Online Classes Vs.
Traditional Classes Essay
The article compares and contrasts online classes and traditional classes. Among the
advantages of online classes are flexibility and convenience, while in-person classes offer a
more structured learning environment. The author highlights that online lessons can be more
cost-effective, although they lack support provided by live interactions. Overall, the online vs.
traditional classes essay is very relevant today, and the choice depends on the individual
student’s needs and preferences.
Modern technology has infiltrated the education sector and as a result, many college students
now prefer taking online classes, as opposed to attending the traditional regular classes. This is
because online classes are convenient for such students, and more so for those who have to
both work and attend classes.
As such, online learning gives them the flexibility that they needed. In addition, online learning
also gives an opportunity to students and professionals who would not have otherwise gone
back to school to get the necessary qualifications. However, students who have enrolled for
online learning do not benefit from the one-on-one interaction with their peers and teachers.
The essay shall endeavor to examine the differences between online classes and the traditional
classes, with a preference for the later.
Online and Traditional Classes Differences
Online classes mainly take place through the internet. As such, online classes lack the regular
student teacher interaction that is common with traditional learning. On the other hand,
learning in traditional classes involves direct interaction between the student and the
instructors (Donovan, Mader and Shinsky 286).
This is beneficial to both the leaner and the instructors because both can be bale to establish a
bond. In addition, student attending the traditional classroom often have to adhere to strict
guidelines that have been established by the learning institution. As such, students have to
adhere to the established time schedules. On the other hand, students attending online classes
can learn at their own time and pace.
One advantage of the traditional classes over online classes is that students who are not
disciplined enough may not be able to sail through successfully because there is nobody to
push them around. With traditional classes however, there are rules to put them in check. As
such, students attending traditional classes are more likely to be committed to their education
(Donovan et al 286).
Another advantage of the traditional classes is all the doubts that students might be having
regarding a given course content can be cleared by the instructor on the spot, unlike online
learning whereby such explanations might not be as coherent as the student would have
wished.
With the traditional classes, students are rarely provided with the course materials by their
instructors, and they are therefore expected to take their own notes. This is important because
they are likely to preserve such note and use them later on in their studies. In contrast, online
students are provided with course materials in the form of video or audio texts (Sorenson and
Johnson 116).
They can also download such course materials online. Such learning materials can be deleted
or lost easily compared with handwritten class notes, and this is a risk. Although the basic
requirements for a student attending online classes are comparatively les in comparison to
students attending traditional classes, nonetheless, it is important to note that online students
are also expected to be internet savvy because all learning takes place online.
This would be a disadvantage for the regular student; only that internet savvy is not a
requirement. Students undertaking online learning are likely to be withdrawn because they
hardly interact one-on-one with their fellow online students or even their instructors. The only
form of interaction is online. As such, it becomes hard for them to develop a special bond with
other students and instructors. With traditional learning however, students have the freedom
to interact freely and this helps to strengthen their existing bond.
Conclusion
Online learning is convenient and has less basic requirements compared with traditional
learning. It also allows learners who would have ordinarily not gone back to school to access
an education. However, online students do not benefit from a close interaction with their
peers and instructors as do their regular counterparts. Also, regular students can engage their
instructors more easily and relatively faster in case they want to have certain sections of the
course explained, unlike online students.
Works Cited
Donovan, Judy, Mader, Cynthia and Shinsky, John. Constructive student feedback: Online vs.
traditional course evaluations. Journal of Interactive Online Learning, 5.3(2006): 284-292.
Sorenson, Lynn, and Johnson, Trav. Online Student Ratings of Instructions. San Francisco:
Jossey Bass, 2003. Print.
