Tradational vs. Online School

Online Vs. Traditional Education

Addie Redrick

Traditional learning is to have face-to-face contact with student and teacher. Most customary learning institutes are designed where the educator is giving direct instruction, and the pupils are participating in the discussion and taking notes. Having face-to-face communication that traditional education offers provides a better learning environment, yet online education is more flexible than traditional education. Though, in the last decade, educators have been creating new interactive lessons where learners are more engaged in the learning process. Teachers are becoming aquainted with hand held whiteboards, reciprocal teaching, simulation games, role-playing, and multi-level grouping to ensure their classrooms are constantly progressing and interactive.

Personally, the traditional classroom setting with the professor, the chalkboard and being surrounded by my peers is my preference. However, as of late the electronic learning culture is captivating me because balancing my courses, work, and family is nearly possible. The distance learning platform allows students to learn on their own time, reside in any region of the world, and ‘attend’ top universities and colleges with the luxury of not leaving of their homes. “School districts throughout the USA are beginning to offer K -12 classes online as an alternative to students and their parents” (Norman, 2007).

Today, more and more learning institutions are offering courses entirely online. Advertisements portray online classes as fun, easy and free of deadlines. Some even show students in pajamas, creating the image of a relaxed, carefree environment. Students drawn to online courses may be full-time employees with time constraints, students who believe online courses may be easier or students who just prefer online learning environments vs. traditional. Although both environments teach the same material, online schools and...