Traditional Learning is better than Online Learning
Convenient study modes have been introduced in learning institutions to eradicate illiteracy in the world. With the evolution of the learning styles due to technological advances, the education sector has also expanded. However, parents and students have different views when choosing between traditional education and online learning. E-learning is preferable to classroom learning. Although some scholars and teachers urge that conventional learning is better because of the face-to-face interaction of students and teachers, online education is more flexible and convenient. E-learning is better because of the following rationales; diversified study environment, cost-effectiveness and solution to the shortage of teachers.
To begin with, the e-learning environment is diverse. Online students have laptops or smartphones which access online books, journals and articles via the internet. Similarly, access to multimedia technologies such as video conferencing enables students to collaborate with distant students without social or physical barriers. For instance, a student can enroll studies from a school that is beyond his state and effectively study without distance barriers. Nguyen states that “There is hope that online learning will be able to provide a world-class education to anyone, anywhere, and anytime as long as they have access to the Internet.” Therefore, online learning improves the quality of education.
Secondly, e-learning is cheaper than traditional education. The cost of education in schools can be spread over a larger population of online students compared to conventional learners. While classroom learning may incur expenses such as building classes and accommodation rooms, the costs are eliminated in distance learning. Daniels et al.2 observed that the marginal cost of an online student is negligible relative to classroom learning which is affected by factors such as the availability and size of the physical classroom. Moreover, students in the traditional setting incur extra costs such as travel and accommodation costs because they have to either reside in the school hostels or commute to school at a regular schedule. However, online students study at the comfort of their homes.
Finally, e-learning helps to solve the shortage of teachers. With the rising population of students in learning institutions, there is a need for more teachers. However, many schools worldwide are experiencing a lack of teaching staff. According to Julia3, the best remedy for a shortage of tutors is online learning which can be established by developing course access programs and allowing more experts into the classrooms. For instance, experts from different fields, who necessarily may not be trained teachers can provide useful information through the internet as far as their profession is concerned. Besides, one tutor can effectively coach hundreds of students via the online program.
To sum up, e-learning is better than traditional learning because it provides a more extensive learning environment, resolves shortage of teachers and is relatively cheaper. Online students have the opportunity to interact with other students all over the world because of the expansion of educational technology. Subsequently, the administration of traditional learning is more costly than the e-learning program. Distance learning also resolves the shortage of teaching staff in the learning institutions. Online learning system should be updated regularly to maintain a good quality of education.
References
Daniels MM, Sarte E, Cruz JD. Students’ perception on e-learning: a basis for the development of e-learning framework in higher education institutions. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering 2019 Feb (Vol. 482, No. 1, p. 012008). IOP Publishing. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1088/1757-899X/482/1/012008
Dwinal M. Solving the Nation’s Teacher Shortage: How Online Learning Can Fix the Broken Teacher Labor Market. Clayton Christensen Institute for Disruptive Innovation. 2015 Mar. Available from: https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED561278
Nguyen T. The effectiveness of online learning: beyond no significant difference and future horizons. MERLOT Journal of Online Learning and Teaching. 2015 Jun 1;11(2):309-19. Available at: https://jolt.merlot.org/Vol11no2/Nguyen_0615.pdf