Traditional Classroom Learning vs Online Learning

This paper provides a comparison between traditional classroom learning and online learning. It discusses the differences in interactivity, schedule, motivation, and responsibility.

Running head: TRADITIONAL CLASSROOM LEARNING VS ONLINE LEARNING 1
Traditional classroom learning and online learning
Student name
Institution affiliation
Date

TRADITIONAL CLASSROOM LEARNING VS ONLINE LEARNING 2
Introduction
Learning is the process through which a learner acquires knowledge through
study, experience or being taught. Learning can be personally or in groups. In the
21st century, education is described using 4 C's, critical intelligence, creative
thinking, communication, and cooperating. They are skills that help students learn
and by doing so they are vital to success both in school and beyond. There are two
ways of learning, traditional classroom learning, and online learning. Traditional
classroom learning is whereby the teacher provides a face to face communication.
The teacher gives instructions to students and communicates to them face to face.
This paper provides a comparison between old-style classroom learning and online
learning.
Traditional classroom learning is interactive in comparison to online
learning where the learners are less interactive.
In traditional classroom learning, learners are able to interact with the
teachers and their classmates. Most people choose this mode of learning because
they are able to learn healthier through cooperative deeds and group work. They
have a chance of questioning and receiving instant answers (Voigt, 2013). Most of
the students need feedback on what they are doing so as to know if they are doing it
right and if they are heading in the right direction.
Online learning can also be interactive but not as interactive as traditional
classroom learning. The learner can interact with the instructor during an online
class. This interaction is limited though. The learner is not able to interact with other
learners like the leaners in a classroom (Demir, Kaymak, and Horzum, 2013). The
leaners can interact with the instructors through synchronous interactions and
asynchronous interactions.

TRADITIONAL CLASSROOM LEARNING VS ONLINE LEARNING 3
Online learning has a flexible schedule and environment while
traditional classroom learning is organized.
Traditional classroom learning works under a fixed schedule. There are
specific periods that are exclusively dedicated to learning. It is difficult to fix the time
between working hours and working. Adults have busy schedules where they have
to balance work, family (children) and learning (Chen, Wang, & Chen, 2014). Most
of the learners under such a situation are forced to fix their classes' first, then
schedule for other activities around them.
Online learning is the best mode of learning in this situation. The learner does
not have to commute to class. The learner can utilize his or her time fully. They can
take their classes from any place. Their learning can be done by listening to the
instructor's lecture broadcast (Chin, Zhuang, Juan, & Lin, 2015). The learner has the
ability to choose a learning environment that works perfectly to his or her needs.
Traditional classroom learning is motivating while online learning works
under willpower and responsibility.
The classroom atmosphere help learners to stay focused. The learners
understand the reason they are in class, which motivates them to work. There is a
feeling of "now and here" in a traditional classroom (Savery, 2015). A classroom is
an environment that is meant for acquiring knowledge. They are able to work without
distractions from their homes.
Online learning deserves self-discipline and responsibility. An online learner
needs to be self-motivated and good time management skills. The learner spends
more time by himself or by herself, with no one close enough to keep them focused
on the deadlines (Lewis, Whiteside, & Dikkers, 2014). Online learning helps the

TRADITIONAL CLASSROOM LEARNING VS ONLINE LEARNING 4
learner to become more self-motivated a trait that makes the learner to stand out in
the workplace and afar.
Conclusion
Comparing traditional classroom learning and online learning they have
different characteristics. The learning is affected directly by the environment around
the learner. Learners have different traits and they choose their mode of study
according to commitments, time schedule, cost, and responsibilities. The learning
environment is a determinant of the learner's learning process.

TRADITIONAL CLASSROOM LEARNING VS ONLINE LEARNING 5
References
Voigt, J. (2013). Negotiation of mathematical meaning in classroom processes:
Social interaction and learning mathematics. In Theories of mathematical
learning (pp. 33-62). Routledge.
Demir Kaymak, Z., & Horzum, M. B. (2013). Relationship between online learning
readiness and structure and interaction of online learning students.
Educational Sciences: Theory and Practice, 13(3), 1792-1797.
Chen, Y., Wang, Y., & Chen, N. S. (2014). Is FLIP enough? Or should we use the
FLIPPED model instead?. Computers & Education, 79, 16-27.
Chin, W. S., Zhuang, Y., Juan, Y. C., & Lin, C. J. (2015). A learning-rate schedule
for stochastic gradient methods to matrix factorization. In Pacific-Asia
Conference on Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining (pp. 442-455).
Springer, Cham.
Savery, J. R. (2015). Overview of problem-based learning: Definitions and
distinctions. Essential readings in problem-based learning: Exploring and
extending the legacy of Howard S. Barrows, 9, 5-15.
Lewis, S., Whiteside, A. L., & Dikkers, A. G. (2014). Autonomy and responsibility:
Online learning as a solution for at-risk high school students. International
Journal of E-Learning & Distance Education, 29(2).