Similarities and Differences Between Online and Traditional Classes

Technology is rapidly taking over today’s society and how we accomplish things. We are very lucky to be living in a society that is centered upon multiple types of technology and advancements. There are major benefits to technology, it has altered the way that students are learning drastically. Students are now given the option to do their studies online or traditionally, in a classroom setting. They can take lecture-based classes on an academic campus or chose to take the class solely online. Students should do their research on each option for one may work better for the individual than the other. Online learning and traditional classrooms both have similarities in the material being taught along with differences like, scheduling, communication and the learning procedures.

Schedule differences are a huge unlikeness of the two options. Online classes are more assignment based with a certain amount of work given for the week or on particular days. It is also primarily based off the class textbook. Students are free to do the work whenever or however they please by the date the assignment is due. This means if a student has work, sports or even isn’t physically able to make it to school at a certain time they are still able to meet the class requirements by simply logging on to a computer and completing the assignments. For example, an online learning experience may work better for a working parent who is be trying to complete multiple activities throughout the day while also trying to get through school. Some students may feel more comfortable with a strict schedule making traditional class times more convenient. This way they are held accountable and on a strict schedule. Some students need a nonnegotiable attendance policy to thrive and do well in their studies.

Communication in the different classroom option varies as well. Some students prefer face to face communication with thorough lectures and explanations. For example, if a student didn’t understand all the material during the class then the student could then take initiative to arrange a time to meet with the professor for more in-depth instructions. For some students, they prefer reading the text book and finishing their assignments on their own time without the need of constant teacher to student conversation. This works perfect for a student who may have limited time and may just want to email their teachers for extra help. Most students with mental illness may chose this route as well, someone with anxiety may feel more comfortable using email or class discussions for communication rather than being surrounded with classmates or walking up to their teacher directly.

The last major distinction is the learning process between traditional classrooms and online classrooms. In both classroom settings, you are taught to retain information that needs to be used on later assignments like test admitted in the class. Traditional classrooms are based on lectures and note taking, for a lot of students this is the most effective way to learn the information being taught. Online classes are structured completely different. Most students use the textbook and external websites to obtain the details of the class. They can read the information and transfer it back to the assignments. Both classrooms relay the same material, but students process material differently and one option may be more effective to their learning than the other. Some students prefer the aspects of traditional classrooms and learn best by hearing the material verbally and transferring it in their own words to paper. Other students learn best by reading the material at their own pace to better understand it.

In conclusion, both traditional classrooms and online classrooms have the same purpose, making sure the student is taught the intended material. Their goal is to help the student learn new information and succeed in school. Depending on your personal preference and even your personality, you can decide if an online setting or a conventional classroom is better suited for you. If you prefer the flexibility of not having a set schedule, limited communication, and personally thrive from leaning at your own pace, then online classes may be worth looking into. On the contrary if you prefer a structured schedule, retain information best from lectures and taking notes and enjoy face to face communication with peers and your teacher, then the traditional classroom could work best for your situation. Choosing between the two is a personal preference and doesn’t alter the information being studied, it just allows students to have options. Online classrooms and traditional classrooms share the same purpose but allow students to identify the differences like, scheduling, communication, and their own prefer.

Technology in today’s society has been developed that allows us to get things done very quickly. Nowadays, technology is at the center of many things and is of great benefit to student learning, so there are have options in education to gain more knowledge both online and traditional learning. This essay discusses two similarities and two differences between online and traditional learning.

One of the similarities between the two systems is assignments. Both online learning and classroom education has the same goal everyone has to have an assignment – reading or homework. In online learning, you have to upload homework for the instructor to review and In order for students to participate in their studies, they have to have question and answer and have conversations in the online class, random questions from attendance in an online class and traditional classes are assign work to speak in front of the class (Martz, 2017).

Another similarity is that the learning situation of both systems is textbooks. Leaf Group Education (2021) reports that both online and traditional courses require the use of the same course textbook. In order to complete the task of reading, writing, and exams are synchronized. Whether it is an e-book or a hardcover book, you will need to learn the same content and preserve the subject matter. University of the Potomac (2020) shows that whether online or in a traditional, 67 percent of instructors believe online media and textbooks are necessary teaching tools.

As mentioned above, the similarities between online and traditional learning are assignments and textbooks. The paragraphs below will address two differences between both systems.

One of the differences is social interactions. According to Kokemulle (2017), a common disadvantage to online studying is less social interaction with teachers and roommates. On the other hand, classroom learning provides an opportunity to interact and build relationships both formal in the classroom, and informal outside of class. Nevertheless, online learning responses are often conversational via text, e-mail, and academic discussion. Stafford Global (2020) adds that it is the most obvious difference when it comes to the differences between the two systems. In-class learning tends to have more physical interactions with teachers and peers than online learning. In online learning, it goes out in terms of conferences and often no response physical.

Another difference is the tuition fee. A research conducted by Best Value Schools (2020) found that the university that offers online learning has a cheaper tuition fee than those that offer traditional learning. This is because online learning does not require a place or a building and needless to pay personal wages each month. For example, the tuition fee for online courses offered of approximately 100 dollars to 400 dollars per credit hour. As long as you have fast and efficient internet access to log in and complete your assignments. You will be able to save money immediately. On the other hand, traditional learning in university usually needs an average of up to 50,000 dollars for their tuition fees. This does not include the cost of living or other school supplies. However, some students may receive a scholarship that allows them to recoup these expenses.

In conclusion, there are two similarities between online and traditional learning – assignments and textbooks. Also, the systems have two differences which are social interactions and the tuition fee. Thus, both online and traditional learning will have performance and quality depending on individual student’s comprehension.

Works Cited

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2. Leaf Group Education. (2021). Online vs. Traditional Education. Classroom.
3. University of the Potomac. (2020). Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Classes.
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