Online education is picking up speed every year and appears to be the way many will be educated. Clearly, there are many educational options to choose from with online education but some wonder if it is better than traditional learning or about the same.
Every person has their own way of learning; learning that fits them well. Some do well with online learning while others find that they do better with a campus education. So, which is better?
With online learning, you have many positive features, such as more flexibility in learning and in turning in assignments, no commuting and being able to choose from many different career choices. However, with some online learning environments, the feedback is not immediate. In addition, with online learning, the instructor must have a thorough knowledge of his subject matter and lesson online must be prepared ahead of time. This can be positive because the level of skills necessary to prepare and deliver the teaching has to be higher.
It is important to note, too, that not everyone feels at ease with online learning. Because there is such a diversity in learning such as variations in age, background of learning and differences in culture, online learning may not fit these important needs.
With an on-campus education, there is a more personal learning environment and the benefit of having immediate feedback between students and teachers. However, to be fair, an on-campus education does not have as much flexibility as an online environment when it comes to presenting certain educational presentations. In addition with an on-campus education, electronic teaching tools are becoming more prevalent and that gives the additional benefit that is offered with an online learning environment.
Also, with an on-campus education there are times when a class could be over a hundred people and this would require additional financial and time commitments for the campus and the student and it could impinge on the learning process. Most importantly, on-campus education has an advantage that supersedes online learning and that is being able to socially interact with others. Being able to interchange with students and instructors is a great advantage because that can add to the learning process.
To conclude, each student is different when it comes to education. It seems that online education works better when it is used in combination with an on-campus style education and that is because by using more than one teaching method, the learning is more effective and interesting. When the two are mixed together, online students have the benefit of receiving immediate feedback and social interaction, along with the convenience and accessibity that makes online learning so enjoyable for many.
It is clear that there will never be a teaching method that fits everyone; teaching methods will constantly evolve and change as time goes by. However, by combining online education with traditional classroom education, students will receive the best of both worlds and that should make for a more productive and effective learning process. Clearly, both teaching methods offer a quality education. But, when they are combined, more opportunities for learning and retaining what has been learned, become available for all students.