online vs traditional school essay

Online Classes Vs. Traditional Classes Essay

Online vs. in-person classes essay – introduction, online and traditional classes differences, works cited.

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 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.

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.

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.

• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2023, October 28). Online Classes Vs. Traditional Classes Essay. https://ivypanda.com/essays/online-classes-vs-traditional-classes-essay/

"Online Classes Vs. Traditional Classes Essay." IvyPanda , 28 Oct. 2023, ivypanda.com/essays/online-classes-vs-traditional-classes-essay/.

IvyPanda . (2023) 'Online Classes Vs. Traditional Classes Essay'. 28 October.

IvyPanda . 2023. "Online Classes Vs. Traditional Classes Essay." October 28, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/online-classes-vs-traditional-classes-essay/.

1. IvyPanda . "Online Classes Vs. Traditional Classes Essay." October 28, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/online-classes-vs-traditional-classes-essay/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Online Classes Vs. Traditional Classes Essay." October 28, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/online-classes-vs-traditional-classes-essay/.

• Technology Ruins One-on-One Interaction and Relations
• Remote vs In-person Classes: Positive and Negative Aspects
• Mathematics Teaching Approaches in Burns' Study
• The Impressions of Emirati Youths on ISIS
• Managers’ Training Proposal
• Coaching Approaches. Separation by Target and Source Data.
• Walmart Workplace Aspects Analysis
• The Value of In-Person Human Interaction
• Organizational Behavior and Workplace Conflicts
• Educator Ethics: The Case Study
• Principles Application in E-Learning
• Cambourne’s Conditions of Learning
• Concept of Transformative Learning in Modern Education
• Podcasts as an Education Tool
• Wikis as an Educational Tool

Higher Education News , Tips for Online Students

Online vs Traditional School: A Thorough Analysis

Updated: August 17, 2022

Published: January 23, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

In the United States alone, data from the National Center for Education Statistics reported that 43% of students were enrolled in remote instruction (online school) in early 2021. The rise of online education can be witnessed around the world as technology continues to advance. The increased attendance and desire for online colleges during COVID were also to be expected.  In this article, we will assess the differences between online school vs. traditional school.

By the end of the article, you will be able to answer, “is online college better?” than traditional colleges.

What is Online School and Is it Respected?

Online school is instruction and education that takes place digitally via the Internet. Online degrees vs traditional degrees are those earned online rather than in-person and on campus.

Online school may also be called distance learning, virtual schooling, or e-learning.

The big question when considering attending an online school that often arises is whether or not your future employer (or future educational institution) will respect or accept your online degree.

Since online school is becoming more popular, the social sentiments around online schooling are too. In fact, 83% of surveyed business leaders expressed that an online degree from a “well-known” institute holds the same value as one earned on campus.

One of the main things to look for when attending an online school is its accreditation status. Accreditation is the process of having an independent third-party evaluate an institution to ensure its credibility. The third-party will confirm whether or not the institution is equipped to deliver its promises and mission. For some graduate programs, they will only accept an undergraduate degree from an accredited program. This is another reason why it’s so important to check for accreditation when enrolling at an online school.

Advantages of Online School

When you consider the various benefits of online school, it’s clear to see why the option is becoming so popular. Here’s a look at some of the advantages:

Affordability

Since online schools don’t necessarily have to operate a campus and cover those exorbitant costs, they tend to be more cost-effective and affordable than their traditional counterparts. In fact, you can even find online colleges that are tuition-free. For example, the University of the People is just that – a 100% online and tuition-free institution. There are some fees associated with attendance, but they add up to much less than that of the tuition at other schools.

Flexibility

Online school also tends to be more flexible in terms of scheduling than a traditional college. The reason is when it comes to earning an online degree vs on-campus, you can do so at your own pace. If classes are pre-recorded, then it’s up to the student to decide when to learn. In a traditional college setting, there’s a set schedule as to when the professor teaches a specific subject. There’s also a cap on how many students can attend each lecture. This means that some students may end up having to wait another semester or quarter (or in the worst case a whole year) to get into a class they might need to graduate.

Location independent

Geographic barriers can hinder one’s ability to attend a certain institution. Whether that is because of cost, visas, or responsibilities at home, or an existing job, learning online removes the element of the location as a concern. With online college, you can learn virtually from anywhere you choose.

Fewer distractions

Depending on how you set up your learning environment to attend the online school, it can be designed to be less distracting than that of an on-campus setting. Peers may distract you in class. Students who get up or chat during tests or lectures can hinder their ability to learn. With an online school, your environment ends up being more within your control.

Online schools also offer the option to learn at your own pace. You can enroll part-time or full-time, log on morning or night, and choose to work through coursework quickly or slowly.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”48358″ img_size=”full” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” css_animation=”flipInX” link=”https://go.uopeople.edu/admission-application.html” el_id=”cta-blog-picture”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Disadvantages of Online School

With so many benefits of online school, you may wonder, “What’s the downside?” Well, that really depends on you!

Requires self-motivation

With online school being self-paced and offering so much flexibility, it’s up to you to remain self-motivated and engaged. You won’t be surrounded by students or expected to show up to a lecture. Instead, it’s up to you to log on, maintain a schedule , and stay focused.

Technical considerations

With online school, there’s a requirement for sound technology to support your learning endeavors. The good news is that schools like the University of the People require nothing more than a strong internet connection and a compatible device. Once you have your tech stack sorted, you can log on and learn from anywhere in the world!

Advantages of Traditional School

Now that we’ve touched on the good and the bad of online school, it’s only fair to consider the advantages of traditional school.

Take a look:

Social experience

For some, the social experience of college or learning alongside peers is something that cannot be replaced. Students have a chance to develop in-person social skills while attending school.

Public speaking skills

In school, you may be tasked with assignments and projects that require you to get up in front of large amounts of students to present. These kinds of activities will help you build public speaking skills. While it is possible you’d do this in an online school via video, the atmosphere feels different when you can sense the energy of your audience in person.

Hands-on lab sessions

There are some subjects that are completely different in person. For example, think about the need for hands-on labs when it comes to learning hard sciences.

Disadvantages of Traditional School

It’s pretty safe to say that when comparing online school vs traditional school, online school’s advantages tend to be traditional school’s disadvantages. You can bank on paying a higher cost to attend a traditional school and you won’t have flexible scheduling. Additionally, you may have to deal with:

Commute time

If you have classes on campus, you’ll have to find your way to campus, which adds commute time to your schedule.

Loss of individualization

It may be the case that you find yourself in a lecture hall with 300 students and the professor will never know your name. Traditional education tends to operate under a one-size-fits-all model. On the other hand, online school is more malleable and you can access online learning materials that are better suited to your learning style.

Online Learning at the University of the People

After reading this, you may be more interested in attending online school than ever before. It makes sense why you’d feel that way!

University of the People, a tuition-free university , offers a variety of degree-granting and certificate programs. For example, you can earn your degree (at various levels such as associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s)  in Health Science, Education, Computer Science, or Business Administration.  Take a look.  And, we also are accredited .

Closing Thoughts

Comparing the pros and cons of online school vs traditional school will look different for everyone. It’s a personal choice as to what you think will work better for you, your career and educational goals, and your own personal situation. While we promised to answer is online school better than traditional, the only answer can come from you and how you feel about it.

We hope we’ve helped you to better understand the differences and benefits of each style of instruction!

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”50504″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_circle_2″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_custom_heading text=” “I couldn’t apply for any loans so I decided not to go to college…then I was told about UoPeople“ ” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left|color:%234b345d” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1653909754521{margin-top: 10px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1653909787168{margin-top: 10px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”]

Nathaly Ordonez

Business Administration Student, US

[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=” BECOME A STUDENT ” style=”custom” custom_background=”#e90172″ custom_text=”#ffffff” shape=”square” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fgo.uopeople.edu%2Fadmission-application.html” el_class=”become_btn”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Related Articles

Look Who’s Talking About Online vs. Traditional Education

Any student considering taking courses online who has never done so before may understandably have some trepidation. Is an online course really going to give you the experience and knowledge that you need to pursue the degree — and eventually career — that you want?

Luckily, we are no longer sitting at the starting gate with online learning. With more than 20 years of research available, it is much easier today to assess the impact of online learning on the learning experience, as well as the comparative learning outcomes for students that take an online path versus a more traditional one.

The following experts in learning methodology and online education have taken the time to research, write and publish their own findings. Each is employed by a university, most are full-time professors, though adjunct faculty are also represented.

Meet the Experts

The college learning experience extends far beyond what students may learn in a course. In fact, from one perspective, college as much about learning how to learn and how to think critically as it is about the actual substance of the courses themselves. Because of the importance of the critical thinking aspect and how that process is often supported by interaction between students and faculty, one of the criticisms levied against online education is that it makes these interactions more difficult.

In his piece for the International Journal of E-learning and Distance Education , Dr. Mark Bullen sets out to analyze one particular online course to determine:

• whether the students were actively participating, building on each other’s contributions, and thinking critically about the discussion topics; and
• what factors affected student participation and critical thinking

The conclusions of this study, which had a very small sample size, was that students’ discussions in the online course for the most part did not build upon one another, with most students adding comments that were independent from those of their classmates.

It is important to note that Dr. Bullen undertook this study in the nascent stages of online education with what would be very remedial technology in comparison to what is in use today. Advances such as live chat features, video conferencing, and “threaded” forums and discussion areas may all help facilitate interaction between students and faculty. Further, the instructor of the courses noted that “he might have been able to stimulate some discussion if he had taken a more active role, challenging students to elaborate their positions and to compare them with those of other students.”

Dr. Bullen has a Ph.D. in Adult Education, a Master’s degree in Educational Psychology and a B.Ed. from the University of British Columbia. He was also the Chief Editor of the Journal of Distance Education from 2006 to 2012.

Participation and Critical Thinking in Online University Distance Education

In the journal Quest , Drs. Gregg Bennett and Frederick P. Green undertake a thorough review of the available research on the phenomenon of online education as it compares to traditional classroom-based courses. The article identifies three key factors that collectively determine whether students in online and traditional learning environments will achieve the same outcomes: the instructor, the students, and the tools used for the course. Although the technology (such as the Learning Management System, or LMS) does play a role, it is only a well-designed course with a dedicated instructor and students who are motivated to learn that will, together, determine the success of an online program. Drs. Bennett and Green also find that collaboration, convenience, and easy access to additional resources are benefits that give online courses an advantage. The takeaway from the analysis as a whole is that with the right instruction — and the right students — it is possible to conduct courses online just as successfully as in a more traditional setting.

Dr. Bennett currently serves as a Professor of Health & Kinesiology at Texas A&M University where he was awarded the 2010 ING Professor of Excellence, while Dr. Green continues his scholarship focus on the relationship between leisure, leisure lifestyle and the community inclusion of marginalized groups at the University of Southern Mississippi.

Student Learning in the Online Environment: No Significant Difference?

Dr. Jennifer Jill Harman is an Associate Professor in the Psychology department at Colorado State University. In that role, she has written about the process of developing and teaching online courses from a personal perspective. Having taught in classrooms for more than 15 years, Dr. Harman was at first skeptical about the possibility of translating her rigorous psychology coursework to an online platform. However, with the right tools, she was able to create online courses that provided comparable learning outcomes and that, by their online nature, were accessible to more students. Dr. Harman was even able to incorporate counseling skills into her courses through the use of video conferencing tools like Skype and Google Hangouts.

Dr. Harman holds a PhD in Psychology from the University of Connecticut and has published work in the Journal of Family Psychology and Children & Youth Services Review , among others.

Online Versus Traditional Education: Is One Better Than the Other?

In the International Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching & Learning, Dr. Steven Stack has written about how learning outcomes differ in online and traditional educational settings. The study that Dr. Stack uses is particularly interesting because, unlike most other online learning studies, students were not able to choose whether or not they took an online or classroom course, due to an error in the course selection process. Therefore, a set of students took the same class with the same instructor, with some online and some in the classroom. The data from this study, which used 64 total students with a nearly balanced gender ratio, found that both sections of the course performed largely the same, with the online students outperforming the traditional students just slightly. Further, when students were asked to evaluate the course, the two sets gave nearly identical ratings for how much they learned and how they would rate the instructor.

Because of the unique “blind selection” data for this study, it is fascinating to note that the course delivery method, with the same instructor and the same materials, made little to no difference in how students perceived the course or how they performed on exams.

Dr. Stack continues to work as a Professor in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences at Wayne State University, where his research interests include Social risk and protective factors for suicide, Cultural Axes of Nations and link to Public Opinion on Criminality and Deviance, and the impact of the death penalty on homicide.

Learning Outcomes in an Online vs Traditional Course

In the International Journal of Instructional Technology and Distance Learning, Dr. Yuliang Liu directly addresses the idea of how well students learn in an online environment as opposed to a traditional classroom setting.

Unlike the study that Dr. Sacks published, Dr. Liu used self-selected students at a midwestern university for his analysis. Subjects in one online and one traditional course, using the same learning objectives, were given pretests and posttests to assess their learning, as well as quizzes throughout the course. The results of the study found that online students did measurably better on quizzes and in the course overall and had fewer complaints about the course. In fact, Dr. Liu concludes that “online instruction can be a viable alternative for higher education.”

Dr. Liu holds a PhD in Educational Psychology from Texas A&M University in Commerce. Prior to joining the faculty at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, he taught both graduate and undergraduate courses both in classrooms and online at Southeastern Oklahoma State University.

Effects of Online Instruction vs. Traditional Instruction on Students’ Learning

In the Journal of Online Learning and Teaching (JOLT), Dr. Maureen Hannay and Tracy Newvine conducted a study to assess student perceptions of their online learning experiences as compared to classroom courses. The study surveyed 217 students, most of whom were adults taking courses part-time and found that by and large, this student population preferred online learning and felt they were able to achieve more in an online environment. Students noted the convenience of online learning and being able to balance school with other commitments, something that is a great importance to part-time students. 59% of respondents reports achieving higher grades in their online courses while 57% indicated that they learned more in the online setting.

While this questionnaire may not hold all the answers to online vs. traditional education, it is certainly important to consider the views of students who have experienced both formats.

Dr. Hannay holds a Ph.D. in Industrial Relations and Human Resource Management from the University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada and is a Professor of Management at Troy University while Tracy Newvine is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Criminal Justice at Troy University – Global.

Perceptions of Distance Learning: A Comparison of Online and Traditional Learning

In another article from JOLT, Dr. Cindy Ann Dell, Christy Low, and Dr. Jeanine F. Wilker analyze student results from online and traditional sections of the same courses. Rather than relying on tests and student reporting, this analysis looks directly at the work handed in for the different courses and compares the quality. The study looked at both graduate and undergraduate courses, using different assignments for each analysis.

Ultimately, this study found that the quality of work turned in was not significantly different for the online and traditional courses. Rather, the more important indicator of student success was method of instruction that the teacher chose. The study concludes that: “There are a few pedagogical variables that can have an influence including (1) the use of problem-based learning strategies, (2) the opportunity for students to engage in mediated communication with the instructor, (3) course and content information provided to students prior to class starting, (4) and the use of video provided to students by the instructor, to name a few. ”

It can be easy to get weighed down in the technological specifics of online learning, but what this analysis shows is that any instructor can excel in the online space with the right resources and attention to methodology.

Dr. Cindy Ann Dell holds an EdD in Adult and Higher Education from Montana University at Bozeman while Dr. Jeanine F. Wilker holds her PhD in Education with a specialization in Professional Studies from Capella University. Christy Low currently works as an Instructional Designer at Old Dominion University.

Comparing Student Achievement in Online and Face-to-Face Class Formats

Guide to Online Education

• Expert Advice for Online Students
• Frequently Asked Questions About Online Education
• Instructional Design in Online Programs
• Learning Management Systems
• Online Student Trends and Success Factors
• Online Teaching Methods
• Student Guide to Understanding and Avoiding Plagiarism
• Student Services for Online Learners

• College Guides

Online Education vs. Traditional Education: Making the Right Choice for You

Are you unsure whether to pursue an education through online courses or traditional in-person classes? With so many options available, it can be challenging to determine what’s right for you.

In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of online and traditional education to help you make an informed decision.

The Benefits of Online Education

Online schooling has become a popular choice for students who are self-motivated, live far away from campus, or have full-time jobs. Here are some advantages of online education:

1. Flexibility and Convenience

One of the most significant advantages of online education is the flexibility it offers. With online classes, you have the freedom to learn at your own pace. Course materials are posted online in advance, allowing you plenty of time to complete assignments by their due dates.

This flexibility is particularly beneficial if you have other commitments or a busy schedule.

2. Interactive Learning

Contrary to popular belief, many online courses offer a highly interactive learning experience. Through video chatrooms, students and professors can engage in discussions and simulate in-person interactions.

This feature helps you gain a sense of community and foster connections despite the physical distance.

The Drawbacks of Online Education

While online education has numerous advantages, there are a few drawbacks that you should consider before making a decision:

1. Reliance on Online Discussions

Many online schools require students to participate in class discussion boards to demonstrate attendance. While this allows schools to secure federal funding, it may limit your ability to submit all assignments at once.

To meet weekly “attendance” requirements, you must stay on top of logging into class discussion boards regularly.

2. Self-Learning Challenges

In self-paced online courses, there may be less interaction and classroom engagement compared to traditional education. You’ll often find yourself responsible for teaching the material to yourself, and if you have questions, it may take time to receive a response from your professors.

This can be particularly challenging when facing project deadlines and needing immediate feedback.

The Advantages of Traditional Education

Attending classes in person offers several unique benefits that online education might not provide. Consider the following advantages of traditional education:

1. Hands-On Learning

If you’re pursuing a trade skill or a hands-on career, attending a traditional school is often necessary.

It’s challenging to acquire practical experience and develop trade skills without direct guidance from experienced instructors.

2. Access to Resources

When attending a traditional school, you’ll have easy access to resources like libraries and campus facilities. The school library becomes a valuable asset for research assignments, and it serves as a meeting place for collaborative group projects.

Being on or near campus ensures convenient access to these resources.

3. Engaged Learning Environment

In-person classes provide more direct interaction with professors and classmates. Attending lectures and participating in discussions facilitates a deeper understanding of the course material.

As class sizes decrease and you advance in your major, the engagement between professors and students becomes more significant, preparing you to excel in your future career.

The Disadvantages of Traditional Education

Just like online education, traditional education also has its drawbacks. Take into account the following potential challenges:

1. Large Class Sizes and Limited Engagement

During the early stages of college, you may find yourself in large classes, making it difficult to foster personal connections with professors. With limited engagement opportunities, you’ll heavily rely on self-discipline to succeed.

It’s crucial to pay close attention during class to avoid missing important information.

2. Higher Costs

Attending a traditional school, especially living on campus, can significantly increase your expenses. In addition to tuition and books, you’ll need to cover living expenses.

This may require you to seek part-time employment, adding another layer of responsibility to your college experience.

3. Social Challenges

Traditional education exposes you to a diverse range of individuals with different backgrounds and experiences. While this can be enriching, it may be challenging for introverted individuals to engage and interact in group settings.

However, college is an opportunity for personal growth and learning how to collaborate with diverse groups, skills that are valuable in the professional world.

Making Your Decision

Now that you’re aware of the pros and cons of online and traditional education, it’s time to consider your preferences and goals. Keep the following factors in mind:

• Flexibility : If you require flexibility due to work or distance, online education offers a viable option. Online degrees hold the same value as those earned through traditional education.
• Engagement : If you thrive in interactive environments, enjoy debates and open discussions, and value face-to-face interactions, attending classes in person might be the better choice for you.

Remember, everyone has unique learning styles and preferences. While some individuals may excel in online courses, others may find traditional education more suitable for their needs.

Ultimately, the most crucial aspect is obtaining your degree and setting yourself up for success after college. Choose wisely, and trust your instinct to make an informed decision.

Related Posts

When is it ok to skip class in college, college budgeting tips: how to save money and minimize debt, should you double major pros and cons to consider, trending now.

• Entertainment
• Environment
• Information Science and Technology
• Social Issues

Home Essay Samples Education

Essay Samples on Online vs. Traditional Classes

Benefits of blended learning for students: an overview.

As technology continues to transform the landscape of education, innovative approaches such as blended learning have gained prominence in classrooms around the world. Blended learning, a combination of traditional in-person instruction and online learning, offers a versatile and effective way to engage students. This essay...

• Education System
• Online vs. Traditional Classes

The Value of Face-to-Face Classes: An Argumentative Exploration of In-Person Learning

The rapid advancement of technology has brought about significant changes in the field of education, including the rise of online and remote learning options. While virtual education has its merits, the value of face-to-face classes remains a cornerstone of effective pedagogy. In this argumentative essay,...

Pros and Cons of Online Learning: A Comprehensive Approach

Online learning, also known as e-learning, has gained significant popularity in recent years as a flexible and convenient alternative to traditional classroom education. While it offers numerous benefits, it also comes with its own set of challenges. In this essay, we will explore the pros...

Online Classes or Traditional Classroom: An Argumentative Examination of Learning Formats

The advent of technology has revolutionized education, giving rise to the debate between online classes and traditional classroom settings. While online classes offer flexibility and accessibility, traditional classrooms provide face-to-face interactions and a structured learning environment. In this argumentative essay, we will explore the merits...

Exploring Educational Landscapes: Differences Between Online and Face-to-Face Learning

Education has evolved significantly with the advent of technology, giving rise to new modes of learning. Online and face-to-face learning are two prominent approaches that cater to diverse learning preferences and circumstances. This essay delves into the core differences between online and face-to-face learning, highlighting...

Stressed out with your paper?

Consider using writing assistance:

• 100% unique papers
• 3 hrs deadline option

Exploring Educational Avenues: Disadvantages of Face-to-Face Learning

Face-to-face learning, a traditional educational approach, has long been the cornerstone of formal education. However, as technology continues to reshape the educational landscape, it is essential to critically examine the drawbacks of this conventional method. This essay delves into the core disadvantages of face-to-face learning,...

Advantages of Face-to-Face Learning: The Power of In-Person Education

Face-to-face learning, also known as traditional classroom education, has been the foundation of the educational system for centuries. While technological advancements have introduced online and remote learning options, face-to-face learning continues to hold its own unique advantages that contribute to effective learning experiences. In this...

Similarities and Differences Between Online and Traditional Learning

Has the thought ever came about, “Are online classes the best for students gaining the most knowledge?” For most college intuitions they either have students taking traditional classes, online classes, or a mixture of both. As the years go on more and more colleges are...

• Online Classes

Contrast Of Classroom Learning and Online Learning: Online Learning Vs Classroom Learning

For the past two decades, face-to-face learning has become not the only option in the education field. There has been an increased emphasis on the use of online learning by educators especially since the increase cases of Covid-19. Nonetheless, the effectiveness of both often becomes...

The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Online And Traditional Education

Introduction The physical “brick and mortar” classroom is starting to lose its monopoly as the place of learning. The Internet and the World Wide Web have made significant changes to almost all aspects of our lives ranging from a global economy, personal, and professional networks...

• Technology in Education

The Benefits Of Online Classes Over Face-to-face Traditional Classes

Over the years, education has been changing since technology exists in our lives. The most notable factors that have led to the birth and subsequent development of open and distance learning and teaching have been the need to learn throughout life. However, we all ask...

Online Learning Is As Effective An Approach To Education As Traditional Methods  

It seems everything is moving online these days. Even our education is transferring onto the internet. Students are receiving diplomas, degrees, highschool diplomas and graduating from grades K-8 as well. Many people might squabble about the disadvantages of this phenomena, but there are many advantages...

Technology In Education: Online Classes Versus Traditional

As the extremely growth of technology development today, technology is being a part of our solutions in many ways of our societies and this has led our education system in different approach. most people choose to educate themselves by traditional courses known as traditional education,...

Why Tablets Should not Replace Textbooks in Schools

In these days, we can easily find many university students buy and use a tablet while they are not carrying textbooks. Tablets are light, convenient and even support a variety of learning software programs such as handwriting note taking apps. Thanks to these benefits, using...

The Benefits of E-textbooks for Our Society

E-textbooks are beneficial to today’s society because they are an accessible way to find information and a reliable resource for students and teachers. E-textbooks are textbooks that are either electronically published, or scanned online from a paper textbook. They are attempting to take the place...

The Advantages of eTextbooks over Classic Textbooks

During summer vacation, no one thinks about school or textbooks. Only when the first day of school is about to start, everyone scramble on what they need. The one essential of many things the student needs are textbooks. While both Textbooks and eTextbooks are vastly...

Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Education

The realm of online education is an increasing technological service utilized for information attainment in the United States. School systems are currently implementing computerized distance learning to teach upper level coursework that is not offered via a classroom setting. Many students solely rely on online...

• Distance Education

Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Classes

According to the Oxford English dictionary, the word “online” is defined as the available on or performed using the Internet or other computer network, whereas the word “studying” means the action in which people dedicate their time and attention in order to gain knowledge of...

• Role of Education

Comparison of Online Versus On-Ground Education

Institutions of education in the world have been adopting online learning, or a combination with the traditional, on ground education. Therefore, there has been debate among scholars for decades now as to which learning method is the most appropriate. There are those arguing that online...

Different Types of Online Education and Its Combinations

With the popularization of online education, creation of different types of online courses continues (Strothmann, 2015). Online courses do not exist to eliminate personal interaction which is evident in other types of online courses: Face-to-Face and Hybrid Course. Face-to-Face is in traditional environment where students...

Online Learning vs. In-Class Learning

Online education has been developing at a high rate as the years progressed. Numerous individuals state that true learning can't occur on the web and that classroom learning is the primary 'genuine' approach to instruct and gain proficiency with a subject. In any case, there...

Best topics on Online vs. Traditional Classes

1. Benefits of Blended Learning for Students: an Overview

2. The Value of Face-to-Face Classes: An Argumentative Exploration of In-Person Learning

3. Pros and Cons of Online Learning: A Comprehensive Approach

4. Online Classes or Traditional Classroom: An Argumentative Examination of Learning Formats

5. Exploring Educational Landscapes: Differences Between Online and Face-to-Face Learning

6. Exploring Educational Avenues: Disadvantages of Face-to-Face Learning

7. Advantages of Face-to-Face Learning: The Power of In-Person Education

8. Similarities and Differences Between Online and Traditional Learning

9. Contrast Of Classroom Learning and Online Learning: Online Learning Vs Classroom Learning

10. The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Online And Traditional Education

11. The Benefits Of Online Classes Over Face-to-face Traditional Classes

12. Online Learning Is As Effective An Approach To Education As Traditional Methods  

13. Technology In Education: Online Classes Versus Traditional

14. Why Tablets Should not Replace Textbooks in Schools

15. The Benefits of E-textbooks for Our Society

• Human Development
• Academic Challenges
• Honor Codes
• Exchange Student
• Student Life
• Academic Freedom

Need writing help?

You can always rely on us no matter what type of paper you need

*No hidden charges

100% Unique Essays

Absolutely Confidential

Money Back Guarantee

By clicking “Send Essay”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement. We will occasionally send you account related emails

You can also get a UNIQUE essay on this or any other topic

Thank you! We’ll contact you as soon as possible.

How Effective Is Online Learning? What the Research Does and Doesn’t Tell Us

• Share article

Editor’s Note: This is part of a series on the practical takeaways from research.

The times have dictated school closings and the rapid expansion of online education. Can online lessons replace in-school time?

Clearly online time cannot provide many of the informal social interactions students have at school, but how will online courses do in terms of moving student learning forward? Research to date gives us some clues and also points us to what we could be doing to support students who are most likely to struggle in the online setting.

The use of virtual courses among K-12 students has grown rapidly in recent years. Florida, for example, requires all high school students to take at least one online course. Online learning can take a number of different forms. Often people think of Massive Open Online Courses, or MOOCs, where thousands of students watch a video online and fill out questionnaires or take exams based on those lectures.

In the online setting, students may have more distractions and less oversight, which can reduce their motivation.

Most online courses, however, particularly those serving K-12 students, have a format much more similar to in-person courses. The teacher helps to run virtual discussion among the students, assigns homework, and follows up with individual students. Sometimes these courses are synchronous (teachers and students all meet at the same time) and sometimes they are asynchronous (non-concurrent). In both cases, the teacher is supposed to provide opportunities for students to engage thoughtfully with subject matter, and students, in most cases, are required to interact with each other virtually.

Coronavirus and Schools

Online courses provide opportunities for students. Students in a school that doesn’t offer statistics classes may be able to learn statistics with virtual lessons. If students fail algebra, they may be able to catch up during evenings or summer using online classes, and not disrupt their math trajectory at school. So, almost certainly, online classes sometimes benefit students.

In comparisons of online and in-person classes, however, online classes aren’t as effective as in-person classes for most students. Only a little research has assessed the effects of online lessons for elementary and high school students, and even less has used the “gold standard” method of comparing the results for students assigned randomly to online or in-person courses. Jessica Heppen and colleagues at the American Institutes for Research and the University of Chicago Consortium on School Research randomly assigned students who had failed second semester Algebra I to either face-to-face or online credit recovery courses over the summer. Students’ credit-recovery success rates and algebra test scores were lower in the online setting. Students assigned to the online option also rated their class as more difficult than did their peers assigned to the face-to-face option.

Most of the research on online courses for K-12 students has used large-scale administrative data, looking at otherwise similar students in the two settings. One of these studies, by June Ahn of New York University and Andrew McEachin of the RAND Corp., examined Ohio charter schools; I did another with colleagues looking at Florida public school coursework. Both studies found evidence that online coursetaking was less effective.

About this series

This essay is the fifth in a series that aims to put the pieces of research together so that education decisionmakers can evaluate which policies and practices to implement.

The conveners of this project—Susanna Loeb, the director of Brown University’s Annenberg Institute for School Reform, and Harvard education professor Heather Hill—have received grant support from the Annenberg Institute for this series.

To suggest other topics for this series or join in the conversation, use #EdResearchtoPractice on Twitter.

Read the full series here .

It is not surprising that in-person courses are, on average, more effective. Being in person with teachers and other students creates social pressures and benefits that can help motivate students to engage. Some students do as well in online courses as in in-person courses, some may actually do better, but, on average, students do worse in the online setting, and this is particularly true for students with weaker academic backgrounds.

Students who struggle in in-person classes are likely to struggle even more online. While the research on virtual schools in K-12 education doesn’t address these differences directly, a study of college students that I worked on with Stanford colleagues found very little difference in learning for high-performing students in the online and in-person settings. On the other hand, lower performing students performed meaningfully worse in online courses than in in-person courses.

But just because students who struggle in in-person classes are even more likely to struggle online doesn’t mean that’s inevitable. Online teachers will need to consider the needs of less-engaged students and work to engage them. Online courses might be made to work for these students on average, even if they have not in the past.

Just like in brick-and-mortar classrooms, online courses need a strong curriculum and strong pedagogical practices. Teachers need to understand what students know and what they don’t know, as well as how to help them learn new material. What is different in the online setting is that students may have more distractions and less oversight, which can reduce their motivation. The teacher will need to set norms for engagement—such as requiring students to regularly ask questions and respond to their peers—that are different than the norms in the in-person setting.

Online courses are generally not as effective as in-person classes, but they are certainly better than no classes. A substantial research base developed by Karl Alexander at Johns Hopkins University and many others shows that students, especially students with fewer resources at home, learn less when they are not in school. Right now, virtual courses are allowing students to access lessons and exercises and interact with teachers in ways that would have been impossible if an epidemic had closed schools even a decade or two earlier. So we may be skeptical of online learning, but it is also time to embrace and improve it.

A version of this article appeared in the April 01, 2020 edition of Education Week as How Effective Is Online Learning?

Sign Up for EdWeek Tech Leader

Edweek top school jobs.

Sign Up & Sign In

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

Student Opinion

Is Online Learning Effective?

A new report found that the heavy dependence on technology during the pandemic caused “staggering” education inequality. What was your experience?

By Natalie Proulx

During the coronavirus pandemic, many schools moved classes online. Was your school one of them? If so, what was it like to attend school online? Did you enjoy it? Did it work for you?

In “ Dependence on Tech Caused ‘Staggering’ Education Inequality, U.N. Agency Says ,” Natasha Singer writes:

In early 2020, as the coronavirus spread, schools around the world abruptly halted in-person education. To many governments and parents, moving classes online seemed the obvious stopgap solution. In the United States, school districts scrambled to secure digital devices for students. Almost overnight, videoconferencing software like Zoom became the main platform teachers used to deliver real-time instruction to students at home. Now a report from UNESCO , the United Nations’ educational and cultural organization, says that overreliance on remote learning technology during the pandemic led to “staggering” education inequality around the world. It was, according to a 655-page report that UNESCO released on Wednesday, a worldwide “ed-tech tragedy.” The report, from UNESCO’s Future of Education division, is likely to add fuel to the debate over how governments and local school districts handled pandemic restrictions, and whether it would have been better for some countries to reopen schools for in-person instruction sooner. The UNESCO researchers argued in the report that “unprecedented” dependence on technology — intended to ensure that children could continue their schooling — worsened disparities and learning loss for hundreds of millions of students around the world, including in Kenya, Brazil, Britain and the United States. The promotion of remote online learning as the primary solution for pandemic schooling also hindered public discussion of more equitable, lower-tech alternatives, such as regularly providing schoolwork packets for every student, delivering school lessons by radio or television — and reopening schools sooner for in-person classes, the researchers said. “Available evidence strongly indicates that the bright spots of the ed-tech experiences during the pandemic, while important and deserving of attention, were vastly eclipsed by failure,” the UNESCO report said. The UNESCO researchers recommended that education officials prioritize in-person instruction with teachers, not online platforms, as the primary driver of student learning. And they encouraged schools to ensure that emerging technologies like A.I. chatbots concretely benefited students before introducing them for educational use. Education and industry experts welcomed the report, saying more research on the effects of pandemic learning was needed. “The report’s conclusion — that societies must be vigilant about the ways digital tools are reshaping education — is incredibly important,” said Paul Lekas, the head of global public policy for the Software & Information Industry Association, a group whose members include Amazon, Apple and Google. “There are lots of lessons that can be learned from how digital education occurred during the pandemic and ways in which to lessen the digital divide. ” Jean-Claude Brizard, the chief executive of Digital Promise, a nonprofit education group that has received funding from Google, HP and Verizon, acknowledged that “technology is not a cure-all.” But he also said that while school systems were largely unprepared for the pandemic, online education tools helped foster “more individualized, enhanced learning experiences as schools shifted to virtual classrooms.” ​Education International, an umbrella organization for about 380 teachers’ unions and 32 million teachers worldwide, said the UNESCO report underlined the importance of in-person, face-to-face teaching. “The report tells us definitively what we already know to be true, a place called school matters,” said Haldis Holst, the group’s deputy general secretary. “Education is not transactional nor is it simply content delivery. It is relational. It is social. It is human at its core.”

Students, read the entire article and then tell us:

What findings from the report, if any, surprised you? If you participated in online learning during the pandemic, what in the report reflected your experience? If the researchers had asked you about what remote learning was like for you, what would you have told them?

At this point, most schools have returned to in-person teaching, but many still use technology in the classroom. How much tech is involved in your day-to-day education? Does this method of learning work well for you? If you had a say, would you want to spend more or less time online while in school?

What are some of the biggest benefits you have seen from technology when it comes to your education? What are some of the biggest drawbacks?

Haldis Holst, UNESCO’s deputy general secretary, said: “The report tells us definitively what we already know to be true, a place called school matters. Education is not transactional nor is it simply content delivery. It is relational. It is social. It is human at its core.” What is your reaction to that statement? Do you agree? Why or why not?

As a student, what advice would you give to schools that are already using or are considering using educational technology?

Students 13 and older in the United States and Britain, and 16 and older elsewhere, are invited to comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff, but please keep in mind that once your comment is accepted, it will be made public and may appear in print.

Find more Student Opinion questions here. Teachers, check out this guide to learn how you can incorporate these prompts into your classroom.

Natalie Proulx joined The Learning Network as a staff editor in 2017 after working as an English language arts teacher and curriculum writer. More about Natalie Proulx

Compare and Contrast Essay: Online vs. Traditional Education

Several differences between online and traditional education would be worth considering for students when choosing the learning method that would perfectly fit with their time schedules, learning style, and type of learners they are. Online as well as traditional education involves the same lesson content. Both involve knowledge and difficulty, but with different mediums, teaching methods, environments, and educational tools. 

First, when it comes to full-job students or parents who seek to achieve their educational goals, online education would be their best choice since most online courses offer a flexible schedule that allows the student to complete their assignments at any time. On the contrary, traditional education is for students who would go through the classroom environment and devote the priority of their time to their education. Traditional learning is learning face to face with other students in the presence of a teacher or instructor that restricts students with a specific time and designated place. 

Second, although online learning is more flexible, it requires a person’s responsibility and self-discipline. During online learning, the student is responsible for allotting the time to finish assignments, study course lessons, and have the ability to motivate themselves to complete work before deadlines. Conversely, traditional or classroom education is a vital tool on the issue of motivation and discipline since students would have to comply with the teacher’s given time to complete projects, presentations, and preparation for exams, in addition to the competitive atmosphere among students that stimulates them to work their best.

Furthermore, traditional learning is better when it comes to social interaction because teachers and students would have face-to-face interactions that help to strengthen the student’s ability to collaborate and work in groups to solve a problem, work on a project or listen to each other's viewpoint on a topic or issue of importance. In contrast to classroom learning, online students work individually on their assignments most of the time. 

Finally, as there are many similarities between online and in-person education, there are some key differences to look for when deciding what learning method is appropriate for a student’s preferable timetable, learning style, and teaching methods.

Related Samples

• Should Students Be Paid For Good Grades Argumentative Essay
• Successful Teaching Plan Essay Sample
• College Athletes Should Not Be Paid Argumentative Essay Example
• A Good Teacher Essay Sample
• Argumentative Essay on Should Schools Provide Free Pads and Tampons?
• Is YouTube Better Than School Argumentative Essay
• Research Paper about Mental Health Problems of Graduate Students
• Admission Essay Example: Culver-Stockton College
• Persuasive Essay Sample: The SHSAT Should Be Abolished
• School Should Start Later Argumentative Essay

Didn't find the perfect sample?

You can order a custom paper by our expert writers

Home Essay Examples Education Online Vs. Traditional Classes

Schooling: Online Versus Traditional

• Category Education
• Subcategory Learning
• Topic Online Vs. Traditional Classes

A mother weeps at the kitchen table. A father paces back and forth mumbling to himself and trying to calm his crying wife. “I thought I knew the best for him,” whimpers the sobbing mom. Their son walks down the hall into the kitchen with tears in his eyes and begins to apologize. His grades had slipped; even more so, his ambition for school was gone. His commitment to school was nonexistent though he had so much time on his hands. The slacking off had all added up, and the college he wants to get into won’t even accept the accomplishments he has like they would if they had come from a traditional classroom. It’s not anyone’s fault. How could they have ever known? Online schooling ripped away multiple opportunities for this student, and now he’s stuck. Situations like this happen more often than discussed. This type of schooling is not helping pupils the way it was intended to and is now more of a burden than a benefit. The new technology of online schooling will make kids struggle more, offer them less direct contact with instructors, limit their social interactions, and ultimately provide less opportunities and more difficulties than the traditional classroom.

In favor of the other side of the argument, that online schooling is more beneficial than the traditional classroom, The New York Times compared students both online and in school in locations including Chicago, Maine, Vermont, and Massachusetts. When conducting this study and viewing their results, University Professor, Susan Dynarski, realized that the poor aspects of online school that bring negative effects don’t show up until after an extended period of time(Dynarski). This means often it is praised as a wonderful option for those who struggle face-to-face. Obviously results aren’t seen until you can see trends in students’ grades and overall in their lives. Dynarski specifically looked into three types of online schooling to see what the effects of each would be. The three types were as follows: blended, fully online, and credit recovery programs(Dynarski). Blended online schooling allows students to take most courses online, but they are able to be in contact with some sort of teacher. This makes it easier for the students to get the help they need. When students transfer to fully online school they no longer have commute, don’t worry so much about late assignments, and they can take things at their own pace. The credit recovery programs available to students who have failed other classes and need to make up credits may be a good option for those that don’t work well with teachers(Dynarski). Even though all three types of online schooling have these certain benefits, Dynarski realized a drawback that in some ways is greater than the benefits and leans toward the opposite side of the argument. Her findings concluded that, “The weakest students are hurt most by online format”(Dynarski). There are unmistakably many benefits that can come from each of type of online school, but currently, the cons still outweigh the pros.

Our writers can write you a new plagiarism-free essay on any topic

Online schooling is most often seen as a way to help students who failed in class, but transferring to online makes these students struggle worse than before.

We have 98 writers available online to start working on your essay just NOW!

Related Topics

Related essays.

By clicking "Send essay" you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

By clicking "Receive essay" you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

We can edit this one and make it plagiarism-free in no time

We use cookies to give you the best experience possible. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

We use cookies on our website to support technical features that enhance your user experience, and to help us improve our website. By continuing to use this website, you accept our privacy policy .

• Student Login
• No-Cost Professional Certificates
• COVID-19 Response
• Call Us: 888-549-6755
• 888-559-6763
• Search site Search our site Search Now Close
• Request Info

Skip to Content (Press Enter)

Online vs. Traditional Education: What You Need to Know

By Will Erstad on 08/16/2017

The word “college” might make you think of students hanging out in dorm rooms or gathering for classes in enormous lecture halls. But that depiction is becoming increasingly out-of-date as technology provides for more and more ways to learn.

In fact, online and distance learning has steadily grown in popularity among college students, but does that mean it’s a good choice for you? In order to help you answer that question, take some time to compare and contrast traditional versus online education.

Comparing online versus traditional education

Both online education and its traditional counterpart have pros and cons, so it’s important for students to understand what to expect before they step foot—or log into—the classroom. We focused this side-by-side comparison on three key areas that make an impact on a student’s experience. We’ll also take a closer look at what a “blended learning” model has to offer.

Online vs. traditional education: Flexibility

One of the key components to consider when weighing the options is the amount of time you have every day to dedicate to schoolwork. Are you willing and able to attend college full-time or do you need more flexibility to work around your busy schedule?

Online education:

A benefit to taking online courses is that they offer flexibility to the student. This is a great option for those who already have time commitments with family and work. Online classes will mold with your schedule—and allow you to log into your online course at a time that works best for you, as opposed to having to attend a lecture at a specific time.

Most online courses will follow a weekly format where students are expected to log in, read course materials, contribute to online class discussions and complete assignments prior to the beginning of the next week. You’ll still have plenty to do for each class—but you’ll have more options for fitting this work in around other commitments.

Traditional education:

Generally speaking, this is the best option for students who have a little more freedom in their schedules. That said, traditional students do have some flexibility in their scheduling in that some schools offer night classes or classes that follow a schedule where they meet only once per week.

One easy-to-overlook factor when it comes to scheduling is travel time to campus—a long commute can certainly make schedules difficult, especially if you’re planning on working while in school .

Online vs. traditional education: Discipline & self-motivation

Something else to consider while weighing your college options is your level of self-discipline. Both traditional and online education certainly require some discipline to succeed, but there can be significant differences in how learning is structured. These structural differences can have a significant effect on your ability to stay on track.

The increased flexibility of online learning comes with a bit of a trade-off—you’ll need to be highly self-motivated. All college classes require students to keep up on required reading and assignments, but some students may struggle to stay motivated when learning from the comfort of their home.

The best online students develop strategies for staying up to date on their coursework. Things like setting aside time every week for studying and creating a work space with minimal distractions can help immensely.

When it comes to discipline and motivation, traditional education does have an advantage in the eyes of many. The structured schedule of attending class a handful of times per week and having routine face-to-face interactions with instructors can help keep students on task. Students in traditional, on-campus settings have more opportunities to be reminded of upcoming assignments, which can help if you tend to procrastinate on large, time-consuming assignments.

Online vs. traditional education: Social interaction

One final area to consider is the level of social interaction you’re hoping to have as you earn your degree. Do you need interaction from your peers and instructors to succeed and stay motivated? Or do you thrive in an independent study environment?

Social interaction with instructors and other students, while not as common in online courses, still happens regularly. The biggest difference is in the form it takes, with many online student interactions happening via video chat or through online discussion posts.

Some courses may also offer pre-recorded videos of the same lectures given to traditional, on-campus students. If you’re a social learner who likes to ask questions and pick the brains of your instructors, these video lectures can help you earn a deeper understanding of assigned reading materials.

Despite technological advances, traditional education is still likely the better option for those who thrive on face-to-face communication. Seeing and interacting with your instructors on a regular basis can be motivating for some—it’s a little easier to go the extra mile if you know your instructor is likeable and invested in your education. Traditional, in-class settings may also offer more opportunities for spur-of-the-moment questioning or interesting tangents that may help a concept “click” in the minds of students.

Online vs. traditional education: The blended education model

By now, it’s probably becoming clear to you that both online and traditional education each have their perks. So is there a way to get the best of both worlds? One option that is increasing in popularity is called “blended learning.”

In this format, curriculum is designed to implement both traditional, in-person learning and online coursework. The implementation of this can vary greatly, depending on the subject and instructor. But as an example, instructors may require only meeting once weekly for lectures, while assigning projects or other activities for students to complete online on their own time. This allows students to receive some of the positives from face-to-face social learning while still allowing for scheduling flexibility.

Another example would be a program that offers some courses on campus and others online. For example, a nursing program may include an online anatomy course, and a nursing simulation lab on campus. The idea here is that certain courses involve material that is conducive to online learning, while other lessons can only be taught in a physical classroom or lab.

The decision is yours

In the case of online versus traditional education, there is no right or wrong answer. Much of it comes down to personal preference and knowing how you learn best. These learning formats can all be very effective, no matter your personal learning style and situation.

Ready to get started with a new college experience? Find a campus location near you or check out the online program offerings of Rasmussen University.

EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was originally published February 2014 and has been updated to reflect information from 2017.

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter
• Share on Pinterest
• Share on LinkedIn

Request More Information

Talk with an admissions advisor today. Fill out the form to receive information about:

• Program Details and Applying for Classes
• Financial Aid and FAFSA (for those who qualify)
• Customized Support Services
• Detailed Program Plan

There are some errors in the form. Please correct the errors and submit again.

Please enter your first name.

Please enter your last name.

There is an error in email. Make sure your answer has:

• An "@" symbol
• A suffix such as ".com", ".edu", etc.

There is an error in phone number. Make sure your answer has:

• 10 digits with no dashes or spaces
• No country code (e.g. "1" for USA)

There is an error in ZIP code. Make sure your answer has only 5 digits.

Please choose a School of study.

Please choose a program.

Please choose a degree.

The program you have selected is not available in your ZIP code. Please select another program or contact an Admissions Advisor (877.530.9600) for help.

The program you have selected requires a nursing license. Please select another program or contact an Admissions Advisor (877.530.9600) for help.

Rasmussen University is not enrolling students in your state at this time.

By selecting "Submit," I authorize Rasmussen University to contact me by email, phone or text message at the number provided. There is no obligation to enroll. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

About the author

Will Erstad

Will is a Sr. Content Specialist at Collegis Education. He researches and writes student-focused articles on a variety of topics for Rasmussen University. He is passionate about learning and enjoys writing engaging content to help current and future students on their path to a rewarding education.

Posted in Online Learning

• online learning tips

Related Content

Carrie Mesrobian | 06.06.2022

Will Erstad | 08.12.2021

Carrie Mesrobian | 04.12.2021

Will Erstad | 10.05.2020

This piece of ad content was created by Rasmussen University to support its educational programs. Rasmussen University may not prepare students for all positions featured within this content. Please visit www.rasmussen.edu/degrees for a list of programs offered. External links provided on rasmussen.edu are for reference only. Rasmussen University does not guarantee, approve, control, or specifically endorse the information or products available on websites linked to, and is not endorsed by website owners, authors and/or organizations referenced. Rasmussen University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Home — Essay Samples — Education — Online Vs. Traditional Classes — Online Vs Traditional Classes: Is One More Effective Than The Other

Online Vs Traditional Classes: is One More Effective than The Other

• Categories: Online Vs. Traditional Classes

About this sample

Words: 1505 |

Published: Sep 1, 2020

Words: 1505 | Pages: 3 | 8 min read

Works Cited

• Ali, A. (2018). A comparison of traditional and online learning in higher education. Journal of Educational Technology, 2(2), 9-15.
• Badke, W. (2021). The strategic advantages of online learning. Journal of Educators Online, 18(1), 1-9.
• Hitz, Z., & Horstmanshof, L. (2018). Comparing online and face-to-face student engagement in higher education: A qualitative exploration. Studies in Higher Education, 43(11), 1928-1943.
• Hsu, C. L., & Lin, J. C. (2018). Acceptance of online learning: A comparative study of prospective teachers in Taiwan and China. Asia Pacific Education Review, 19(1), 139-151.
• Johnson, M. C. (2019). Comparison of traditional and online learning environments: A review of the literature. Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, 29(8), 947-962.
• Kuo, Y. C., Belland, B. R., & Kuo, Y. T. (2017). Learning with technology: The impact of laptop use on student achievement. Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE), 10(1), 1-14.
• National Center for Education Statistics. (2022). Distance learning at degree-granting postsecondary institutions. Retrieved from https://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/indicator_cva.asp
• O'Neal, K., & Gebauer, J. (2016). A review of research on online and blended learning and their effects on outcomes for struggling learners. Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE), 9(1), 1-16.
• Pappas, C. (2018). Benefits and challenges of online learning. eLearning Industry. Retrieved from https://elearningindustry.com/benefits-and-challenges-of-online-learning
• Raja, R., Nagasubramani, P. C., & Gunasekaran, S. (2018). An empirical study on acceptance and usage of online learning among technical students in Tamil Nadu, India. Education and Information Technologies, 23(2), 839-854.

Cite this Essay

Let us write you an essay from scratch

• 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
• Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Get high-quality help

Dr. Heisenberg

Verified writer

• Expert in: Education

+ 120 experts online

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Related Essays

2 pages / 761 words

5 pages / 2159 words

1 pages / 628 words

2 pages / 966 words

Remember! This is just a sample.

You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.

121 writers online

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

Related Essays on Online Vs. Traditional Classes

Online education has become an increasingly popular option for students seeking to further their education and obtain a degree. With the advancement of technology, the accessibility and convenience of online education have made [...]

E-Learning Industry. (2021). E-learning Statistics and Facts For 2021. 5(4).

Most of the college using the electronic textbook which purchase from some website or using the PowerPoint nowadays. A traditional textbook is made by hundreds of pages of information, but all of this information is being write [...]

As a college student, the choice between taking courses online or in-person can be a difficult one. While online classes provide flexibility and convenience, they also come with their own set of challenges. In this essay, we [...]

Education on top priority Today, education stands on top of the priority list. Anywhere you go or anything you want to achieve in your life, you require education. The opportunities to get educated and earn degrees are [...]

10 Minute School is the largest online educational platform of Bangladesh. It was introduced or created by Ayman Sadiq with his goal to destroy all kinds of barriers of ensuring quality education to all across Bangladesh. It can [...]

Related Topics

By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

Where do you want us to send this sample?

By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

Be careful. This essay is not unique

This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

Download this Sample

Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

Please check your inbox.

We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

• Instructions Followed To The Letter
• Deadlines Met At Every Stage
• Unique And Plagiarism Free