ONLINE VS.

TRADITIONAL
CLASSES
Lauren Nolan
ADVANTAGES OF TRADITIONAL CLASSES
Traditional and online classrooms have many things in common, but they also
have major differences that could determine a student’s success in the course.
Traditional or face to face classes are typically “based on teacher-centered
instruction and the lecture method” (Tustin, 2017). Although most teachers
are pushing away from traditional lecture methods and forming interaction-
based lessons. One of the biggest advantages traditional classes have over
online classes is that since the material is being introduced in person the
students have the chance to ask questions and get “extended explanations,
that help ensure that all students are on equal footing when it comes to
grasping general material presented in class” (Tustin, 2017). This gives
teachers a chance to ensure the students understanding of material.
DISADVANTAGES OF TRADITIONAL
CLASSES
The disadvantages that traditional classes face does not outweigh
their advantages but do cause for some concern. One of the biggest
disadvantages is the lack of “opportunities to differentiate between
students who are working below or above average levels of
understanding opportunity to differentiate between students who are
working below or above average levels of understanding” (Tustin,
2017). When planning it is important that educators take the time to
assess their students needs to best prepare them for success.
ADVANTAGES OF ONLINE CLASSES
There are numerous advantages to online courses, personally having taken
multiple courses my favorite advantage is the flexibility of online. For most
online courses there is no set time and day that you must logon. This allows
students to do their course work on their own schedule, “rather than needing to
attend a 9:00am class every week, you can, for the most part, choose when you
study, so long as you submit your work by the deadlines given”
(MyCollegeGuide.org. ,2019). Also, most colleges or universities offer flex term
classes like a winter mini or summer mini that offer the same course but in half
the time. This can mean “instead of having to attend classes for 16 weeks, you
can enroll in 8-week online courses and spend half the time earning your credits
in that subject” (MyCollegeGuide.org. ,2019). Although shortening a class that
spanned over 16 weeks to half at 8 weeks can be very demanding a fast pace.
DISADVANTAGES OF ONLINE CLASSES
That brings me to the disadvantages of online classes, to say it simply
you are on your own, and at times your own teacher. Although most
professors offer their office hours, email, and phone numbers there
will be no one around to “remind you when an assignment is due, and
it will be up to you when you log in to class message boards or do
the assigned reading” (MyCollegeGuide.org. ,2019). It is very
important that if you take a online class you ensure that you keep a
planner to stay organized with all assignment deadlines to help
manage your time efficiently and stay on track.
SUMMARY
Overall, every class has its challenges but if I were to give advice on
which type of class you should choose, I would ask one simple
question. Evaluate yourself first, which would be best for you? Be sure
to take into account your personal strengths and weaknesses, your
time devoted to school work alone, and your schedule.
REFERENCES
Key differences between classroom and online learning - General. (2017)
Retrieved from https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/general/key-differences-
classroom-online-learning/

MyCollegeGuide.org. (2019, June 7). Online Classes vs. Traditional Classes: Pros
and Cons. Retrieved from https://mycollegeguide.org/blog/2017/05/online-
classes-vs-traditional-classes/

Tustin, R. (2017). Retrieved from https://study.com/blog/pros-cons-of-the-

different-instructional-environments.html