| Traditional Classes vs. Online Classes | /14 | |

The Internet has created a revolution in every area of modern life. Education is no exception, and now there are not only traditional classes as we usually learn but also online classes. These two educational kinds have the same goal: to educate and train students to have good skills in there learning. Students accomplish them differently with online learning, gaining time flexibility but without personal interaction. Starting with scheduling between an online class and a traditional class is the time. Taking traditional classes requires the student to set up a schedule and show up for classes. This takes away from family and work. Comparing online classes, there is no set time established for when and where to study as long as a computer and Internet access is available. Courses are accessible from any computer, and usually twenty-four hours a day. In contrast, with a traditional class, students must physically go to class every day, they have a schedule and set times are established. In general, their time is not as flexible as an online class. Every online class is run differently, but in most cases, it is much easier to schedule classes around the rest of the day when to go to school virtually. This provides flexibility for the student to be able to work toward their degree on their own time, at your own pace. Campus-based courses require that students attend class a certain number of times every week, at specific times. That might mean changing a work schedule or having to hire a babysitter. Traditional college usually means having to work with spring, fall, and sometimes summer semesters. There is typically very little flexibility in starting a class whereas online courses offer a staggered convenient start dates. One more difference between an online class and a traditional class is the method of teaching. Online classes are often limited to open –book examinations, discussions and written essays. Traditional classes the instructor can give oral examinations, presentations and group discussions. However, the methods of classes are very simple. Teachers can explain assignments to students by using chalk on the blackboard or explains the assignment in the content area of the online class room. At this time they can raise their hand and get immediate answers and discussion. An online course requires the student to contact the instructor electronically. This lag in time gets the same result but doesn’t allow for as much back and forth discussion. In a classroom-based course, face-to-face communication creates a different dynamic for every class. Sometimes discussions with teachers and other students can be a great way to gain understanding on a topic. Online classes, however, lack this interaction, requiring teachers to use forums, chats and other online discussion media to build community. Similarly, students also lack the opportunity to get to know the instructor in-person. While traditional classrooms let students gain support and personal relationships from teachers, online courses only offer electronic communication. Social interactions with students and professors depend on their own habits. If an individual wants to have social relationships with others in the program, they will have to communicate with them electronically as well. To have interaction with other students they will do it through, chat rooms, and email and professors are available to help students through the material, just as you’d find at a typical campus college. However, where a campus brings students to one place, online learning leaves the students spread as far apart as internet connection allows. Many memories students have of college involves personal interaction before and after classes. Online classes do not allow for much of the same experience. In conclusion, there are many variances between an online class and a traditional class, the time, and the methods and teacher to student relationships are three main differences between them. For students who work full time or who have other obligations, an online forum allows the flexibility of being able to take on more coursework each semester without the burden of sitting through classes at set times every day.

References:
Bates, T. (2010, November 10). Guest post: How Online Learning compares with the Classroom. Retrieved July 15, 2014, from http://www.tonybates.ca/2010/11/14/guest-post-how-online-learning-compares-with-the-classroom/
Bird, K. (2014, February 17). Online vs. Traditional Education: The Answer You Never Expected. Retrieved July 15, 2014, from http://www.rasmussen.edu/student-life/blogs/online-learning/online-vs-traditional-education-answer-never-expected