online school vs in person essay

Online? In Person? The Power of Letting Students Choose

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I t’s been a full year since thousands of university faculty and millions of students made what’s likely the largest adjustment in instructional delivery in history, migrating mid-semester from physical classrooms to online ones. As the possible end of this great transition nears, higher education is exhaling a collective sigh of relief—but there is a new question facing most university faculty and administrators: now what?

Since last summer, university leaders have been busy determining when and how campuses can safely reopen. But as strategist and professor Vijay Govindarajan pointed out during an HBP webinar on COVID-19’s impact on the future of higher education last May , “while it’s important to attend to the challenge of the present, it’s equally important for universities and faculty to see the moment for what it is—a seismic shift within higher education.”

Those words ring even truer today. As most of us know by now, higher education is unlikely to fully return to pre–COVID-19 course delivery models. Millions of students have now experienced the intensive integration of technology into their courses, and this has likely reset their expectations for the future. Professor Govindarajan challenges us to use the lessons learned from the great transition to explore—more permanently—new models for instructional delivery.

Last fall, I did just that. I piloted a delivery approach, called the Choice Model, and implemented it in two of my principles-level business courses at Illinois College. The model, which allows students to choose, every day, whether they’ll attend class in person or online (via Zoom), was positively received by students. When surveyed, they said they preferred the Choice Model to all other delivery approaches combined (including fully in-person learning) by more than a two-to-one margin. Here, I will explain how I came up with and implemented this new model, how my students reacted, and how I plan to integrate it into my course design in the future.

What a Difference Autonomy Makes

While many colleges and universities have remained fully online since last March, many others—my institution among them—decided to open for face-to-face instruction for the Fall 2020 semester, with the first week and last two weeks taught remotely. As faculty, we were encouraged and supported to find ways to use technology to reduce student-to-student contact (per pandemic guidelines) and enhance learning. Empathizing with my students, I imagined that our announcement of in-person instruction was met with a combination of excitement about returning to the classroom and varying degrees of anxiety regarding the virus and what the fall might bring.

In times of stress, one of the factors that empowers individuals is the ability to exert a degree of control over their environment . I quickly determined that giving my students a choice in how they received their education would allow them to exert greater autonomy. Not to mention, developing students’ autonomy is a critical learning goal, and an explicit one in many UK universities .

This all got me thinking: if students were allowed to make choices in their education relative to the pandemic, perhaps their anxiety would decline and their performance would increase.

I developed the Choice Model in direct response to these factors. It’s similar to a hybrid model, but with one key distinction. The Choice Model lets each student choose—every day—whether they prefer to attend class in person or online.

Let’s dig more deeply into the model and how it came to be.

“One of the factors that empowers individuals is the ability to exert a degree of control over their environment.”

The Choice Model: Combining Flexibility and Engagement

During the summer of 2020, I began exploring students’ concerns about available course delivery options. Two common themes emerged:

Fear of the unknown. In conversations with former students, several said they would be hesitant to commit fulltime to a delivery format they weren’t familiar with (namely online learning). And they said risk was high: if the format wasn’t right for them, the only options would be to drop the course or to suffer through it for the entire semester.

Concerns about staying engaged and motivated. Several years ago, before my time at Illinois College, I conducted surveys with community college students about their experiences learning online. Their feedback was largely negative. Most had been in online courses that provided content, assignments, and a schedule of due dates, and students found it hard to be motivated or engaged.

Thus, an ideal course delivery system needed to provide students with a choice that enabled each student to move between delivery systems as their comfort level and environment changed. Giving students a daily choice could provide some feelings of control and reduced anxiety, while also allowing students new to digital course delivery to try it out. If it didn’t work for them, they could always return to attending in person.

For this model to work, however, I knew I needed a way to engage students both in the classroom and online. For me, the learning platform Echo360 became the critical link that elevated the Choice Model from other hybrid approaches. To keep in-class students and those participating on Zoom engaged in long class periods, I used Echo360 to ask students multiple choice questions every 10 minutes or so, checking in on students’ understanding of the content we had just covered in the session.

I graded responses on a mastery basis. Students received five points if they obtained a score of 70 percent or higher on the Echo360 questions asked on a given day, and zero points if they answered less than 70 percent correct. For students who paid attention and took notes, these questions were easy—for those who did not, they proved to be very difficult. As the semester progressed, the average scores on these questions increased (as did students’ exam scores, by one to two percent per exam). Similarly, student performance on an end-of-semester comprehensive final exam rose from 70.5 percent to 77.67 percent.

I also used the Echo360 platform to understand how my students would be attending class on any given day. The first question I always asked at the start of each session was, Are you attending today’s class:

A) In Person

B) Via Zoom

This allowed me to track not only what percentage of each student’s sessions were attended in-person versus on Zoom, but also the performance of in-person attendees versus Zoom attendees on the check-in questions asked throughout the session.

Positive Results, Positive Attitudes

What are the benefits of the choice model.

I’ve found the Choice Model, in which students can choose whether they attend class each day in person or online, benefits students, faculty, and administration in the following ways:

Student Benefits

Ease of attendance, ease of use. Requires only a smart phone and an internet connection to attend class. Echo360 is a free student download and takes five minutes to learn.

Fewer COVID-related anxieties. Students can decide whether to attend in person or online based on how secure they feel at the time of each class.

Faculty Benefits

Reduced risk of virus transmission. De-densifies the classroom, bringing fewer students into close contact with the professor and allowing for greater social distancing.

Relative ease of use. The only additional technology needed was a second webcam, a wireless lapel mic, and licenses for Zoom and Echo360.

Administration Benefits

Ability to maintain class sizes and avoid additional staffing. Due to the need to social distance in classrooms, a classroom that normally holds 35+ students might now only hold 15, necessitating additional classrooms and staffing. The Choice Model allows those students to voluntarily separate so that only one classroom and one educator is needed.

I also saw comprehensive final exam scores increase by seven points in a Choice Model class over another section taught fully in person a year earlier. Students credited the use of the check-in Echo360 questions during each class session as being helpful for keeping them engaged with the material during 70- and 100-minute classes.

Attendance also increased from 85 percent in Fall 2019 to 93 percent in Fall 2020, since the most common reasons for not being in class—not feeling well, being unable to get to campus, having to be out of town, etc.—were no longer barriers. An additional benefit of the Choice Model was the ease of teaching students who were placed in quarantine or isolation. In these instances, all I needed to do was to email the student to check on their health and well-being, and then to remind them to simply attend class using Zoom, if they were feeling up for it.

By the end of the fall semester, the Choice Model seemed to be a popular innovation with students. In a post-semester survey, I asked students to rate the model on a scale of 1 to 7 (with 7 being high), and the mean response was 6.7. When asked to rank the Choice Model among other course delivery alternatives—such as fully in person, fully on Zoom, and a 50/50 hybrid approach—30 out of 44 students ranked the Choice Model as their number-one preferred course delivery model, well ahead of fully in-person instruction.

Responding to Challenges

The model was not flawless, however. One challenge of the Choice Model was the passive nature of Zoom attendees. Echo360 was effective at engaging students with the course content, but getting students to engage with each other was another issue. Since these were principles-level classes, few of the students were familiar to me prior to the start of the course, which also made relationship building a slower process. In a post-COVID world, I intend to make greater effort to build those relationships when implementing this model.

A second challenge involved teaching quantitative material through the Choice Model. Students attending through Zoom seemed to struggle more with material that involved quantitative problem solving compared to their peers attending in person. Providing Zoom attendees with recordings of classes and additional video support was unsuccessful. A greater level of coaching on my part and increased diligence on the part of students was needed.

A third challenge was that, while giving students choices is generally positive and empowering, not every student choice is going to be a good choice. One of the unfortunate consequences of the Choice Model was that some students who needed the structure and peer-support of a classroom chose instead to attend through Zoom. The effect of not choosing wisely became apparent when grades were issued at midterm. While the number of poorly performing students was not significantly greater than usual, the extent of their poor performance was concerning, with most of the poor performers averaging below 50 percent.

Follow-up conversations with Zoom students who were performing poorly revealed that they had two other things in common—they attended class with their cameras off, and they were multitasking while attending (eating lunch, cleaning the room, working out, etc.). Most of the students with low performance said that they chose to attend via Zoom specifically for the convenience and so they could multitask. I had to explain to them that their strategy was not working. Many of those students chose to continue attending via Zoom, even after being told they would do better by being in the classroom. However, in most cases, students’ self-reported multitasking ended, their in-class quiz scores generally increased, and their performance improved to the point of passing.

“Giving students a daily choice could provide some feelings of control and reduced anxiety, while also allowing students new to digital course delivery to try it out.”

Imagining a Post-COVID Future That Includes the Choice Model

While there are some issues and limitations with the Choice Model that still need refinement, I am confident this model is applicable well beyond the current pandemic for the following reasons:

From a student perspective, the Choice Model adds value to the student experience by allowing students to choose the form their education will take each day. Even if a student chooses the same option every day, the fact that they have a choice at all still has value.

The model offers convenience and flexibility to students, especially for those who prefer in-person instruction but do not want to be locked into being on campus. For the type of student who often has work or personal conflicts, the Choice Model provides a Zoom option as a safety net. Conversely, a student who is unsure how well they will learn in an online environment also has a safety net, knowing there is an option for in-person instruction if needed.

For colleges and universities, the Choice Model has significant potential as a cost-effective alternative to online instruction. This is particularly true for online courses that are unlikely to enroll large numbers of students yet need to be offered. It is inefficient to offer an online course with only 12 students while also offering an on-campus section of the same course with 20 students. This requires twice the staffing resources compared to one section of 32 students taught through the Choice Model.

In March of 2020, higher education faced one of the greatest crises it’s ever encountered, certainly in my lifetime. In the months following, institutions and faculty responded swiftly. We were called to create new ideas and implement new solutions, recognizing that higher education has likely changed forever. The Choice Model is one emerging idea that has the potential to more permanently improve course delivery long term. As we look toward a post-COVID future, the lessons of the past year should propel us forward; we do not want to regress and lose the momentum. Our students deserve nothing less.

John Drea is is an instructional assistant professor of marketing at Illinois State University. Drea retired from full-time teaching in May 2023 after a 39-year career in higher education, with 21 years spent in public higher ed administration and 18 years as a full-time faculty member in marketing and sports management. Drea is Professor Emeritus at both Western Illinois University and Illinois College. His career has been highlighted with several awards for innovation and teaching excellence.

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The Benefits of In-Person School vs Remote Learning

How parents can use the most recent research to weigh the risks and rewards..

Posted August 20, 2021 | Reviewed by Davia Sills

• The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the education of about 95 percent of students around the world.
• Remote learning is associated with negative efects on social, emotional, physical, and mental health.
• Remote learning is also associated with lower scores on tests of academic abilities.
• Parents and caregivers should carefully weigh the risks and benefits of remote versus in-person learning.

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the education of around 95 percent of the students in the world, representing the largest disruption to education in history, according to a report from the United Nations.

As children are returning to school this Fall and the Delta variant continues to spread, many parents may be wondering whether schools should continue to offer a remote learning option, and if so, whether they should choose that option for their child. In order to address these concerns, it may help to take a look at the emerging research on the psychological and educational impact of remote learning versus in-person learning.

Impact on mental and physical health

Research clearly indicates that remote learning (or even a hybrid model) has significant negative effects on children and parents' mental, emotional, social, and physical health. A study conducted by the CDC included 1,561 parents of children aged 5 to 12 years who were surveyed from October to November 2020. According to the research, parents of children who were attending school virtually were more likely to report poorer mental and emotional health, reduced physical activity, and less time spent with friends (either virtually or in-person) compared to children who were attending school in-person.

Parents of children in virtual schooling were also more likely to report loss of work, emotional distress, difficulty sleeping , and problems with finding childcare. The findings suggest that in-person learning may be critical to the physical and mental health of many families.

In addition to providing education, schools also provide many services to families, including free or reduced-cost meals, social support, opportunities for physical activity, and mental health services. Virtual schooling places an undue burden on parents, who do not have the training, time, or resources to provide all of the services that a school can offer.

Impact on academic achievement

A large study from the Netherlands found lower standardized test scores in math, reading, and spelling following remote learning during the pandemic. On average, students' scores were three percentile points lower following the pandemic. Importantly, the effect was disproportionately greater in children from less-educated families (the size of the learning loss being up to 60 percent greater for these children).

The study involved 15 percent of Dutch primary schools and included students aged 8 to 11 years. The researchers examined the effect of an eight-week period of virtual schooling due to the pandemic by comparing test scores from 2020 to test scores from the three previous years.

The results suggest a lack of learning during this time or even a regression —that is, a loss of academic skills. The researchers point out that the Netherlands is a best-case scenario, as the the country had only a short period of school closure (eight weeks), high rates of internet access among children, and school funding that is relatively equitable. In other words, the results may be more dramatic in countries like the U.S., where school closures were typically longer and technological access is more limited.

Long-term effects

Although it is difficult to predict the long-term mental and emotional toll of remote learning, the World Bank estimates that school closures during the pandemic will result in a loss of between 0.3 to 1.1 years of schooling, when adjusted for the quality of education, and between $6,680 to $32,397 in lost lifetime earnings per student (in present value terms).

How to handle the schooling decision as a parent or caregiver

Although research suggests that a return to in-person learning is important for children’s academic achievement and physical and mental health, every family needs to make the decision based on their own unique circumstances. Some families may choose remote learning, and they should be supported in this choice.

However, if you do decide return to in-person learning, and it is an option in your area, how should you cope with your own and your child’s anxiety about returning to school?

The following strategies may help you and your child to transition successfully back to in-person learning:

1. Research the school’s mitigation strategies and create a book, picture, or visual aid to explain these strategies to your child. Create a “visual schedule” for your child with words and pictures that explains when they will wear their mask, when they will wash their hands, and other procedures

2. Talk to your child about how they are feeling about the upcoming school year. Recognize that their feelings may be complicated (for example, they may feel both excited and nervous) and different from your own feelings.

3. Explain to your child how you are feeling and what coping strategies you will be using to help yourself feel better (“I am feeling a little nervous about you returning to school since it’s been so long. When I start feeling nervous, I’m going to do some deep breathing and remind myself of everything your school is doing to keep you safe.”)

4. Validate your child’s worry and encourage them to face their fears (“I know you feel nervous about this, but I also know that you are so brave and can handle this!”)

5. Gradually (and safely) engage in activities and situations that might cause anxiety for you and/or your child before going back to school. Help your child to use coping strategies to address any anxiety that comes up during these activities. For example, engage in outdoor, socially distanced play dates before school starts.

6. Decide on the best way to separate from your child on the first day back and talk through (or write out) the plan. Stay calm and relaxed during the transition, as your child will likely reflect this feeling.

7. Drive by the school a few times prior to the first day. Meet the teacher or other children in the school, if possible.

8. Do not hesitate to talk with a mental health professional if you or your child are struggling with the transition. This is a difficult, unprecedented time, and many parents and children may need additional support.

Azevedo, J. P., Hasan, A., Goldemberg, D., Geven, K., & Iqbal, S. A. (2021). Simulating the potential impacts of COVID-19 school closures on schooling and learning outcomes: A set of global estimates. The World Bank Research Observer, 36(1), 1-40.

Engzell, P., Frey, A., & Verhagen, M. D. (2021). Learning loss due to school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 118(17).

Verlenden, J. V., Pampati, S., Rasberry, C. N., Liddon, N., Hertz, M., Kilmer, G., ... & Ethier, K. A. (2021). Association of children’s mode of school instruction with child and parent experiences and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic—COVID experiences Survey, United States, October 8–November 13, 2020. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 70(11), 369.

Cara Goodwin, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in translating scientific research into information that is useful, accurate, and relevant for parents.

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Online college classes can be better than in-person ones. The implications for higher ed are profound.

Subscribe to the center for technology innovation newsletter, john villasenor john villasenor nonresident senior fellow - governance studies , center for technology innovation @johndvillasenor.

February 10, 2022

When the Covid pandemic started in early 2020, colleges shifted to remote learning out of necessity. With large in-person gatherings in classrooms suddenly off-limits, online instruction was viewed as the lesser of two evils—inferior to in-person classes, but infinitely better than no classes at all.

Two years later, something unexpected has happened. For many college courses, online instruction is proving to be far more effective than many people anticipated. Why? One key reason is that today’s communications networks and consumer devices enable much higher quality telepresence than was possible a decade ago. But another reason is that due to the pandemic, enormous numbers of students and instructors have gained proficiency with online learning software.

In particular, the mass adoption of Zoom in higher education has created a network effect where its utility as an instructional tool is amplified by the number of people who have become familiar with using it. The quality of a well-run synchronous (i.e., live, as opposed to pre-recorded) online class can now rival—and in some respects exceed—the quality of the in-person equivalent.

Supporting a broader range of learning styles

Synchronous online instruction allows a richer set of interactions. When I am teaching online, the Zoom “chat” window often becomes a nonstop stream of insightful ideas, reactions, and web links provided by students. Rather than distracting from the course, the chat dialog enriches it. Students ask and answer questions from me and from each other, offer thoughts, and react to posts from their peers. In a recent class discussion regarding the First Amendment, as soon as I mentioned several related Supreme Court cases, one of the students dropped links to the rulings into the chat. There’s simply no analog to this parallel form of engagement in a traditional in-person class.

I’ve also found that there are students who are reticent about speaking up during in-person classes, but comfortable using the chat function in online classes to provide written comments or questions. It makes me wonder: How many thoughtful, interesting perspectives went unexpressed in my pre-pandemic in-person classes? Clearly, there must have been students in those classrooms who would have been happy to provide their ideas in written form had that been feasible, but who instead stayed silent because it was not.

Another advantage of online instruction is the expanded ability to invite non-local guest speakers. In the past two years, I have hosted speakers in my online UCLA classes from as far away as Argentina. I now marvel at the time inefficiency of some of the pre-pandemic trips that I made when I was a guest speaker—when I would spend a full day, and sometimes more, to take a round trip plane flight in order to spend 90 minutes in a classroom at another university. It’s asking a lot to expect a guest speaker to devote that much time in order to participate in a single class meeting. By contrast, online guest appearances take only an hour or two of the speaker’s time, making the universe of people who are available to speak vastly larger.

In addition, at the many colleges that currently require students and instructors to be masked while in a physical classroom, there’s another advantage to online instruction that’s so obvious and fundamental that it often goes unstated: it’s a lot easier to understand what someone is saying when you can see their face.

Recognition of the potential advantages of online instruction isn’t new. A paper published back in 2001 noted that online courses could “address a variety of learning styles,” allow “access to a larger variety of quality resources,” and enable instructors to “use creative teaching methods in delivering material.” Due to the pandemic-induced mass adoption of online college instruction, those predictions have proven to be true on a scale that would have been hard to imagine two decades ago.

Challenges in online learning environments

Of course, online learning has downsides as well. As a 2018 paper addressing “Online learning in higher education” put it, “an online environment might benefit certain types of engagement, but may also be somewhat of a deterrent to others.”

A key disadvantage to online instruction is that there are categories of courses for which it falls woefully short—think chemistry laboratories, studio art classes, and the like. An additional vitally important concern is that online learning can be isolating. An online class doesn’t allow the level of spontaneous interactions among students that occur before, in, and after in-person class meetings. That’s an important mechanism for students to find study partners and teammates for class projects, and more generally to socialize and to get to know their peers.

There are also well-documented equity concerns with online learning , including the fact that not all students have a home with access to reliable internet and a computer. But there are also equity issues on the other side of the ledger. Not all students are in a position to live on-campus or within easy commuting distance of one. And some students have caregiving responsibilities for a young child or elderly relative that limit their flexibility for leaving home. For those students, it can be more equitable to offer online instruction than to require their presence in a physical classroom.

Rethinking college online instruction

The bottom line is that the preconceived notions that I and many others in higher education had about the supposedly unambiguous inferiority of online classes have proven to be wrong. Unfortunately, few college administrators are likely to acknowledge the advantages of synchronous online instruction. Doing so would call into question the entire model of the residential college—a concept that is a multi-billion-dollar business, a central feature of the American cultural landscape, and a rite of passage all rolled up into one.

But a more objective, pandemic-seasoned appraisal of online learning would admit that thanks to technology, the campus classroom—the actual and symbolic core around which all that college has come to mean is constructed—no longer needs to be a physical room. We are probably not ready to imagine how higher education might look if it were redesigned from the ground up, taking full advantage of the opportunities created by technology to maximize student engagement and instructional quality, accessibility, and equity.

One thing is sure: It would look very different from the higher education ecosystem we have today.

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Online learning vs. in-person classes – what’s better?

With ever-changing landscapes and new global challenges, educators and learners around the world have had to adapt. In this new era, connecting with friends and family had to happen over WhatsApp, FaceTime, or Zoom, and so education has followed suit.

There’s no denying that digital learning is a valuable asset – and online education certainly has its merits. But, when the world returns to normal, will it still come out on top? Or can nothing really beat meeting face-to-face and learning in a classroom? Let’s explore the research.

Online learning makes education accessible

The emergence of online learning has ‘disrupted’ the education system . Schooling has traditionally happened in person, which has had limitations for individuals unable to attend. So, the most obvious benefit of offering learning opportunities online is that you open education up to many more people.

Digital education facilities have enabled many learners to gain qualifications and even retrain for new careers at any stage in their life, by offering online learning courses that can be taken over a long period of time. This opens up formal education for those who can’t leave full-time employment or other commitments to attend university, allowing them to study and achieve at home and at convenient times.

Scientists looking at the effectiveness of distance learning found that in some studies, distance education students performed slightly better in exams and grades than traditional classroom students, but that overall the average performance outcomes weren’t that different. This research also recognized an important opportunity for foreign language students. Interacting with native speakers is a proven method for achieving language competency, and online platforms can connect students easily with native-speakers in another country.

In classrooms (virtual or physical), technology offers teachers novel ways to explain things . Technology has also amplified the role of gamification, also known as play-based learning, in online education. Gamification is often seen in the use of language-learning apps , which enable the user to learn the lexicon of their chosen studied language through a series of virtual contests which have instant rewards. The obvious benefit of these apps is the potential for individuals to learn at their own comfort and pace.

But digital it has its limitations too

Delivering online learning requires different approaches and skills to delivering lessons in a physical classroom. Particularly this year, traditional classroom teachers have had to adapt and learn themselves, in order to teach students online. This could well have slowed down the progress of education, particularly as students also had to adjust to learning online.

For online or remote learning to work effectively, the content of the course being delivered has an impact on the student’s progress, and the content has to be of a very high standard , tailored to the online learning environment. Much like a successful physical class will have taken a great deal of preparation and an understanding of in-person teaching theory and best practice, the same is required of digital education.

Interactivity is key in a learning environment. A key barrier to learning, identified by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), is a teachers’ ability to connect with students and identify their needs. This can be harder to achieve without time spent in the physical classroom, particularly if online learning is delivered to a large class rather than in small tutored groups or one-on-one environments.

Plus, where students don’t have access to technology or are learning at the mercy of a poor internet connection, issues connecting to live video conferencing can leave them at a disadvantage. Digital skills are also not distributed evenly among students, and not all learners will have the required knowledge or understanding to get the most out of virtual education. If teachers don’t have the skills or time to support this skill development, students may get left behind.

In-person classes also have some drawbacks

Where students live and their socio-economic background can be a barrier to accessing education. With in-person class sizes capped to the capacity of the school and many schools only taking students who live locally, exclusively offering teaching in person will exclude some groups of individuals from learning. This is particularly true where education is not made freely available.

Though it has been the traditional way of learning for decades, some students’ learning style does not suit that of a full classroom. Many find speaking out in front of their peers intimidating and this limits their interaction and opportunity for valuable feedback. These students may find it easier to participate in class discussions when activities are hosted digitally.

But face-to-face learning wins out in the end

In the classroom, a teacher’s value extends beyond the class being delivered. To get the best out of their students, a teacher’s role is also to motivate, encourage and supervise – the latter being particularly difficult to do through video conferencing software. Technology can even be brought into the classroom as an effective supplement to in-person classes . For example, including animations, video content and game-based learning allows students to experience several of the benefits of online learning tools, and is more effective than online learning used exclusively.

Interactivity, personalization and effective communication are key ingredients for successful learning. You can’t beat the classroom as an environment for providing valuable feedback. Research has identified two-way dialogue as one of the most effective ways of communicating, and it is particularly important in education. This is learning with plenty of back-and-forths; education built on questions and answers – easiest achieved when in the same room. In a classroom, it has the potential even to go beyond teacher-pupil dialogue, with student-to-student and group learning interactions.

But particularly when learning a language , students often achieve the best results when learning in person – not just in a classroom, but also when living in the country whose language they’re embracing. Learning during a study abroad program or working in another country accelerates the rate of language learning and improves a learner’s language proficiency.

Culture is an important and enjoyable part of language learning; language and culture are tightly entwined and understanding the culture helps you to understand the roots of the language as well as its use on a deeper level. It changes the motivation of language learning to connection instead of learning for a purely functional purpose such as for career success. It’s even been shown to deepen a student’s sense of ‘self’ . And the best way to connect with the culture of the language and those who speak it, is to learn whilst embedded in amongst native speakers.

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Home  /  News  /  Online Vs In-Person Classes: Is One Better Than The Other?

Online Vs In-Person Classes: Is One Better Than The Other?

Trying to decide between online vs in-person classes? Only you can determine which is best for you, but understanding the pros and cons of each can help you make the right choice.

In today’s modern world, many colleges and universities offer in-person classes, online classes, or a hybrid of both. You can often mix it up depending on your schedule, the type of course, and the sections offered. In this post, we explore the advantages of both types of learning and look at the most current research to answer the question, do students learn better online or in a classroom.

Online School Vs In-Person: Is Online School Better Than In Person?

Benefits of online classes, benefits of in-person classes, comparing learning outcomes: do students learn better online or in a classroom.

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With in-person classes, students travel to a physical classroom at a scheduled time. This is the traditional form of schooling. In online classes, all coursework and engagement happen virtually through digital platforms. Some online classes include a live class time component or a video lecture you can watch anytime. Others just feature message board discussions, PowerPoints, and other learning materials uploaded online.

Objectively, online school is not better or worse than in-person school. People may gravitate towards online school vs in-person school depending on their:

• Preferred learning styles
• Academic and professional goals
• External responsibilities 
• Ability to commute

Looking for engaging online classes?  Unity’s Distance Education  programs provide real-world learning.

As more institutions offer online classes and fully online degree programs, you may be wondering why is online school better. A  meta-analysis by the US Department of Education  found that students learn better in online classes, on average. This could be due to the increased accessibility for all learners that comes with online learning compared to many traditional classrooms. Also, because online degrees are more accessible, they play a major role in promoting  social mobility in the US .  Online higher education doesn’t just serve individuals but society as a whole. 

While online classes are popular, they may not be for everyone. Let’s look at the advantages of online learning so that you can decide if it’s right for you. The benefits include:

• Flexibility
• Self-paced learning
• Technological integration
• Access to a broader range of course offerings

Flexibility: Mastering Your Own Schedule

Online classes allow students to tailor their school hours around personal and professional commitments. For most online classes, all learning and assignments are asynchronous. That means you can watch recorded lectures, participate in class discussions, and complete other learning activities anytime you want. Usually, there will be tasks that need to be done each week, but as long as you submit them by the due dates, exactly  when  you complete them is up to you. 

This makes online classes great for students who have children or work. If you already have a busy schedule, online classes save time on commuting to campus. However, this level of flexibility requires self-discipline to be successful. Each semester, create your own schedule for classwork and stick to it so that you don’t fall behind. 

Digital Learning Environment: The World At Your Fingertips

Technology can simulate a classroom learning experience. There are many ways to engage with peers and content in virtual classes including: 

• Discussion boards
• Video calls
• Group projects

Digital learning environments can be much more inclusive than traditional classrooms. Students can slow down the pace at which they consume learning material. They can rewatch a lecture multiple times if needed and take time to process it before responding to online discussions or assignments. Technological tools also allow for customized content to cater to individual learning styles and needs. This is sometimes referred to as adaptive e-learning. Leveraging technology in this way is shown to  increase student engagement and learning outcomes . 

Virtual Interaction: Bridging Distances Digitally

Taking online classes gives you opportunities to interact with people all over the country. You may be exposed to different cultures and perspectives as online classes are often more heterogeneous than in-person classes. According to  Forbes , online schools enroll more women and people of color than in-person schools. 

Furthermore, the  average age of the online student  is 32 years old, and 84% of online bachelor’s degree students are already employed. This makes online classes a great place to build a diverse professional network. You can potentially build your professional network in a city you may want to work in after graduation by meeting people in online classes who already live and/or work there. 

Cost And Value: Maximizing Education On A Budget

The cost of online school vs in-person school varies. Some schools charge less for online degrees than in-person degrees. At other schools, the cost of credits is the same no matter how the course is delivered. Based on a report from the  Education Data Initiative , the average cost for an online degree from a private institution is $60,593 while the average cost for an in-person degree from a private institution is $185,252. That’s a huge difference! 

Even when tuition costs are the same for online and in-person classes, a virtual student saves money on gas and parking by taking classes from home. Students who attend in-person school away from their homes need to pay for housing and moving costs in addition to tuition, fees, and books. Overall, online degrees can be a lot cheaper than in-person degrees.

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Apply to Unity today  for free and begin earning your online degree from the comfort of your home. 

For much of history, in-person classes were the only type of formalized learning. Now that there is another option, it’s prudent to expound on the advantages of in-person learning rather than assume them. The benefits of in-person learning range from creating a sense of structure to hands-on learning to more interactions with peers and professors. 

Structure: The Discipline Of A Set Routine

Some people prefer in-person classes because they follow a set routine each week which creates structure in one’s life. If you are a full-time student, in-person classes give you a reason to get dressed in the morning. You may also be more motivated to focus on school work away from the distractions of your home. 

Schools have designated quiet spaces in libraries and potentially other spots around campus. If your home environment is always loud with people coming and going, it may not be conducive to learning time. You may benefit from being on campus where you can take time to study and do school assignments before or after class rather than at home.

Physical Environment: The Tangibility Of A Campus

In-person classes mean being on a college campus and all the benefits that come with the campus experience. This includes:

• Hands-on labs
• Study groups in the library
• Immediate access to various facilities and services

By immersing yourself on a college campus during your degree program, you can reap many of the  benefits of a college education . 

Face-To-Face Interaction: The Power Of Direct Human Connection

Lack of participation is a chronic issue with online classes. Students may feel awkward or struggle to connect with their professors or classmates virtually. Technology issues exacerbate these challenges because they can make communication seem unnatural. Because of this, online classes tend to involve more  passive learning which is shown to be less effective than active learning . 

In-person classes provide regular face-to-face interactions where people can engage in natural, spontaneous discussions and develop genuine connections. This can aid in building your professional network because many of your classmates will likely be working in the same industry as you after graduation.

Cost And Value: Investing In A Comprehensive Experience

There are extra costs associated with in-person classes – gas, parking, and on-campus meals. However, the value that a college campus offers can outweigh these extra costs. Many campuses have amenities that are free to in-person students such as a gym, movie theater, and health clinic. Through on-campus organizations, clubs, and free social events, you can make friends and build your professional network. 

Being on campus can also help you academically. You can visit tutoring or writing centers for free to get support for fellow students or volunteers. One of the greatest benefits of in-person learning is that you can receive immediate feedback from your professor in class. This is particularly helpful for subjects you struggle with. And, in general, some things are easier to explain in person than in writing. 

Get the best of both worlds with a  hybrid learning program  at Unity Environmental University.

Now that you know the online school vs in-person pros and cons, let’s look at learning outcomes for each type of class. Some  research  shows that students perform equally or better in online classes than they do in traditional in-person classes. As expected, the amount of engagement in the online class affects its efficiency for students.  Evidence  from 2020 shows that when students are not engaged in online courses, attendance and course completion can suffer.

Additionally, some types of learning such as labs for STEM majors must take place in person. While technological integrations in online classrooms make some degrees such as  environmental science  and  GIS  available through distance learning, online education is unlikely to completely replace in-person learning. Instead, many experts recommend a mix of online and in-person classes . 

Attend Unity Environmental University From Anywhere In The U.S. Or In Person At Our Technical Institute

Is online school better than in-person? That depends on who you ask. But, is there value in online learning for preparing students for the real world? The answer to that is a resounding yes! Whether you want to travel to Maine to attend our  Technical Institute  in person or complete your degree online, you can expect an engaging, high-quality education from  Unity Environmental University . And, with our  hybrid degree programs , you don’t need to debate virtual learning vs in-person learning because you can try both and see which works best for you. 

With a robust offering of online degrees for undergraduate and graduate students covering sustainability, agroforestry, animal and marine sciences, vet technology, and more, and affordable fees for tuition and other expenses, Unity is  making education more accessible  in order to further the impact of environmental sciences globally. Our affordability and comprehensive programs are making Unity America’s Environmental University of choice for thousands of students each year.

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Remote vs In-person Classes: Positive and Negative Aspects Essay

Introduction, positive aspects of remote classes, negative aspects of remote classes, a mix of remote and in-person classes.

Educators and learners approach the new normal of remote learning with concern or enthusiasm, optimistically or skeptically. While each of them might have genuine concerns, it is essential to open-mindedly understand the advantages and disadvantages online learning creates for both learners and teachers. There are always pros and cons for every good or bad idea, and remote classes are no different. Students, instructors, and all stakeholders in the American education sector must weigh the pros against the cons of developing a resilient model for today’s learning environment.

Remote classes allow students to access learning materials at any time, from wherever they are, and at their speed. Such access creates high levels of convenience and efficiency in place and time, enabling learners to study at the best pace and style. Online class discussion forums support high-quality conversations and are student-centered (Criollo-C et al., 2018). The asynchronous nature of discussion forums gives learners time to understand and reflect on posts from their instructor or fellow students before offering their comments or feedback. Traditional in-person classes require learners to respond on the spot, which gives them limited time for the articulation of ideas and forethought.

Educators reap the benefits of remote classes through higher creativity in content delivery and learners’ engagement. Instructors have to match their lesson delivery to the self-directed and self-autonomous nature of online classes, which include interactive environments (Mukhtar et al., 2020). Unlike in-person classes, remote classrooms require educators to upgrade their instruction styles, and course objectives, and create new content suitable for the online learning environment (Mukhtar et al., 2020). For example, while in-person classes do not require video lessons, some concepts must be demonstrated in videos for online learners. Traditionally, in-person presentations could not be repeated in front of learners but now students can watch the uploaded video as many times as necessary to understand a concept.

Limitations around technology, accessibility, and equity are the major drawbacks of remote classes. Both learners and educators should have access to an internet connection to participate in classes. Logistic, technical, and economic reasons can hinder access to the learning environment (Criollo-C et al., 2018). Successful remote learning should establish mechanisms to restore access as quickly as possible to ensure equal learning opportunities for all students. Computer literacy levels might also limit the use of the classroom features and functionalities for both educators and learners, lest they drag down the program. Technology failures pose a threat to accessibility as such systems are bound to experience downtimes, only when such failures will occur is unpredictable (Mukhtar et al., 2020). Such failures can occur at the individual or school level, ranging from personal computer (PC) problems, server crashes, network downtimes, and software malfunctions.

While online learning creates convenience and independence, individual educators and students might lack the qualities necessary to succeed in the environment. The autonomous and asynchronous nature of remote learning requires highly responsible and disciplined students, who have excellent organizational and time management skills (Mukhtar et al., 2020). Dependent and young learners may not succeed in such an environment. Educators must receive adequate training to ensure a successful transition from physical to online teaching. The instructors should be good at written communication and create a supportive environment to compensate for the lack of physical closeness (Mukhtar et al., 2020). Nevertheless, a supportive environment cannot replace physical classrooms and some students might feel left out.

School should not be 100% remote or in-person but a hybrid of the two environments. Instructional and learning models cannot be translated from physical to remote classes without adjustments. Additionally, hands-on and practical subjects that require practice and movement to achieve learning cannot be successfully conducted online (Hapke et al., 2020). Young and dependent learners require physically present instructors to support their learning. My school design would incorporate both remote and in-person classes for all the students. I would want dependent and young learners to take partial online classes to gain experience with digital education tools but most of their learning would be in physical classrooms. Hands-on and practical classes would be 80% in-person and 20% online. For all other classes, I would require students to have physical mid and end of term exams and project presentations while everything else is completed virtually. Therefore, every learner would have an experience with both in-person and remote classes.

Hybrid classes will reduce school dropout and absenteeism, which are typical in purely remote and in-person learning, respectively. The hybrid style will also enhance the usage of resources as most of the students learn remotely and relieve resources to utilize for the practical subjects (Hapke et al., 2020). For example, staff will not be overworking and teachers will have time to create quality content for online learners. Physical classrooms will also be free for the learners in practical subjects, which is a vital resource for maintaining safe social distance during this pandemic period (Hapke et al., 2020). In comparison to pure in-person learning, hybrid learning expands access beyond geographical boundaries. Therefore, a hybrid model of virtual and in-person classes is the best school design for the current generation.

Teachers and students might have concerns about online learning vs. in-person classes. Virtual classes have their benefits and drawbacks, as well as physical classrooms. It is essential to open-mindedly understand the advantages and disadvantages online learning creates for both stakeholders. All the parties involved in the American education sector must weigh the pros against the cons of developing a resilient model for today’s learning environment. Additionally, school administrators must consider the value of hybrid environments.

Criollo-C, S., Luján-Mora, S., & Jaramillo-Alcázar, A. (2018). Advantages and disadvantages of M-learning in current education . In 2018 IEEE World Engineering Education Conference (EDUNINE), 1-6. IEEE.

Hapke, H., Lee-Post, A., & Dean, T. (2020). 3-in-1 hybrid learning environment. Marketing Education Review , 1-8.

Mukhtar, K., Javed, K., Arooj, M., & Sethi, A. (2020). Advantages, limitations and recommendations for online learning during COVID-19 pandemic era . Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences , 36 (COVID19-S4), 27.

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Online vs. In-Person College: Which Is Right for You?

Varonika Ware is a content writer at Scholarships360. Varonika earned her undergraduate degree in Mass Communications at Louisiana State University. During her time at LSU, she worked with the Center of Academic Success to create the weekly Success Sunday newsletter. Varonika also interned at the Louisiana Department of Insurance in the Public Affairs office with some of her graphics appearing in local news articles.

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Caitlyn Cole is a college access professional with a decade of experience in non-profit program and project management for college readiness and access organizations.

Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.

It’s no secret that online college is growing by leaps and bounds. You might be wondering what the difference is between online vs in-person classes, and luckily, we outline some of the pros and cons to each below. 

Be sure to continue doing your research on your options, so you can make the best decision for your needs and goals. No matter the type of college experience that you choose, you’re still moving toward earning a worthwhile education. Keep reading to learn more about online vs in-person college below!

Benefits of online college

Ability to pace yourself.

Online college can be a great option for people with demanding schedules and hectic lifestyles. Depending on the major, students are able to set the pace for their education. 

Some people might need more time to go over a specific subject while others might be able to finish several assignments for their classes at once. Keep in mind that some online classes, such as those in healthcare related fields, may require students to be online at certain times. 

Either way, online classes aren’t necessarily forced to adhere to a semester-long curriculum like in-person colleges. This can also be a lot less stressful for students who want freedom to choose when to study and for how long. 

Learning anywhere

Going virtual with education means that students have the freedom to learn when and where they want. Students can pursue their education in bed, at their local library, or even while on vacation. 

Students can even study in the comfort of their pajamas, which can save time and money that might’ve been spent on the commute to classes. This form of learning can also provide people with disabilities or illnesses a chance to get an education, even if they aren’t currently able to attend an in-person school. 

Related: Top colleges for students with disabilities

Benefits of in-person college

Structured education.

While you’re attending college in-person, your schedule can be a lot more structured than an online format. Classes are usually at specific times throughout the week, and assignment deadlines can be less flexible than in an online atmosphere. 

Students will also have more opportunities to speak directly with professors in class or during office hours. This can be especially helpful if you are struggling with a specific topic, or you want to go over previous exams or assignments.

On-campus atmosphere

University campuses can be your new home away from home! Living in dorms or apartments near your college can allow you to experience some of the biggest parts of campus life . There are events to meet other students or become friends with your roommates or floormates.

College campuses also offer students the chance to get involved in clubs or sports. Participating in some of these activities can even offer a way to help pay for college with specialized scholarships like ones for student-athletes or students involved in STEM activities. 

See also: On vs. off-campus living

Networking opportunities

Being on campus offers students access to networking events and allows them to foster connections in and outside of the classroom. These opportunities can be between peers, professors, and other professionals. 

Getting to know people in a learning environment can help you secure internships and letters of recommendation as well as positions in your desired field upon graduation. It can also help build up your profile on networking sites like LinkedIn , Handshake , and Indeed. 

Related: Top online colleges that accept the FAFSA

Drawbacks of online college

Limited engagement.

Being in a non-traditional environment for learning can be a lot different from what students are used to. As a result, online classes might seem limited in comparison to in-person engagement between students as well as with professors. However, you can be more engaged in classes by turning on your camera during Zoom meetings or actively participating in class discussion posts. 

In this format, getting in touch with professors can be a little different as well. Classes might be asynchronous with limited meetings with teachers, or you might have a scheduled Zoom class. Either way, the class website and emails are a great way to reach out to your professors to get answers to any of the questions you might have. 

Also see: Synchronous vs. asynchronous learning: What’s the difference?

Keeping up with deadlines

Since online learning has less structure, it’s important to set up a schedule for assignments and exams in order to stay on track. It can be easy to start procrastinating on work in the online atmosphere since you might not have to attend in-person classes. 

Staying on top of deadlines can also be difficult if you have other commitments like work or children. Students need to utilize available support systems to empower themselves and be successful students.

It’s also important to be self-motivating in order to stay on top of homework, projects, and tests. Setting up positive habits of studying can be especially helpful to make sure you get everything done, so you won’t have to stress later down the road when deadlines are approaching. 

Drawbacks of in-person college

Potentially high-priced education.

Generally, in-person colleges are more expensive than online alternatives because of additional fees and on-campus housing. Students also tend to take out student loans in order to afford their education, which can be a hefty price tag upon graduation. 

Fortunately, there is federal student aid, in-state options as well as scholarships and grants that students can apply for to cut costs. In-person colleges also offer work-study and internship opportunities, which can help with everyday expenses while providing real-world experience before pursuing your career. 

Related: Grants vs. Scholarships

Key Takeaways

• Online college offers students the chance to learn on the go while in-person universities give students a more structured college experience
• Online classes for certain majors might require being online at specific times
• Students living on campus are able to get involved in activities and make meaningful connections with their peers and professors
• Online learning can be more cost-efficient than in-person colleges, but there are still resources out there for both options that can make your education affordable

Don’t miss: Top online scholarships

Final tips for applicants

After evaluating online or in-person college formats, the price tag might still play a factor in deciding to attend either of them. Fortunately, there are a lot of options to help make college affordable such as tuition reimbursement , FAFSA , and the CSS Profile . By using these resources, it’s possible to attend college for free or at a discounted rate. 

Applicants should also keep in mind that some colleges require one or more supplemental essay responses as part of the admissions process. In preparation, try to speak with advisors, teachers, or family members about your essay draft and ways to improve your chances of getting into the college of your choice. When you have some choices, learn what to consider when  choosing a college.

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Online Learning vs. In-Person Learning

With the rapid evolution of technology observed over the past couple of decades, the realm of education has been changed drastically, with innovative techniques, approaches, and tools being incorporated into the process. However, of all changes that the realm of education has experienced, the creation of online learning spaces is, perhaps, the most significant. Although the goals of online learning are precisely the same as those of offline one, the methods with the help of which teachers and students arrive at set goals are strikingly different. Due to the greater range of flexibility in online learning, it can offer better opportunities for time management and the creation of a personalized learning approach, whereas in-person learning provides a teacher with better control over the class.

Starting with the in-person learning as the most common type of education, one should address the opportunity to control the extent of students’ motivation and engagement carefully, adjusting the teaching approach accordingly. Since offline learning does not imply the same amount of control due to the restricted communication options and challenges in applying nonverbal communication techniques for spotting changes in learners’ attitudes, a teacher may have reduced control over the learners’ engagement in the offline setting. However, arguably, the extent of control over the learning process restricts the opportunities for building learners’ agency and implementing the guided discovery approach, where students take initiative in exploring the subject matter. Therefore, the level of control as an advantage is a rather contestable point.

In turn, the online learning setting has a range of advantages to offer both to students and to educators. The issue of time management is the most obvious one since, unlike the in-person learning process, students do not have to move from one room to another when switching from one class to another, which saves a significant amount of time. Additionally, learning in a familiar setting will imply a greater extent of comfort and, thus, will lead to increased motivation. One could argue that, unlike a classroom, which is always kept tidy and arranged in the way that allows maximizing its utility for learning, the home setting may be quite cluttered and not ergonomic enough to encourage learners to focus on studying. Therefore, online learning can also boast a more rational approach toward arranging the learning setting.

Given the range of characteristics mentioned above and the current focus on building independence, self-sufficiently, and agency in learners, the choice of the online setting appears to be more beneficial. Once a proper leadership approach to motivating students is developed, a teacher can utilize a broad range of tools and offer learning experiences that will be conducive to building academic curiosity in students. As a result, the online learning process needs to be considered as the next chapter in improving the current education system and promoting enhanced learning with additional opportunities for building critical skills.

Since offline learning does not require spatial arrangements, it offers greater flexibility both to students and to teachers, which improves time management; however, offline learning creates premises for better control over students. Thus, online learning can be considered more challenging in keeping learners motivated and engaged, which calls for the implementation of an appropriate leadership strategy and the development of interactive exercises that help students to remain proactive. Therefore, both types of learning have their advantages, yet online learning should be viewed as the course for the future development of the academic environment due to the potential that it offers for shared learning.

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Online Classes vs. In-person Classes Comparison Essay Sample

Today, people of all ages are enrolled in college. Some students are fresh out of high school, ready to start their life. While others are having a career change or are wanting to freshen their knowledge. College can be challenging for all no matter how old. Just like for some, online classes are better than in-person classes but for others, in-person classes are better than online classes. Before choosing which type of classes a person should attend, they should consider a few things such as, how easy will getting help from teachers be, understanding the criteria, what devices they have available to use, how much time they are able to spend on schooling and even the cost of schooling. 

When having to choose online classes or in-person classes something to consider could be how helpful the teacher would be online. Having to get a hold of the teacher over email could potentially become a problem. It could become a problem because the teacher may only reply on their free time. The teacher may also give a short response back if they are in a hurry. in-person, the student can ask the teacher any questions he or she may have and not only get the answer they're looking for but maybe even more information that could be helpful. in-person, the teacher may be able to see that the student is struggling with something while in their class. The teacher would then most likely mention something to the student, asking if they would like help. While online, the teacher may not be able to tell that the student is struggling and might not ask if the student is needing help. 

Has there ever been a time that something just wasn’t making sense? While being a student, this can happen a lot with things at school. Imagine reading the directions for an assignment and not completely understanding it. Sometimes students think they understand it enough and do the assignment anyway and then find out they did it completely wrong. While in-person, most teachers go over the assignment and its directions with the whole class and answer any questions that students may have. in-person, the teacher may go into more detail about the assignment than they do online. In today's world, most things do not get done on paper anymore but, sometimes an in-person class will have an assignment on a piece of paper which could make things easier than having to do it online on a website. 

Having to do assignments and listen to lessons online could create another problem. A problem that some students can run into with online classes deals with what devices they have available to use. Some students do not have a laptop or a type of computer at home for them to use when needed. Some may have a laptop or computer to use but may not have the proper networking that is needed. They may not have wifi available or have a good enough cell signal to run off of data. Attending in-person classes would be a better route for ones without personal devices because they would be able to use the computers available at the school. 

Students may think they will not have enough time to attend in-person classes. With that being said, time management is something else students should think about when deciding between online classes and in-person classes. Depending on how far away from the school the student lives, attending in-person classes can take more time out of the day due to driving to the school. Sometimes, a class doesn’t start right on the dot as to when it should due to having to wait for the majority of students to arrive in the classroom. While others may have their work done, but have to stay in class the majority of the scheduled time frame. Which most students would say, is a waste of time. With online classes, the student can listen and watch the lesson whenever they are able to. They would also be able to work on the homework and lessons in their free time, rather than having to sit in the classroom and work on it. For some students, this makes online classes a better option due to possibly having a family to care for or having a full-time job to bring in income. 

Income and the cost of schooling can play a huge role in what type of classes a student may choose to attend. For both online and in-person classes, the student will more than likely have to purchase a book or two. Books are not cheap and can cost quite a bit. When doing online classes, a student will have to be able to purchase a device that will be reliable for them to complete classwork. An in-person student will not have to purchase a device as they can use one at the school. Many students drive to school, which means they will have to pay for fuel. Students taking classes online will not have to worry about driving to the school so therefore they would be saving money on fuel. Another thing students taking classes online may save on is apartment fees. Some students come from hundreds of miles away and stay in an apartment either close to the school or on campus. Staying in an apartment means having to pay rent. For some, they are not able to afford attending in-person classes so they go with the online class route. 

Choosing which type of class a student attends is something every college student will have to decide. The student should decide which would best fit their personal needs. Students should go over every little detail before making the final decision. No matter which option the student may be leaning more to, they should still consider a few things. The student should think about how easily the teacher will be able to help them, if they will be able to understand the criteria on their own, if they have a device available to use, how much time they are able to put towards schooling, and which choice will work better with their budget. Both online classes and in-person classes are a great way for a person to further their education and better their knowledge.

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

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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?

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Online School Vs. In-Person Pros and Cons

F or centuries, students pursuing an education from accredited institutions had to physically attend classes until they received their desired certification or degree. For this reason, many people believe in-person schooling is the only way to receive a quality and reputable education. However, technological advancements of the past two decades have significantly changed this mentality and how people can obtain an education, resulting in countless students opting for online schooling. But which is best?

This article will delve into the highly relevant and debated decision of online schooling versus in-person schooling. It will describe what each educational path entails and the most significant advantages and disadvantages of each. It will also lay to rest the question of whether one of these options ultimately outweighs the other for all students.

Article Topics

What does it mean to study online vs. in-person.

When it comes to obtaining an education, there are two approaches students can take nowadays: online or in-person. Although there are much both of these educational paths share, they differ widely in how they function.

Online schools are exactly what the name implies—a school that students attend through online programs they access using a computer, mobile phone apps, or other electronic devices. In-person schooling differs in that students are expected to physically attend classes in a brick-and-mortar institution, meaning an established structure.

As you can see, the biggest difference in how these types of schooling work are whether a student can attend a course from anywhere using the internet and electronic devices or if they must go to a physical building and sit in a classroom to obtain their education.

Which Is Better: Online School or In-Person?

One of the most significant reasons there is so much debate surrounding online vs. in-person schooling is that people have very firm opinions that one is better than the other. We’d like to formally put this debate to rest here.

Both online and in-person schooling are legitimate ways for students to obtain an education, and one is not inherently better than the other. This ultimately is a matter of opinion, as both options have advantages and disadvantages that might benefit one student while hindering another.

It is not uncommon for people to believe that in-person schooling is the superior option considering it has been around for centuries.

There is also the question of whether degrees or certificates obtained through online programs are legitimate. To that, we say, as long as the online institution is accredited, meaning it adheres to educational standards set forth by the U.S. Department of Education, then degrees obtained online and in-person are of equal value. The only element that might increase or reduce one’s value over the other is the institution it was obtained from, not the style of schooling.

Countless institutions worldwide, including Ivy League and State colleges, offer students online programs of the highest quality. For some, the freedom this permits them in terms of their schedule and lifestyle makes online schooling the better choice. For others, attending school in person might help them focus better on course material and provide the ideal social atmosphere they enjoy.

This demonstrates that whether in-person or online schooling is “better” solely lies on the individual level. What works for one student in terms of their lifestyle and learning might not be the same for another. Therefore, it is important to know the pros and cons of each option so students can choose the schooling approach the best suits them, not what others deem superior.

Now that we’ve established that online and in-person schooling are legitimate options of equal educational value let’s discuss their overarching pros and cons. This will help any students weighing each option find the one that fits their lifestyle and learning needs and ensure future success in their educational journey.

The most significant pros and cons of online and in-person schooling are as follows:

While some people might think some of the pros and cons in this chart are on the wrong side, remember that much of this debate is subjective.

For the most part, these are the elements of online and in-person schooling people deem either beneficial or a hindrance to their learning. Therefore, we’d like to discuss each in more detail so you can see the reasoning behind each and use this to your advantage when deciding which method would be best for you.

Online School Pros

The pros of attending online schools largely revolve around convenience and comfort, whether that is in terms of schedules, financial burdens, or mental health.

In-Person School Pros

There’s a reason the vast majority of students opt for in-person schooling over online, even despite online schooling’s growing popularity. Most enjoy the pros of increased opportunities for genuine socialization and the structured atmosphere that comes with this option.

Online School Cons

Although we’d like to say there are no downsides to online schooling, there are a series of cons to this choice that render it less than ideal for some students.

In-Person School Cons

While there are countless people who prefer in-person schooling, online schooling was created out of necessity to overcome many of the in-person schooling cons we’ve listed below.  Whether it’s general certifications, degrees or even certifications in higher education , these tips or study apply to all.

Final Thoughts

As we discussed previously, both in-person and online schooling are legitimate ways for any student to obtain an education, and each has its pros and cons. Whether one option is better for you depends on your learning style and priorities as a person and a student. If you need a low-cost education that permits scheduling freedom, you’ll want to look into online schooling. Alternatively, if you prioritize structure and social interaction, in-person schooling is for you.

It is essential to your educational success to weigh the pros and cons of each option and determine which aligns with your priorities best before choosing. Of course, many colleges and other institutions allow course credits to transfer between schools, students could realistically test out one method for a semester or year and then decide if they want to stick with that method or switch to another.

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Luke Ocean is a writer, self-proclaimed bio-hacker, wellness advocate and yoga expert. Luke grew up on a small ranch in Montana and enlisted in the Navy to study and become a cryptologist. He later graduated from the US Naval Academy with a Minor in Mandarin and a Bachelor's of Science for General Engineering and a Major of English Literature. Luke's interests and career span multiple industries and various disciplines.  Luke resides in San Antonio and is a Certified Yoga Instructor, a student of Zen Buddhism, practitioner of Holistic Psychology and has completed his CYT-200 and is studying for his 300-hour yoga teacher training.

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Online School Vs. In-Person Pros and Cons

• Post published: December 11, 2021
• Post category: Online Degree Colleges Info & Tips
• Post last modified: December 13, 2022

For centuries, students pursuing an education from accredited institutions had to physically attend classes until they received their desired certification or degree. For this reason, many people believe in-person schooling is the only way to receive a quality and reputable education. However, technological advancements of the past two decades have significantly changed this mentality and how people can obtain an education, resulting in countless students opting for online schooling. But which is best?

This article will delve into the highly relevant and debated decision of online schooling versus in-person schooling. It will describe what each educational path entails and the most significant advantages and disadvantages of each. It will also lay to rest the question of whether one of these options ultimately outweighs the other for all students.

Table of Contents

What does it mean to study online vs. in-person.

When it comes to obtaining an education, there are two approaches students can take nowadays: online or in-person. Although there are much both of these educational paths share, they differ widely in how they function.

Online schools are exactly what the name implies—a school that students attend through online programs they access using a computer, mobile phone apps, or other electronic devices. In-person schooling differs in that students are expected to physically attend classes in a brick-and-mortar institution, meaning an established structure.

As you can see, the biggest difference in how these types of schooling work are whether a student can attend a course from anywhere using the internet and electronic devices or if they must go to a physical building and sit in a classroom to obtain their education.

Which Is Better: Online School or In-Person?

One of the most significant reasons there is so much debate surrounding online vs. in-person schooling is that people have very firm opinions that one is better than the other. We’d like to formally put this debate to rest here.

Both online and in-person schooling are legitimate ways for students to obtain an education, and one is not inherently better than the other. This ultimately is a matter of opinion, as both options have advantages and disadvantages that might benefit one student while hindering another.

It is not uncommon for people to believe that in-person schooling is the superior option considering it has been around for centuries.

There is also the question of whether degrees or certificates obtained through online programs are legitimate. To that, we say, as long as the online institution is accredited, meaning it adheres to educational standards set forth by the U.S. Department of Education, then degrees obtained online and in-person are of equal value. The only element that might increase or reduce one’s value over the other is the institution it was obtained from, not the style of schooling.

Countless institutions worldwide, including Ivy League and State colleges, offer students online programs of the highest quality. For some, the freedom this permits them in terms of their schedule and lifestyle makes online schooling the better choice. For others, attending school in person might help them focus better on course material and provide the ideal social atmosphere they enjoy.

This demonstrates that whether in-person or online schooling is “better” solely lies on the individual level. What works for one student in terms of their lifestyle and learning might not be the same for another. Therefore, it is important to know the pros and cons of each option so students can choose the schooling approach the best suits them, not what others deem superior.

Now that we’ve established that online and in-person schooling are legitimate options of equal educational value let’s discuss their overarching pros and cons. This will help any students weighing each option find the one that fits their lifestyle and learning needs and ensure future success in their educational journey.

The most significant pros and cons of online and in-person schooling are as follows:

While some people might think some of the pros and cons in this chart are on the wrong side, remember that much of this debate is subjective.

For the most part, these are the elements of online and in-person schooling people deem either beneficial or a hindrance to their learning. Therefore, we’d like to discuss each in more detail so you can see the reasoning behind each and use this to your advantage when deciding which method would be best for you.

Online School Pros

The pros of attending online schools largely revolve around convenience and comfort, whether that is in terms of schedules, financial burdens, or mental health.

In-Person School Pros

There’s a reason the vast majority of students opt for in-person schooling over online, even despite online schooling’s growing popularity. Most enjoy the pros of increased opportunities for genuine socialization and the structured atmosphere that comes with this option.

Online School Cons

Although we’d like to say there are no downsides to online schooling, there are a series of cons to this choice that render it less than ideal for some students.

In-Person School Cons

While there are countless people who prefer in-person schooling, online schooling was created out of necessity to overcome many of the in-person schooling cons we’ve listed below.

Final Thoughts

As we discussed previously, both in-person and online schooling are legitimate ways for any student to obtain an education, and each has its pros and cons. Whether one option is better for you depends on your learning style and priorities as a person and a student. If you need a low-cost education that permits scheduling freedom, you’ll want to look into online schooling. Alternatively, if you prioritize structure and social interaction, in-person schooling is for you.

It is essential to your educational success to weigh the pros and cons of each option and determine which aligns with your priorities best before choosing. Of course, many colleges and other institutions allow course credits to transfer between schools, students could realistically test out one method for a semester or year and then decide if they want to stick with that method or switch to another.

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Argumentative Essay Example: In-Person vs. Online Learning

For the last 18 months students had to sit at home with the discomfort of not seeing new friends and making new connections. I believe that in person school is superior to online school. I also believe that online school is not a good substitute for in person. This essay will show you research that supports in person attendance over online school.

Online school has caused serious learning delays that teachers have seen in their students. A study done by Mckinsey and Company showed that kids in online learning have a learning delay of up to three months. This can be bad for kids because when they come back in person they will be far behind the rest of the class and in some instances end up failing.  A survey done by Horace Mann shows that 97% of educators saw learning loss within their students.

Another reason that in person learning is superior to online is that teachers rate online learning very low in effectivness. A Mckinsey and Company study found that teachers rated online 5/10 all over the world. In another study by the RAND Corporation ⅔ of teachers said most of their online students were less prepared. Even though in person learning is clearly more effective there are some people who still disagree.  

Despite the evidence there are some people that say online school is superior. They say that it provides parents and opportunity to monitor and control their kid’s learning enviorment. According to an Ed Choice survey, 68% said flexibility for kid’s was an important factor in their decision to do online schooling, However this evidence is not valid because flexibility does not mean more effective education. It is not a persuasive argument.

Online school can cause serious learning delays as shown by surveys of teachers. Online learning is also much less effective as reported by teachers. In person school is clearly a better option.

In conclusion, in person school is much more effective than online learning. Online learning produces learning delays and is much less effective. In person learning should be the preferred method whenever possible.

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Home — Essay Samples — Education — Educational System — Online Vs. Traditional Classes

Essays on Online Vs. Traditional Classes

What makes a good online vs. traditional classes essay topics.

When it comes to writing an essay comparing online versus traditional classes, choosing the right topic is essential. A good essay topic should be thought-provoking, relevant, and engaging. It should allow for a thorough analysis of the subject matter and provide the writer with enough material to support their arguments. Here are some recommendations on how to brainstorm and choose an essay topic, what to consider, and What Makes a Good essay topic.

To brainstorm and choose an essay topic for an Online Vs. Traditional Classes essay, start by considering your personal interests and experiences. Reflect on your own experiences with both online and traditional classes and think about any issues, challenges, or advantages you may have encountered. This can help you identify potential topics that are relevant and meaningful to you.

Next, consider the current trends and debates in the field of education. Look for topics that are hotly debated or have conflicting viewpoints. These topics are likely to generate interest and provide ample material for analysis and argumentation.

Additionally, it is important to consider the scope of the topic. A good essay topic should be specific enough to allow for in-depth analysis but broad enough to encompass various aspects of the subject matter. Avoid choosing topics that are too broad or too narrow, as they can be difficult to explore in a comprehensive manner.

Lastly, a good essay topic should be relevant and timely. Consider the current state of education and the impact of technology on the learning process. Look for topics that address the evolving nature of education and the challenges and opportunities presented by online and traditional classes.

Best Online Vs. Traditional Classes Essay Topics

When it comes to writing an essay comparing online versus traditional classes, there are numerous creative and engaging topics to choose from. Here are some of the best essay topics that stand out and provide ample material for analysis and argumentation:

• The impact of online education on student engagement and motivation.
• The role of technology in shaping the future of education.
• The effectiveness of online learning in promoting student success.
• The challenges and opportunities of transitioning from traditional to online classes.
• The potential of blended learning approaches in enhancing student learning outcomes.
• The importance of teacher-student interaction in online and traditional classes.
• The benefits and drawbacks of online versus traditional classes for adult learners.
• The impact of online education on the development of critical thinking skills.
• The role of digital literacy in online learning environments.
• The influence of socio-economic factors on access to online education.
• The relevance of traditional teaching methods in the digital age.
• The potential of virtual reality in enhancing the online learning experience.
• The impact of online education on the accessibility of higher education.
• The challenges of maintaining academic integrity in online learning environments.
• The role of peer interaction in online and traditional classes.
• The influence of learning preferences on the effectiveness of online versus traditional classes.
• The potential of gamification in online education.
• The impact of online education on student well-being and mental health.
• The importance of personalized learning in online and traditional classes.
• The future of education: trends and challenges in online and traditional classes.

These essay topics are not only relevant and thought-provoking but also provide ample material for analysis and argumentation. They address the evolving nature of education and the impact of technology on the learning process, making them ideal for a compelling Online Vs. Traditional Classes essay.

Online Vs. Traditional Classes essay topics Prompts

Are you struggling to come up with a creative and engaging essay topic for an Online Vs. Traditional Classes essay? Here are five prompts to spark your creativity and inspire your writing:

• Imagine a world where online education is the norm. How would this impact the traditional classroom experience?
• In what ways does online education challenge the traditional model of education? What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of this shift?
• Reflect on your own experiences with online and traditional classes. How do they compare in terms of student engagement, learning outcomes, and overall experience?
• Consider the role of technology in shaping the future of education. How does this impact the effectiveness of online versus traditional classes?
• Explore the potential of blended learning approaches in promoting student success. What are the challenges and opportunities presented by this approach?

These prompts are designed to encourage critical thinking and reflection on the topic of Online Vs. Traditional Classes. They offer a creative and engaging starting point for developing a compelling essay that stands out. So, go ahead and let your imagination run wild as you explore these thought-provoking prompts!

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Technology & Innovation in Education: Web Based Learning

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Online and classroom-based education are two different types of learning. Although both offer high-quality learning, each has its own teaching method and establishes its own channels and guidelines for learning. Online education uses the Internet and information and communications technology (ITC), making courses dynamic, intuitive and easy to follow. While with classroom-based learning, students go to a physical classroom where the teaching and much of the learning takes place.

Online system enables students to attend classes, work, communicate, take exams and access content wherever they may be. It stimulates students' independence and curiosity, collaborative work, critical thinking and self-directed learning. This system also diversifies sources of knowledge. With traditional method, the students take a more passive role and adapt to the teacher's rhythm and teaching method. Students have a closer relationships with their teachers and an opportunity to socialise.

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• May 17, 2021

In-Person vs. Online Learning — Can They Compare?

Updated: Sep 22, 2023

Online vs. In-Person Class for Learning — What is Best?

Many may believe with the changes in the way students are being taught that there is one medium of teaching that is better than the other. As technology has developed, we’ve been able to connect with people all over the world through apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, Zoom, WeChat, etc. Needless to say, education has also evolved to connect students and instructors in virtual classrooms.

It’s clear that things are not the way they used to be before 2020, and many have debated whether or not in-person learning is better than online learning. But how do the two compare? Is one really better than the other?

What is the difference between in-person and online learning?

Online learning is exactly what it sounds like: classrooms and subject materials are all covered virtually. In-person learning is the traditional way of learning, where students attend face-to-face classes at allotted times. Let’s dig into the pros and cons of each type of learning environment.

Pros of Online Classes

Throughout the course of the pandemic, there’s been an increase in students enrolling for online programs. According to InsideHigherEd , women and Black Americans prefer online learning. 60% of Black Americans have confidence in the quality of online education, and 48% (nearly half!) of women would choose to pursue an education online. With so many opting to pursue online degrees, what are the pros of online learning?

1) Virtual classrooms provide great accessibility for students .

Online classes open the gate for many people who don’t have the means to attend in-person classes or for people who want to go back to school, but may also have other commitments. Online education is great for single parents, military personnel, or full-time employees. Online courses offer the opportunity for a larger group of people to receive formal education. Ultimately, when the barriers of an in-person classroom are removed, all students benefit from the freedom of choosing when to do their coursework on an online platform.

2) Online classes offer self-paced learning and schedule flexibility .

For people who do not appreciate the structure of in-person classroom meetings, online learning is a great alternative. Students all work and learn at different paces , and online classes offer the ability for students to follow their own schedules. With flexible scheduling students can mold the classroom to whatever learning environment and class schedule works best for them.

3) Online learning can be cheaper than in-person learning .

Traditional schooling tends to be more expensive than online schooling because there are in person experience costs. This includes extracurriculars, dorming, dining halls, etc. These are all amenities that students are typically happy to pay for, but the realities of the pandemic lead many students to realize that their want for that experience is less significant. Prospective students now tend to enroll in online classes for the affordability of a formal education with increased convenience and decreased cost.

Cons of Online Classes

Despite the positive aspects of the virtual classroom setup, there are undeniably some things lacking that in-person classrooms have. It is important to note that regular online classes have a different set of downsides in comparison to online classes that had to shift rapidly due to the pandemic. Certain subjects had a more difficult time modifying to the online realm. Nonetheless, here are some of the drawbacks of online learning.

1) There’s been an increase in online fatigue.

If you heard the phrase ‘ Zoom fatigue ’ floating around the internet, that’s because it’s very real. After a whole year of online meetings, Zoom meetings, and whatever it may be, it can start to feel dreary. Every live meeting is the same each time with little simulation, so it’s unavoidable that we all will get online fatigue.

2) There can be a lack of engagement in virtual classrooms.

This is mainly because teacher/student or student/student relationships are hard to maintain virtually - or at least we have less practice in this new learning environment. It’s difficult to get to know people through video calls, and without a palpable connection, students tend to lose focus during online classes because it doesn’t matter to them. Students are also reluctant to learn when attending online classes because they know they’ll just have to watch and memorize along the way (a.k.a. passive learning ). When students do put in the effort to build relationships, they are usually hit with technical issues like spotty Wi-Fi, crunchy mic sounds, or awkward lags.

3) Certain subjects are hard to accommodate online.

Subjects like chemistry, nursing, or culinary arts have a hard time being translated into an online teaching method because, quite literally, those classes are hands-on and require a physical classroom . Instructors in these fields were not prepared for the abrupt changes of the pandemic, so it was difficult for them to come up with ways to teach their students through a screen. Students, as well, likely had a hard time learning because of the lack of materials they had at home.

Pros of In-Person Class

In person, instructors can actively monitor what is going on in the classroom, from discussions to exams to student relationships. Online learning takes away many of these factors. Let’s dig into the pros of in-person learning.

1) Being in person in a lecture makes it easier for instructors to conduct discussions.

For example, students benefit from live conversation on case studies and live role playing activities that can be very effective. When instructors engage students in conversation and see that other students have the same enthusiasm, it naturally pulls them into the conversation to learn as well. Effective communication is key to successful learning. Some instructors may prefer in person classes because they are able to control the dialogue in the classroom more fully than online.

2) There can be more community and relationship connection opportunities.

Without the right tools, building relationships online is often not as effective as building them in person. Connections and relationships can be a great resource or reference, and with in-person classes, they don’t have to feel like they are stuck in uncomfortable isolation. In person classes allow for the before and after chatter in a classroom, catching up on weekends and working through tough problems with fellow students. That chatter is what helps students to feel comfortable , even if the subject is challenging for them. Mental health is a critical aspect of education that often gets overlooked, and in-person friendships and social interactions can greatly reduce levels of stress and anxiety.

3) There are less distractions in the classroom.

At home, when taking classes online, learners tend to be distracted easily. Daily disturbances of the internet or common disruptions at home can make students and instructors loose focus frequently , adding to the lack of engagement. However, when students are sitting in a classroom setting with their peers where they can’t turn their camera off to do something else, they have more of an opportunity to be involved with the lesson because there is nothing else they can do in a more structured learning environment.

Cons of In-Person Class

One of the major disadvantages of traditional in-person learning is that it’s not always easily available to people. This is especially true for higher education institutions. Here are some of the drawbacks of in-person classes.

1) For some students, their local college may not offer their field of study.

Even for those who think they prefer in person classes, going going away for college might be completely out of their budget. This makes learning inaccessible and inefficient. Traditional colleges are expensive , and traveling to out of state colleges is even more expensive, which turns people away from enrolling in either. Online classes offer the ability to find a program that works for them at a more reasonable price.

2) Going to class can be time-consuming.

When attending school in a traditional classroom setting, you have to take into account the commute time and lecture length. Many students will have a class schedule that contains 3-4 classes each day that are at least an hour long, in addition to class time you must consider the additional time to walk, bike, bus, or drive to those classes which makes hours of the day disappear. In-person classes are not as flexible as online classes, which can frustrate many students that pay for the college experience, but have little time to indulge. For example, student athletes miss classes quite often due to athletic events, but are expected to keep up with the rest of their class even though their lectures may not be recorded for them to learn the material.

3) Some students’ learning styles do not align with physically being there.

Social anxiety has been a big issue in younger generations, so there is usually a division in bigger classroom sizes. Quieter, shyer students will tend to sit in the back, which can lower engagement if they can’t hear the professor or see the board. In some cases, big group discussions make students feel afraid to speak up, holding them back from fully participating as well. Online communities offer students the time and space to put together their thoughts, so that they don't feel that social stress that the typical physical classroom experience causes. Allowing students to have course conversations in an online platform like Yellowdig, as opposed to in-person, allows students who may be taking the course in their second language an equal opportunity to participate. This online conversation model enables students who would typically not speak in live classes the opportunity to shine through a less stressful social interaction.

At the End of the Day, Which is Better?

With all the pros and cons laid out about each type of learning sphere, it’s hard to say that one is better than the other. With increasing advancements in technology, there’s no way to avoid using it in the classroom altogether. Due to the impact of COVID-19, everyone has put the idea of online classes at the forefront of education. Whether it be in-person learning or online learning, both mediums can be great options and achieve exemplary educational outcomes.

We’ve seen many creative solutions arise, whether it is accommodating alternate in-person courses, shifting rapidly to online, or seeking out hybrid delivery modalities at a faster rate in the last year than ever before. While it is not clear that one modality is superior to the other, what can be seen is that the best way to support academic outcomes is by generating active learning communities both inside and outside the classroom.

Yellowdig recognizes that many students do not truly engage in discussion with their peers through traditional discussion boards, which only further constrains relationship building and effective communication. These two aspects are intrinsic to successful learning, which is why our platform was created to build that human bridge. For Yellowdig, learning should not just happen inside the classroom, but outside the classroom as well. Learn how it works here .

Want to talk more about building learning communities in your classrooms? The Yellowdig Client Success team is comprised of former teachers who now support the development of healthy communities in online, hybrid, and in-person classes.

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The Observer

In-person vs. online classes: which are better?

Courtesy of News 5

We weigh the pros and cons of in-person vs. online classes so you don’t have to.

Christie Lanfear , Life Editor February 4, 2022

The week of Jan. 24, Case Western Reserve University students saw the return of in-person classes. Many students welcomed this step in the direction of normalcy. But for some, the allure of attending online Zoom classes in pajamas from the warmth of their dorm rooms put a damper on the excitement. There are clear mixed feelings among CWRU students between learning online versus in-person.

Now to the real question: is either form of learning superior to the other? Or is it merely a personal preference? I hope to provide an honest and unbiased “review” of the two types of learning, with the goal of encouraging students to see both the positive and negative aspects of both mediums.

Seeing as we began the semester with online learning, it seems logical to discuss this novel and controversial form of learning first.

Pros – Online classes

Increased flexibility

The increased workability of our jam-packed student schedules is arguably the most appealing attribute of online classes. With lectures recorded and no time wasted walking to Case Quad, students have a much easier time fitting in their hobbies and sports practices or even just hanging out with friends.

Increased class engagement

A rather shocking advantage to online classes that we all discovered during the shift to Zoom was the greater number of questions that came from students. This was, at least in part, due to the removal of the intimidation of raising your hand in front of your peers, with the Zoom chat now a compelling option. Instead of having 350 students all staring up at you, expecting a profound statement, one can ask any question they want without fear of judgement. Being behind a screen brought forward a plethora of students who just needed that little extra push. 

Focused environment 

For lots of students, sitting amongst hundreds of peers for over an hour is akin to a nightmare when it comes to focusing and being productive. Concentrating on organic chemistry is quite challenging when the people behind you are trying to resolve a long debate about which shoes they should buy or are discussing what the best Saturday night plans are. Online learning provides an escape from these annoyances, and many students welcome it with open arms. 

Cons – Online classes

Procrastination 

An insurmountable beast for most students, procrastination rears its ugly head especially when the classroom is replaced with the dorm room. Indirect or direct motivation from being around fellow students is taken for granted until online classes take it away. How can we be expected to motivate ourselves when we don’t have that support? 

Demand for independence and self-motivation

The need to actually manage oneself is the most devastating aspect of online school. In the absence of face-to-face interactions with professors and peers, students are cast off to fend for themselves in the treacherous sea of Canvas, with the dreaded “To Do” list as their only company. It is up to us to make schedules and eliminate distractions such as the glorious and seductive Netflix.

Some would consider this a pro of online learning when it comes to the current public health situation of COVID-19, but socially, isolation is a major con. Unless one works hard to actively make plans with friends, attend club meetings and go to sports practices, social interaction is hard to come by. Even if you manage to make it to a previously populated study spot, no one seems to be there to keep you company. 

As you can see, there are clear positives and negatives to online learning that make both sides of the argument strong ones. But what about in-person classes? Are they as amazing as students make them out to be when complaining about learning through Zoom?

Pros – In-person classes 

Social interaction 

This seems like an obvious point. However, spending time with others genuinely is one of the most appealing aspects of in-person learning. Going to class and seeing people outside of your close-knit group is essential to your mental health and well-being. Learning amongst your peers makes the college experience exponentially more fulfilling than sitting alone in your dorm room. 

Higher-quality education 

Based on my observations around campus, an extensive amount of students feel very strongly about this one. For some classes, there is not much of a difference in the delivery or type of information delivered, whether it be over Zoom or in a lecture hall. But for classes such as labs, discussion-based seminars and other hands-on courses, being in person is essential. Students will simply not get the same quality of learning when, for example, attending a virtual lab. 

Fewer distractions 

Categorizing increased focus with more social interaction might sound silly. Surely, being around more people would be more distracting? This is simply not true. Being surrounded by other people who are studying and paying attention can have a facilitating and motivating effect, making you more likely to join in those activities. 

Cons – In-person classes 

COVID is a big one, obviously. Daily gatherings of hundreds of students who frequently remove their masks to eat or sip some water is risky business during these times. Wouldn’t it just be safer for all of us to remain online? Are the pros of in-person learning worth the risk? Well CWRU made its decision to bring us back in-person anyways, but whether they were justified is up to you to decide.

Getting to class

Living in Cleveland makes all of us bitterly aware of the term “lake-effect snow.” The wind and slippery sidewalks make walking to class a liability. To make matters worse, every single member of the first-year class seems to be trying to get on the shuttle the moment that you decide to try your luck. In the current situation, we have to strategically plan our choice of shuttle stop if we are to have any chance of getting to class without braving the harsh conditions.

After all of that, what is the answer? Which is better? In short, neither. The purpose of this article is to encourage students to adopt logical and rational thinking in terms of their feelings towards the two types of learning. Keeping an open mind during these times is the most fruitful way to be as conditions keep changing. Use this article to remind yourself that despite any strong feelings you have towards online or in-person learning, neither is perfect—both are good and bad in their own ways. Think rationally, and no matter the form of learning, you will succeed. Remember what this time has taught us. As Max McKeown said, “all failure is failure to adapt, all success is successful adaptation.”

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Watch CBS News

Why is looking at a solar eclipse dangerous without special glasses? Eye doctors explain.

By Sara Moniuszko

Edited By Allison Elyse Gualtieri

Updated on: April 8, 2024 / 8:54 AM EDT / CBS News

The solar eclipse will be visible for millions of Americans on April 8, 2024, making many excited to see it — but how you watch it matters, since it can be dangerous for your eyes. 

A  solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, blocking the sun's light . When the moon blocks some of the sun, it's a partial solar eclipse, but when moon lines up with the sun, blocking all of its light, a total solar eclipse occurs,  NASA explains . Either way, you need eye protection when viewing.

"The solar eclipse will be beautiful, so I hope that everyone experiences it — but they need to experience it in the right way," said Dr. Jason P. Brinton, an ophthalmologist and medical director at Brinton Vision in St. Louis.

Here's what to know to stay safe.

Why is looking at a solar eclipse dangerous?

Looking at the sun — even when it's partially covered like during an eclipse — can cause eye damage.

There is no safe dose of solar ultraviolet rays or infrared radiation, said  Dr. Yehia Hashad , an ophthalmologist, retinal specialist and the chief medical officer at eye health company Bausch + Lomb.

"A very small dose could cause harm to some people," he said. "That's why we say the partial eclipse could also be damaging. And that's why we protect our eyes with the partial as well as with the full sun."

Some say that during a total eclipse, it's safe to view the brief period time when the moon completely blocks the sun without eye protection. But experts warn against it. 

"Totality of the eclipse lasts only about 1 to 3 minutes based on geographic location, and bright sunlight suddenly can appear as the moon continues to move," notes an eclipse viewing guide published in JAMA , adding, "even a few seconds of viewing the sun during an eclipse" can temporarily or permanently damage your vision. 

Do I need special glasses for eclipse viewing?

Yes.  Eclipse glasses are needed to protect your eyes if you want to look at the eclipse.

Regular sunglasses aren't protective enough for eclipse viewing — even if you stack more than one. 

"There's no amount of sunglasses that people can put on that will make up for the filtering that the ISO standard filters and the eclipse glasses provide," Brinton said.

You also shouldn't look at the eclipse through a camera lens, phone, binoculars or telescope, according to NASA, even while wearing eclipse glasses. The solar rays can burn through the lens and cause serious eye injury.

Eclipse glasses must comply with the  ISO 12312-2 international safety standard , according to NASA, and should have an "ISO" label printed on them to show they comply. The American Astronomical Society  has a list  of approved solar viewers.

Can't find these, or they're sold out near you? You can also  make homemade viewers ,   which allow you to observe the eclipse indirectly — just don't accidentally look at the sun while using one.

How to keep kids safe during the solar eclipse

Since this eclipse is expected to occur around the time of dismissal for many schools across the country, it may be tempting for students to view it without the proper safety precautions while getting to and from their buses. That's why some school districts are  canceling classes early so kids can enjoy the event safely with their families.

Dr. Avnish Deobhakta, vitreoretinal surgeon at New York Eye and Ear Infirmary at Mount Sinai, said parents should also be careful because it can be difficult for children to listen or keep solar eclipse glasses on. 

"You want to actually, in my opinion, kind of avoid them even looking at the eclipse, if possible," he said. "Never look directly at the sun, always wear the right eclipse sunglasses if you are going to look at the sun and make sure that those are coming from a reliable source."

Brinton recommends everyone starts their eclipse "viewing" early, by looking at professional photos and videos of an eclipse online or visiting a local planetarium. 

That way, you "have an idea of what to expect," he said. 

He also recommends the foundation  Prevent Blindness , which has resources for families about eclipse safety.

What happens if you look at a solar eclipse without eclipse glasses?

While your eyes likely won't hurt in the moment if you look at the eclipse without protection, due to lowered brightness and where damage occurs in the eye, beware: The rays can still cause damage .

The harm may not be apparent immediately. Sometimes trouble starts to appear one to a few days following the event. It could affect just one or both eyes.

And while some will regain normal visual function, sometimes the damage is permanent. 

"Often there will be some recovery of the vision in the first few months after it, but sometimes there is no recovery and sometimes there's a degree to which it is permanent," Brinton said. 

How long do you have to look at the eclipse to damage your eyes?

Any amount of time looking at the eclipse without protection is too long, experts say. 

"If someone briefly looks at the eclipse, if it's extremely brief, in some cases there won't be damage. But damage can happen even within a fraction of a second in some cases," Brinton said. He said he's had patients who have suffered from solar retinopathy, the official name for the condition.

Deobhakta treated a patient who watched the 2017 solar eclipse for 20 seconds without proper eye protection. She now has permanent damage in the shape of a crescent that interferes with her vision. 

"The crescent that is burned into the retina, the patient sees as black in her visual field," he said. "The visual deficit that she has will never go away."

How to know if you've damaged your eyes from looking at the eclipse

Signs and symptoms of eye damage following an eclipse viewing include headaches, blurred vision, dark spots, changes to how you see color, lines and shapes. 

Unfortunately, there isn't a treatment for solar retinopathy.

"Seeing an eye care professional to solidify the diagnosis and for education I think is reasonable," Brinton said, but added, "right now there is nothing that we do for this. Just wait and give it time and the body does tend to heal up a measure of it."

Sara Moniuszko is a health and lifestyle reporter at CBSNews.com. Previously, she wrote for USA Today, where she was selected to help launch the newspaper's wellness vertical. She now covers breaking and trending news for CBS News' HealthWatch.

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How One Family Lost $900,000 in a Timeshare Scam

A mexican drug cartel is targeting seniors and their timeshares..

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Warning: this episode contains descriptions of violence.

A massive scam targeting older Americans who own timeshare properties has resulted in hundreds of millions of dollars sent to Mexico.

Maria Abi-Habib, an investigative correspondent for The Times, tells the story of a victim who lost everything, and of the criminal group making the scam calls — Jalisco New Generation, one of Mexico’s most violent cartels.

On today’s episode

Maria Abi-Habib , an investigative correspondent for The New York Times based in Mexico City.

Background reading

How a brutal Mexican drug cartel came to target seniors and their timeshares .

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