Online and Traditional Classes Research Assignment (Essay Sample)

Online and Traditional Classes
Technology is evolving rapidly and as a consequence, it is increasingly affecting different aspects and sectors of life including education. Unlike in the past where people were forced to physically attend classes in schools and colleges, the advent of internet has made it possible for people to attend online classes at the comfort of their homes and offices. There are several differences between online and traditional classes which have prompted many people to opt for online classes rather than physically attend colleges and schools. They include the following: - Online classes are flexible in nature, they are less expensive, they consume less time, they are highly personalized (learner-centered), and lastly they are offered virtually.
In the earlier days, the only way through which one could access education was to attend a school or college kilometers away from their home. Although there are still a lot of learning institutions where students attend on a regular basis, this trend is slowly changing. Most people especially those who are already working find it much convenient to attend online classes as opposed to traditional classes. It is estimated that in the year 2007 alone 3.9 million US citizens enrolled for online courses (Allen & Seaman, 2008). This number has continues to rise definitely because of the improvement of technology and the numerous advantages being offered by online education. The aspect of traditional classes is getting unpopular every day because of technology especially the internet.
The first difference between online and traditional classes is that online classes appear more flexible. They are flexible in the sense that leaners or student are in complete control of the learning timetable. They can decide which hour of day or night to attend classes as opposed to traditional classes where learners are always expected to physically appear in a classroom somewhere at a specific time. This implies that learners cannot be in full control of their learning schedules. However, with online classes students can enroll for classes that best suites them whether they are working or not. Besides that, online classes also give learners the privilege of choosing their tutors or teachers who they can easily decide on what particular times to conduct lessons.
Secondly, online classes are less expensive in terms of cost incurred. If for example you were to enroll for a course by joining a college somewhere, it is evident that you will probably spend more as compared to enrolling for the same course via online. This is because you will not necessarily be required to travel meaning you will be saving on travel costs. In addition, you will not be required to pay for accommodation since you will be attending online classes at your home using your computer. You will simply pay way less as compared to someone who is undertaking the same course via traditional classes. It is worth noting at this juncture that most learning institutions have started offering both traditional and online courses.
The other difference is that online classes are more personalized or leaner-centered. As compared to traditional classes a single tutor or teacher attends to several students at ago, online classes usually involve only one student and a tutor at one particular time. This means that as a learner you are able to get maximum attention a tutor hence increasing effectiveness in terms of learning. Both the learner and the tutor are free to interact with each other, ask and answer questions without any fear. This is contrary to traditional classes where sometimes learners tend to shy of from asking questions for fear of embarrassment just in case they fail to answer a question correctly.
Online classes are easy to manage. This is also another glaring difference between online and traditional classes. Traditional classes require that there should be a physical room somewhere with seats, writing board among several other things for effective learning to occur. However, with online classes, all that’s required is a computer and stable internet. All other things are easy to set up and learning ready to take place. This makes it one of the most efficient form of learning (Allen and Seaman 2011)
The last major notable difference between online classes and traditional classes is mode of transmission or teaching. Traditional classes require that both the learner and tutor must be physically present at a particular place for learning to take place. Nonetheless, online classes do not necessarily require physical presence of the learner and tutor. It is offered virtually mainly through emails,...