Comparison of Online Learning and Traditional Classroom Learning

This article compares online learning and traditional classroom learning on the basis of flexibility, self-motivation and discipline, and social interaction. It discusses the advantages and disadvantages of both modes of education and suggests that students should analyze their own flexibility, dedication, and motivation levels to choose the correct mode of education.

Running head: ANALYTIC WRITING
ANALYTIC WRITING
Name of the student:
Name of the university:
Author note:

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ANALYTIC WRITING
Introduction:
Debates exist between researchers over the success rates of the two learning mediums
of online learning and traditional classroom learning. However, reaching a conclusion with
particular liking for a specific mode of education is indeed difficult. The traditional classroom
learning experiences comprise of the students attending classrooms in person within the
campus with their physical presence (Furio et al., 2015). Online education is called as
distance learning where students are seen to participate in tuitions that occur via internet
without the physical presence of students. Comparisons would be made between the two
interesting mediums of education on the basis of three important points. These are flexibility,
self-motivation and discipline and social interaction.
Flexibility:
One of the benefits of taking online courses is that this form of education offer
flexibility to the student. This form of education is of great advantage for students who
already have time commitments with family and towards work. Online classes give the
students the flexibilities of choosing or modifying their own schedules and allow them the
freedom to log in to the online courses at time that works best for the student.
Traditional classroom education sessions are conducted at fixed time allotted by the
universities and give very little scope to the students to attend them as per their desired timing
(McCutcheon et al., 2015). Another interesting factor is that huge amount of time also gets
wasted while commuting and this makes the schedules more difficult for the students to
maintain. This often leads to another important aspect of discussion called the Discipline and
self motivation.

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Discipline and self motivation:
Online education often makes it difficult for the students to remain motivated and
disciplined methods of preparation of the coursework is also seen to be compromised.
Students in different qualitative studies participating in interviews have shown that it
becomes difficult for them to stay motivated and disciplined while learning comfort from
their home. The online courses provide fewer pressures to students so that they do not
provide additional pressures to them besides their work pressures and family pressures
(Arkorful & Abaidoo, 2015). This often results in negative outcomes by affecting the
motivation of students. Procrastinations is one aspect that remains associated with this form
of education.
Traditional education is advantageous as it helps students to ensure discipline and
motivation. Strict requirements of attendance along with being present in lecture sessions
enable face to face interactions with the instructors. This helps students to be on track and
prepare themselves regularly with the home tasks provided. Chances of procrastination
reduce in this form of education. Often social interaction is another important aspect.
Social interaction:
Social interaction of the students with the instructors and that with each other is much
restricted in online sessions. In cases, when it occurs, it mainly takes place through online
student interactions that happen through video chat or through online discussion posts. Such
discussions with unknown students might be uncomfortable for an individual. He may also
not share close relationship with instructors and hence communication does not take place
smoothly and comfortably.

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Many students are of the opinion that traditional education is a better option as face to
face communication takes place. Seeing and interacting with mentors on regular basis can not
only help in developing motivation among the individuals but also helps in developing
effective relationship and comfort level with the mentors (Tseng & Walsh, 2016). This help
in effective discussions that help students in enlightening with valuable information.
Conclusion:
From the above discussion, it can be seen that both the forms of education had
emerged with pros and cons and so it becomes difficult to choose one mode over other.
However, in order to select the correct mode, a student needs to analyse his own flexibility
and the time he can contribute to the education modes. He also needs to be unbiased and
judge his own dedication and motivation level to choose a particular mode over the other.
When students can successfully understand his nature, requirements, habits and dedication
level, he can himself decide the correct mode of education in him and this would help him
complete their course successfully.

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References:
Arkorful, V., & Abaidoo, N. (2015). The role of e-learning, advantages and disadvantages of
its adoption in higher education. International Journal of Instructional Technology
and Distance Learning, 12(1), 29-42.
Furió, D., Juan, M. C., Seguí, I., & Vivó, R. (2015). Mobile learning vs. traditional classroom
lessons: a comparative study. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 31(3), 189-201.
McCutcheon, K., Lohan, M., Traynor, M., & Martin, D. (2015). A systematic review
evaluating the impact of online or blended learning vs. face‐to‐face learning of
clinical skills in undergraduate nurse education. Journal of advanced nursing, 71(2),
255-270.
Tseng, H., & Walsh Jr, E. J. (2016). Blended vs. Traditional Course Delivery: Comparing
Students’ Motivation, Learning Outcomes, and Preferences.