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Distinctive Differences Between Online Learning And Traditional Learning

blended learning

Over the last decade, there has been an exponential increase in online learning. In the fall of 2010, there were more than six million students in the United States who had enrolled in at least one online class. This represented over an increase of ten percent as compared to the previous year. In comparison, the rise of traditional learning also known as "brick-and-mortar" learning, was just six percent in the fall of that same year (2010) as compared to the previous year (2009).

A study released by the United States Department of Education concludes that the students who studied through online classes performed modestly better than those who studied on traditional face to face classes. This gives a definite conclusion that online environment is relatively effective as compared to the traditional face to face conditions.

However it is important to understand the differences between these two settings especially if you are considering embarking on an online class. The differences between online learning and traditional face to face learning have different approaches to contents and learners type. When you clearly understand the difference between the two, you will undoubtedly make informed decisions whether the online class is right for you.

Synchronous and Asynchronous Activities

Online classes incorporate both synchronous and asynchronous activities in the learning system. When we say Synchronous, we mean those activities which are scheduled at a specific place and time while asynchronous activities are those activities in which the students determine their place and time to complete their work or assignments. Asynchronous activities are advantageous for those parents and students who work part-time because they are given the opportunity to flex their schedule for them to pursue their education. Traditional classroom sometimes incorporates asynchronous activities. However, online classes tend to incorporate heavily on asynchronous activities when completing the assignments and work.

Self-Direction and Discipline

Online learning is best suitable for those students who are highly motivated and willing to take the full responsibility for their learning. Given the fact that it is easy to ignore coursework due to the favor of trashy TV marathons, social events and all the numerous distractions offered by life, an online student should be diligent when it comes to time management. The student should organize his or her schedule accordingly depending on their ability to gauge the amount of time he or she will need to complete the assignment. Such mastery of time management is easily said than done. The primary advantage of online studies is that it is flexible hence you can work in accord to your own pace and time.

The Nature of Reading

In online learning, reading is paramount. That is one simple but overlooked truth. All the online class materials consist of reading and occasional multimedia presentation which is not the case with traditional face to face classes. Traditional face to face classes relies mostly on face to face interactions through lectures.

The Nature of Writing Skills Needed

In online classes, class communication is through instant messaging while the bulky assignments are done through writing. Writing skills in online learning are paramount because they are significant to your online academic success. Writing skills are not only needed in completing your online assignments but also vital when interacting with your tutors and fellow students. If you cannot be able to articulate your needs concisely, then you will be wasting your time over ambiguities and miscommunications. In a traditional classroom, you do not necessarily need to have excellent writing skills because writing is one of the tools used for communication. Writing in traditional class only complements other communication forms and assessments such as presentations and in-person dialogues.

The Tutor is the Facilitator in Online Class but not a Dictator

Unlike in traditional face to face class, where the tutor is always the indisputable leader in the whole leaning process, such as they maintain the authority over the chalkboard, call on people and stand in the front of the class to supervise, the tutor in online class still have that authority figure but is role is to facilitate students' response to the information. Hence there is more student autonomy in online classes.

Networking and Social Interaction

Traditional face to face classrooms offers the chance for the students to interact in the campus while online classes provide a platform for interaction of students from across the globe. If you are finding it more comfortable to socialize and network face to face, then traditional classroom is ideal for you. However, it is an advantage to interact at a larger pool of personalities from different locations in an online class.

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