Is Online Learning More Effective than Classroom Instruction
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University of Massachusetts, Amherst *
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2023
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Communications
Date
Nov 24, 2024
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docx
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5
Uploaded by SuperCaterpillar3673
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Is Online Learning More Effective than Classroom Instruction?
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Is Online Learning More Effective than Classroom Instruction?
Introduction
Significant transformations in education, impacting the delivery and acquisition of
knowledge, have resulted from the evolution of technology. The emergence of online learning
stands as one of the most prominent changes; it prompts questions about its effectiveness
compared to traditional classroom instruction. With a focus on providing an intensive analysis—
this literature review aims to examine comprehensively: What are the advantages? What are the
disadvantages? And how does this all relate specifically to online learning versus face-to-face
teachings? This review distills a comprehensive analysis of five scholarly articles, each providing
a unique perspective. It draws insights: an ongoing debate serves as its focus.
Advantages of Online Learning
Celebrating its inherent flexibility and convenience, online learning is recommended. It
empowers students to access learning materials and resources from their home comfort,
significantly reducing the necessity for time-consuming and costly commutes to physical
classrooms (Sitzmann et al., 2006). This accommodating flexibility caters to a diverse range of
learner's needs. Among them are those who necessitate adaptable learning schedules: individuals
striving towards equilibrium between work obligations and other commitments (Sadeghi, 2019).
Additionally, online courses offer a significant advantage in terms of cost-effectiveness as they
eradicate the financial commitments associated with commuting to physical campuses and
maintaining room and board. They have reduced the monetary stress to the student, and this
means a chance of education with lower financial pressure (Posey et al., 2010). More so, this
affords its applicability in various settings whereby any learner, whether writing or disabled, can
easily be included, hence, learning accessible across wide ranges.
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VLEs are also important in most online courses, where they help organize materials,
ensuring a homogenous experience in every session. Students find their learning process easier
than other means because these platforms adopt a step-by-step approach to delivering
educational content. Organizational structure is embedded in online learning, a worthwhile asset
to the independent learner.
Advantages of Classroom Instruction
Consequently, traditional classroom instruction is much more effective for fostering
social interaction, active debates, and instant feedback. These elements are not as pronounced in
online learning environments (Writing, 2022). Students and instructors interact directly in the
classroom environment, where they embrace a sense of community and provide for one another
(Selmar Institute of Education, 2022). The immediate response that results from direct
interaction offers better learning as it addresses all misunderstandings concerning the topic of
study. The Selmar Institute of Education (2022) believes that classroom instruction is used to
help in collaboration among students. This is a conducive environment where relationships
between learners are established.
Discussion
The debate about the relative advantage of online learning versus classroom instructions
draws its basis from different advantages and limitations characteristic of both systems.
Nevertheless, there are numerous benefits associated with online learning, such as flexibility,
cost reduction, good organization, and plenty of materials available. However, several challenges
still impede these efforts, like the need for more discipline, equipment flats, and trained
personnel to use computer technology (Writing, 2022). However, classroom instruction provides
an interactive societal atmosphere whereby rapid feedback, teamwork, and deep learning
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