Beth Worthy
1/12/2021
The world is going digital. Whether it’s the corporate or educational levels, everyone depends on technology. 2020 has seen the rise of technology in a drastic manner. Due to these trying times, online learning has become necessary. The world has started adjusting to the new challenges caused by the pandemic and made online education a part of their lives.
However, this begs the question if online learning is just as effective as face-to-face learning. Maybe it is, or maybe there is more to expect from it!
Any kind of learning that takes place through the internet can be online learning. This could be an additional course, a complete degree program, or simply a self-study.
With online classes, students may not study simultaneously, and at the same time, their teachers teach.
Online degrees and courses enable students to study and comprehend the subject at their own pace.
This is a traditional way of learning, where students and teachers are physically present in a classroom setting. The teacher leads the class, and the students learn.
In this instructional method, the teacher's learning material is taught to the student group, enabling live interaction between a learner and the instructor.
Synchronous learning is one of the most critical distinctions between face-to-face learning and online learning. In face-to-face instruction, both teachers and students are present.
That is not required for online learning. Either synchronous or asynchronous online instruction may be given.
Instructors generally only provide information in face-to-face lessons and test the interpretation of that knowledge later.
In contrast, teachers through a screen act more like learning facilitators, helping their students understand the content through materials provided online.
A teacher-led class is focused on the teacher delivering a lecture to the students. The students take directions from the teacher and follow a pre-determined learning structure.
The teacher imparts knowledge, students study, teachers take assessments, and students are graded based on their knowledge. Student-led learning focuses on facilitating learner autonomy.
Students are guided in being autonomous learners who can track their development and achieve their own goals. Students lead the discussions and research areas that are appropriate for their progress.
Instructors must provide a method to measure the student’s performance in both face-to-face and online learning.
Usually, this is achieved by submitting tasks, conducting exams or quizzes, and generating participation points.
To measure students’ performance, engagement, and class 'attendance' in an online learning environment, teachers can start by gauging the students’ reactions and class behavior.
Other than that, the teachers can use tools like group discussions, writing assignments, case studies, research papers, concept visualizations, quizzes, and assessments to evaluate the student’s performance.
Face-to-face learning has been the typical mode of education for a long time.
Despite the effectiveness of face-to-face education, online studies may be efficient and preferable in many situations.
Here are some distinct advantages of online learning over real-time education:
The current generation is drawn towards online activities and novel multimedia content. Studying for a degree online ensures that students can gain access to more materials and resources.
For instance, learners can go over the study material and assignments, engage in group discussions with peers and instructors, watch recorded classes, and access on-demand podcasts, videos, and quizzes.
Technological advancements have allowed the conventional classroom to shift into virtual realms, turning face-to-face experiences into face-to-face interactions instead.
In online learning, students have direct contact with their tutors and peers, making it accessible to all and flexible for all.
An online degree also correlates to strong technological skills, a definite bonus for any job seeker.
Learners will need to familiarize themselves with new resources and technologies and solve common issues.
Class discussions feature a wider variety of viewpoints because of the opportunity for students to log in from any location, allowing students to develop their own cross-cultural understanding.
Students will not only network with people from all over the world but expand their experiences by becoming more culturally conscious.
Not only does online learning cut down on the use of paper and energy but also on the amount of pollution intake while commuting to campus.
Online courses use 90% lesser resources and have 85% lower carbon emissions than traditional face-to-face lessons.
Research has found that 75% of institutions that offered real-time and online courses had better retention and graduation rates for students enrolled in digital learning classes.
An online master's degree could be a perfect option for students facing the challenge of juggling work, family, and education.
In addition, obtaining an online degree will prepare students for career development despite the time constraints they may face.
Overall, we can conclude that online learning is a more effective method of education. It is also more resource-efficient, cost-effective, and better for the environment.
In the future, it might as well become a better way to learn.
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