Online Education vs Traditional Education: Which One Is Better
Online education has grown significantly over the past few years. That's because it tends to offer cheaper and flexible study options compared to the traditional education system. You can actually study online and get a viable degree certificate upon completing your course. Online education is simply the perfect way to strike a balance between work, family and studies.
However, we cannot completely discredit traditional education. Attending a physical class not only allows students to have a one-on-one experience with the teacher but also exposes them to practical skills that can be beneficial to their future career. In essence, each of these learning options comes with its fair share of challenges. It's all about finding an option that works best for your education needs.
Online Education Vs Traditional Education: Which One Is Better?
Before deciding on which option to choose between online education vs traditional education, it is important to first weigh the pros and cons of each. You must objectively look at the strength of both options and pick one that offers more solid benefits.
Here are some of the key factors that come into play when looking at online vs traditional education differences:
1. Social Interaction
When looking at online education vs traditional education, we can't afford to leave social interaction out of question. One of the critical questions students should ask themselves before enrolling is; do I need a one-on-one interaction with my instructors or peers? Online education usually provides an opportunity for lecturers and students to interact with one another through an online portal or video conferencing software. With the use of such online meeting software as ezTalks Meetings, it's easier to hold or attend classes online from anywhere at any time. The platform not only allows students to enjoy live streaming of full HD and crystal clear audio classes but also gives them the opportunity to attend lessons with minimal distractions. Teachers can also take advantage of screen sharing feature to easily begin their lessons by using the software.
The traditional brick-and-mortar college or school is a great option for those looking for face-to-face communication. It makes it possible for students to have direct engagements with instructors and students. With this mode of learning, students are capable of having detailed discussions, asking lots of questions and covering many concepts in one topic. That will, in the long run, improve student performance and competence in the field of specialization.
2. Flexibility
This is one of the major aspects that fresh and working students need to consider before enrolling for any course. Studying online offers flexibility to students, particularly those who are already committed to work and/or family. With online-based courses, you can take classes at you own free time, without being forced to attend lessons at specific times.
On the other hand, traditional education can be great for students who have more time in their daily schedule. This option is ideal for students who are not working. However, some on-campus courses have classes scheduled for evenings, which might offer a convenient option to working students. The only challenge might be long distance between the student's home or work place and the campus.
3. Budget
Online-based courses and programs tend to offer cheaper options to learning than the traditional education options. Recent reports indicate that a degree course in a traditional university or college costs a total average of $85,000. On the other hand, an online degree is estimated to cost a total average of $30,000. That means enrolling for a course online offers students the opportunity to save more tuition fees and boot camps while enjoying greater flexibility.
While traditional education might be insanely expensive, it does offer tangible learning programs and materials that match the amount paid. Brick-and-mortar learning institutions tend to offer real-time learning or study experience .Students can enjoy such things as using the library, sponsored school trips and/or dining in school. In essence, that might end up saving a little the student or parent has set aside for studies.
4. Methods, Tools and Facilities of Teaching
More and more students are warming up to the idea of pursuing education online. Many argue that today's websites which offer "write my paper online" services and online courses offer experiences which are tailored to meet each student's needs. But as much as it's easier to deliver on theory lessons, it is often challenging to hold practical classes online. Even when practical lessons are carried out, they cannot provide the one-on-one experience as traditional education system would do.
The traditional education often provides a hands-on experience to all students who need to learn from practical lessons. It often has the necessary facilities and equipment for practical studies and activities. Whether a student is taking Chemistry, Biology, Dentistry, Nursing, Medicine or Athletics course, he or she will enjoy plenty of lab lessons and/or field training. That cannot be achieved with online education as most students often take classes while lying on the couch or in bed.
5. Discipline
Discipline is a key aspect when weighing between enrolling for an online program and taking traditional on-campus degree. The success of the student mostly depends on his or her level of commitment. Hence, it's always important for students to choose study options based on their overall performance of tasks. Online education can be great for those who are self-motivated and capable of prioritizing tasks and setting deadlines. Without a proper organization or plan, a student taking online classes might perform poorly in the long run.
The traditional education setting can be the best option for those that need discipline to get the work done. With properly structured classes, to-do lists and regular assessments, students can have enough support to complete tasks or assignments on time. The fact that you must make class appearances for you to learn is one step to making you a disciplined student. With commitment and hard work, success on any degree course or program can simply be inevitable.
Conclusion
As you can see, both online and traditional educational institutions offer their own unique advantages. They equally come with their own set of challenges. That means any student wishing to enroll for any degree program must weigh between online vs traditional education benefits. A student can look at it from the perspective of flexibility, affordability, practicality and discipline of taking classes. It’s upon the student to decide which education system, between online and traditional, to enroll in. It all boils down to getting practical skills on a given field of career or expertise. Online system of education can work better for some while for others the traditional on-campus education is the best for pursuing degree course.