Education is crucial to growth as an individual, and choosing a learning approach that works for a person is important. Students often can choose between a traditional classroom setting and an online learning environment. The two approaches each have advantages and disadvantages in relation to student learning. In this article, the pros and cons of both conventional and online education will be examined from the perspectives of COVID-19, students’ mental health, and their professional and personal growth. Because of COVID-19, there has been a global trend toward providing education digitally. Students in a typical school setting get instruction from a teacher in a classroom setting. On the other hand, online learning is conducted, with students receiving and turning in their assignments in the same way. Schools and institutions have been shuttered due to the pandemic to contain the infection. However, nowadays, it is common practice for students to attend courses and take tests online.
Online distance education (ODE) has traditionally been provided favorably to students who reside in remote areas, allowing them to make the most efficient use of available educational resources. Universities in a growing number of nations have introduced ODE and made it available to their students in recent decades (He et al. 1). There are two types of ODE courses that may be provided: synchronous and asynchronous. Almost all online education tools, including Moodle, adhere to the asynchronous distance education model, which makes use of formats like recorded learning videos (He et al. 1). By synchronizing teaching and learning in real-time online settings like live web conferences and virtual classrooms, synchronous distance education attempts to mimic the communication patterns of conventional face-to-face classrooms (He et al. 1). These approaches to learning provide new experiences for students and develop self-paced comprehension.
The term traditional learning is used to describe the more common method of education in which students listen to a lecture given by an expert in the field. It has been around for centuries, and it is still extensively utilized as a kind of education in many places. In a classroom setting, a teacher would typically provide lessons to a class of pupils. Students are expected to learn from the instructor by paying attention, taking notes, and engaging in class discussions because of the teacher’s status as the subject matter expert. In most classroom settings, the instructor controls both the tempo and substance of the instruction.
The rise of online learning has significantly affected the psychological well-being of college students. Online learning has many advantages, but it may be difficult for students who need help maintaining self-discipline and drive (Al-Okaily et al. 846). The lack of face-to-face contact with professors and classmates might negatively impact students’ mental health. Traditional classrooms, on the other hand, encourage students to build relationships with their instructors and classmates, which may benefit their emotional well-being.
How students and teachers approach the online learning process is a major factor in the success of online education. As Halupa (cited in Akpınar) points out, there are many things that might divert students’ attention when they’re utilizing the internet as a learning resource. Student attitudes about online education have been generally unfavorable, despite the fact that it represents the most potential alternative to more conventional teaching methods (Akpınar). In this situation, the broad adoption of online learning has been linked to an increase in reports of psychological suffering, which may be attributable to these unfavorable preconceptions. Past research has revealed that the lack of a traditional classroom atmosphere has contributed to a negative attitude among tertiary students (Akpınar). Consequently, the benefits of online learning might not be as apparent as they might seem.
Education, in the conventional sense, offers many practical benefits. Employers tend to give more credence to degrees earned in a conventional setting than those earned online because of this reputation. In addition, students might benefit from networking with experts in their industry via conventional educational settings. Nevertheless, since it can be done in the student’s own time and pace, online learning makes it easier for students to juggle their academic and professional obligations. There are prospects for growth in both conventional and online learning environments. Regular schooling provides a regimented setting that fosters self-control, maturity, and accountability. It is the mode of education that is considered to be standardized for professional employees and highly valued on the market. On the other hand, online learning necessitates students to be self-directed and self-motivated, hence represents a valuable skillset. However, due to the novelty of such approach various companies tend to oversee online education certificates as a supplement rather than a separate qualification.
In conclusion, there are advantages and disadvantages to both conventional and online learning. With the COVID-19 epidemic, online courses have become the standard method of receiving an education. While deciding between conventional and online education, it is crucial to consider the effects on students’ mental health, career rewards, and personal growth. The choice should be made based on one’s unique requirements, learning style, and life circumstances.
Works Cited
Akpınar, Ezgin. “The Effect of Online Learning on Tertiary Level Students Mental Health during the Covid-19 Lockdown“2021: n. pag. Crossref. Web.
Al-Okaily, Manaf, et al. “Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on Acceptance of e-Learning System in Jordan: A Case of Transforming the Traditional Education Systems.” Humanities & Social Sciences Reviews, vol. 8, no. 4, 2020, pp. 840–851., Web.
He, Liyun, et al. “Synchronous Distance Education vs Traditional Education for Health Science Students: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis.” Medical Education, vol. 55, no. 3, 2020, pp. 293–308., Web.