eLearning Vs. Classroom-Based Learning
Classroom-based learning has taken a hit due to the COVID-19 scenario. Moreover, the alternative has asked us whether eLearning is a really good way of teaching. Making the shift in education is by far the most challenging thing. One of the major reasons is the technological challenges faced by umpteen bottlenecks due to the lack of face-to-face interaction. But, with so many negatives, is eLearning the real villain in 2020? Or, is it the new messiah that the education community is looking forward to? In this article, I will do a comparative study between eLearning classes and the classroom mode of teaching. At the end of the article, I shall discuss whether eLearning will take over once the COVID-19 pandemic comes to an end.
eLearning Classes: An Overview
With the recent torchbearer being the schools and universities, it might seem to many that eLearning is the "new thing." Surprisingly, eLearning has been around even before COVID-19.
Udemy is one of the best examples of eLearning. This platform was founded in 2010. With a large number of different niche courses and qualified teachers, this platform has been revolutionizing the education industry since the boom of the internet.
Reasons why eLearning is an enhanced form of learning:
- It helps in meeting geographical limitations; the eLearning mode of education enhances the communication gap between tutor and pupil.
- Its costs are considerably lower compared to classroom learning.
- Lecture recordings are available, making eLearning easy to access even if you miss a lecture.
- It is self-paced (under many circumstances), which enhances the ease of education due to flexibility.
- It is student-centered learning. Also, implementing a grading system and utilizing discussion boards are made easy.
- eLearning is adaptive in nature, thus even the students who take time to keep up with the pace can match it according to their understanding.
- Time is saved, as the commute time for both teachers and students is reduced.
- Students do need not to be fully decked up in uniforms to attend classes. Classes can be attended in a cozy environment, which gives students the upper hand when learning.
- eLearning consumes 90% less energy and helps reduce CO2 emissions.
eLearning Drawbacks:
- Lack of one-on-one interactions. When it comes to teaching younger students, this can be an issue, since classroom teaching is always efficient for them.
- The time needed to train teachers who are not technologically smart to use smart tools, but with time, these hurdles can be overcome.
Classroom-Based Learning: An Overview
Traditional classroom-based learning has taken a hit due to COVID-19 and there are a lot of students missing this type of class.
Benefits of classroom-based learning include:
- Ease of communication between the teacher and the student, as face-to-face learning is possible.
- Peer-to-peer learning is highly enhanced during classroom-based learning. As a result, it is a highly perfect module for lower grades and classes involving group activities.
- The teacher will be able to judge if students are active during class. This has an impact on the performance of the teachers also.
- Lack of disturbance in terms of technological impacts, like power loss or internet connectivity, thus enhancing students' learning.
- Group study has always shown an increased level of learning compared to isolated studying.
- Lack of distraction in terms of surroundings, as classroom-based learning offers a better environment for lessons.
Disadvantages of classroom-based education:
- The traveling time is a major drawback.
- It is important to note that classroom-based education doesn't give weaker students an edge, as the learning pace is most likely not customized.
Bottom Line
It is important to note that both of them are necessary. They cannot be replaced with one another. Instead, the future demands that both online and offline classes be conducted in tandem, thus leading to better results.
The benefits of both of them are highly valuable in building a robust education system. Thus, creating a curriculum that enhances a judicial mix of both the modes of teaching will be the outlook.
COVID-19 has been the inflection point in the education domain. The new age of education will be the most beneficial one for the younger generations. COVID-19 has taught us more about the hassle-free education system. There is a clear indication that we will be familiar with eLearning education after this epidemic.
