Online Versus Offline Learning In The Age Of Technology

The recent pandemic has brought a drastic change in the education system around the world. The lockdown forced physical classrooms to shut down, and online education became the new normal. While online learning has been in application for quite a while. Its importance came to light only recently during the pandemic. However, education has survived in these trying times due to digital learning. But, will online learning completely replace offline?

Both online and offline education have their set of advantages and disadvantages. Here are a few differences between online and offline learning.

Online learning uses digitised tools and methods of teaching, while offline tools and techniques are traditional. Teaching online is more cost-effective and time-saving than offline. Online learning takes place in a virtual classroom to attend classes from home, whereas offline learning requires you to come to a physical classroom.

Online classes have a more flexible schedule than offline classes, which have a fixed and strict schedule. In addition, in an online course, you communicate and collaborate digitally, whereas, in an offline class, there is face to face communications and collaborations.

The approach for online learning is more easygoing and allows you to learn at a schedule you create within a specific timeframe. The process for offline learning is instructional and happens at the same place and at the same time. Students determine the pace of learning in an online setting, whereas, in the case of offline, the teachers largely determine the speed of learning. Students remain more serious and committed in their studies in offline education than in online.

With the advancement of technology, the method of providing education has changed forever. Animated or recorded video lectures, creative websites and games have given learning a better experience. Nowadays, learning is even possible through a study app. Factually, online education has become a more flexible method of teaching wherein students have easy access to study materials from the comfort of their homes. It also provides an excellent opportunity for students unable to enrol in offline classrooms. And nowadays, supports students in setting their own pace for studying.

Online education helps students in inculcating the habit of self-discipline and time management. It provides them access to an unlimited number of educational resources. For example, you have several free learning videos that are easily accessible. Students can quickly learn at their own pace as long as they have the right equipment and access to the internet.

Offline education, the original learning method allows students to have regular face-to-face interactions with their peers and teachers. Despite predictions that online education is the future of learning. It cannot replace the holistic aspect of offline education. Offline education is not affected much by technical issues. And it also provides an excellent opportunity for students to build a strict routine and adhere to it.

Offline learning also helps teachers monitor their students’ responses and behaviours and address them accordingly when required. Hence no matter how advanced online education has become, even if you have the best app for study, offline learning will continue to play a vital role in the development of students.