Trends in Education: Distance learning vs Traditional Education

The last years have been showing a job market which is extremely competitive. Employees who wish to be more competitive in their current positions or want to make a successful career change opt for advancing their education. Nowadays, more people are returning to school than ever before and among them are students for whom online schools are the best option. Traditional classes have not been neglected either so the question is, which option is better?

Online education is an answer to today’s fast paced society becoming more and more popular. Distance learning programs allow students to learn unrestrictedly, no matter where they live. While some schools offer online classes, others plead for a traditional learning while others offer hybrid courses. Hybrid courses are online and in-class courses.

The traditional college experience is assumed by attending classes in person on a campus. The college experience is a great chance for freshmen to benefit of. They need guidance and a more direct contact with teachers. Also, the traditional college experience is also a great fit for students who are returning to school for the first time in many years. For students who value the college experience, the traditional campus atmosphere will be more desirable, hence chosen.

Distance learning education, compared with the classic one, involves taking courses over the internet. It has become more and more popular due to its flexibility and convenience. While the traditional student has to physically attend classes, the online student does not need to leave the comfort of his home. Students who work full-time and wish to balance it with education opt for online schools. Online course assignments can be completed at home, work or anywhere as long as the student is carrying a laptop with him/ her.

We can track the following advantages and disadvantages based on what we mentioned so far:

Advantages of online education

• Flexibility for full-time working students
• Possibility to complete the assignments anywhere
• Possibility to work from the comfort of one’s home

Disadvantages of online education

• Limited possibilities for student activities
• Less direct contact with students and teachers

Advantages of offline education

• Direct contact with colleagues, students, advisors
• Access to campus
• Appropriate for hands-on laboratories

Disadvantages of offline education

• Less cost effective
• Less flexibility in class scheduling
• More travel associated with more costs

Even though both present advantages and disadvantages, online and offline education meet the needs of students. Even if there is nothing that compares with the campus experience, they both address other needs.