Tracie Penny

9-4-19

ETEC 424 02W

Online Learning vs. Face to Face Learning

Today there are many ways to approach learning. There are the well-known, traditional
face to face instruction where you show up to a classroom and interact with the instructor and
other students. There is also distant or online learning, where the instructor can be thousands of
miles away and you have your lectures and assignments online. There are now even classes
offered called hybrid classes or virtual classes where the instructor is live on a screen from a
different location. Hybrid classes have some interaction and allow the distant students to be able
to ask the teacher a question. All in all, we are advancing in how our learning needs can be met.

Online learning has become increasingly more popular. “With all the technological
advances and a well-trained teacher, the online classroom can achieve the same goals as a
physical classroom,” (Key Differences between Online Learning and Face to Face Teaching,
2019). Of course there are pros and cons to any situation. One great aspect of online learning is
the flexibility. “You can do your classwork around your work and family schedules,” (Online
Classes vs. Traditional Classes: Pros and Cons, 2019). The student, however, must have some
self-discipline to study and meet deadlines. Another great point would be that you can logon
from anywhere, even at home with no commute and in your pajamas. A few cons about online
learning is less interaction with the teacher and other students. The online classroom can feel less
personal as well. Last, not all courses are offered online.

In the traditional classroom, there is face to face instruction and interaction between the
teacher and other students. There are many connections made in a face to face classroom such as;
other students pursuing the same career, meeting people that may offer you a job, or just hearing
other people’s life experiences and challenges. “Classroom teachers are more easily able to
evaluate if the students are understanding the material or if certain teaching methods are or are
not working,” (Key Differences between classroom and online learning, 2019). It is easier for a
teacher to do some informal testing to make sure students are understanding. Some people are
not as self-directed and need a scheduled meeting time or a structured classroom, so a face to
face classroom would be better for them.

With the advances in technology which allow better interaction over the internet, I feel
like online courses are a great fit for many people. I am thankful for having options. Online
classes have helped me cover more of my coursework. I know taking online classes I have to be
disciplined, self-motivated, and self-directed to read, study and meet deadlines, which I am. For
me, both types of learning and classrooms are great. Although I feel like the pros outweigh the
cons for online learning, I still prefer a traditional face to face classroom setting. I think it is
easier to address any misunderstandings right at that moment and the input from various students
can lead to some great discussions that sometimes bring about more learning.
References:

Key differences between classroom and online learning - EF Blog - EF Blog. (2019).
Retrieved 5 September 2019, from https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/general/key-differences-
classroom-online-learning/

Online Classes vs. Traditional Classes: Pros and Cons. (2019). Retrieved 5 September 2019,
from https://mycollegeguide.org/blog/2017/05/online-classes-vs-traditional-classes/

(2019). Retrieved 5 September 2019, from

http://www.cordonline.net/mntutorial1/module_1/NCCCSKeyDifferences.pdf