Nowadays, humankind actively uses technology in every sphere. It helps to complete tasks more precisely, faster, and more effectively. Education is one of such spheres, and it’s helpful in many ways. As we currently face the challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic, students are forced to study from their homes online. However, this practice has become widely used earlier, and it has become a field for multiple hot disputes.
Many people claim that online education is counter-productive. The others believe that it’s much better than traditional classes. Who is right? It’s a good question, and we’ll try to answer it in this analytical blog post provided by academic experts from an online essay writing service – CustomWritings.
Benefits of Online Classes
We’d like to begin with the positive aspects of learning. This form is very flexible and has undeniable benefits. They are as follows:
- Access to Multiple Sources
Thanks to the enormous possibilities of the Internet, students can access any kind of information to resolve their academic hardships. In comparison to the traditional method, youngsters achieve more. They can find the required answers on:
- Educational forums and communities;
- Education and non-profit sites;
- Professional essay writing services;
- Events dedicated to the issues of learning.
It’s only necessary to define what sources can be trusted and use them when the need appears.
- Enhanced Time Management
The virtual form of studying saves the precious time of students. They don’t have to spend it on getting to the school and class. Online lessons are carried out at a suitable time, and students receive education comfortably sitting at home.
- More Room for Creativity
Technology promotes a boost of creativity in students. Youngsters are allowed to use any gadget, app, or software they like. Accordingly, they can develop their creative skills in any way. It likewise encourages them to try harder.
- Individualized Learning
Thanks to the virtual approach, youngsters can adjust their learning according to their needs and preferences. They have certain goals to reach, but children are allowed to choose how to do that.
They are free to choose any informative source or learning app they like. They can pass online courses and programs, find textbooks that differ from a common school program, etc. This freedom helps to define a perfect learning style.
Drawbacks of Learning Online
Now it’s time to focus on the cons of learning online and on campus. Here are the main hazards that may potentially occur:
- Addiction
Many people are alarmed by the possible addiction to technology among children and teenagers. They are merely obsessed with apps, surfing the Internet, etc. Youngsters get too dependent on technology, and if they are deprived of it, most of them don’t know how to fulfill the simplest tasks.
- Health Problems
Too much time in front of the laptop’s screen leads to problems with health. They are less active than they should be and frequently eat junk food. It leads to muscle degradation, obesity, and problems with sight.
- Security Issues
Working online may not be safe for your privacy. Wandering in the virtual world, students may accidentally expose their private data to unknown people. These people may use their private data for illegal purposes or bullying.
- Social Isolation
Many students suffer from a lack of in-person communication. Although they can throw online meetings, they are not the same as real meetings. Many children lose the ability to communicate and may have serious problems in the future.
Benefits of Traditional Learning
A traditional way of learning is standard, and all got used to it. This approach functions for hundreds of years thanks to various factors. The main benefits are as follows:
- Instant Help
Students can receive the necessary answers in the blink of an eye if they are in the classroom. Simply raise the hand, ask your teacher, and get the answer. Online lessons also provide this possibility, but the auditorium may be too big for a teacher, and he/she cannot answer all the questions.
- Socializing with Peers
Youngsters don’t have problems with communication skills. They meet in the classroom and the schoolyard. Children won’t feel isolated and abandoned.
- Use of Well-Known Methods
Traditional classes use the most effective methods of learning. They have been tested over time and proved to be productive. In the meanwhile, virtual education is relatively new and still tries to define what methods are the best.
- Controlled Development
Compared to online learning, children are supervised by teachers all the time long. They won’t play hooky and will always be busy with a certain task. Online learning is deprived of regular control, and students become lazy and miss classes.
Drawbacks of Learning in the Classroom
Nothing is perfect. A traditional form of learning is no exception. Here are its major cons:
- Lack of Information
Not all schools have enough materials to educate children. They have outdated textbooks and no access to the Internet. Methods of teaching may be outdated too. As a result, children cannot catch up with more progressive schoolers from other schools.
- Loss of Time
Learning in the classroom is time-consuming. It takes several hours to get to the classroom and back home. This time may be used for much more purposes when you study online.
- Little Room for Individualization
Students have to stick to a certain curriculum that cannot be violated. They use the same methods to develop their skills, and it sometimes deprives them of better results. If you study online, you can reach your goals in any way you wish. However, the traditional form is limited.
The Bottom Line
Traditional education along with online education have pros and cons. It’s hard to say which method is better. However, we are convinced that students should be given the right to choose. They have the necessary conditions to acquire equal education no matter what choice they make. It seems to be fair because students will be responsible for their choices and will be more enthusiastic about their education.
