brought a drastic change in learning with its merits and demerits. Despite their drawbacks, both traditional and online learning provides an excellent environment to study. It is essential that as technology advances, we evolve too. Although traditional learning provides more human interaction that enhances effective learning, online learning produces an autonomous individual to balance their part-time or full-time jobs with school work.