Learning is a never-ending process. Everything you learn is an investment you make in yourself.
Educating ourselves is not just our right, but also the key to advancement in life. With the evolution of technology, the methods of learning have diversified.
Learning can broadly be classified under 2 categories:
1) Classroom Learning:
It is the conventional way of learning that takes place under the traditional set-up of a classroom.
Teachers manually prepare notes and present them in front of the class. They don't just teach you the subjects, but they also teach you how to learn.
Pros:
- Active learning
- Extracurricular activities
- Socializing
- Can work in groups
- Not very dependent on technology
- Immediate solutions to queries
- Teachers act as mentors
- Strict schedule
Cons:
- More investment of time and money
- No graphical explanation of topics
- Zero flexibility
2) E-Learning:
The world is invariably developing, and so are its mainstream ways of functioning. Traditional learning with modern practices, i.e. e-learning or online learning.
Online learning is a new concept that emerged with the widespread use of technology. Electronic gadgets and the internet are the main components that constitute e-learning.
Formalized teaching is done through videos that are crafted and uploaded on various e-learning platforms.
Top schools have adapted to this method of teaching because it makes learning easy, advanced, and dynamic.
Pros:
- Graphical representation of chapters is available
- Extremely flexible
- Inexpensive
- No restriction on learning hours
Cons:
- Solely dependent on technology
- Difficult to resolve queries
- Doesn't promote socializing
- Have to be self-motivated all the time
Classroom Learning vs E-Learning:
Learning is subjective, and each category has its significance; here are a few differences between the 2 types of learning:
Mode Of Conduct:
The prime difference between traditional and online education is the mode of conduct. Both the learning methods have a different way to operate.
Classroom Learning:
There is the involvement of personal interaction between the students and the instructor in a classroom or other live environment.
E-Learning:
There is no live set-up involved in online learning. A course is already crafted and published. Learners can go to any e-learning platform to register themselves and pursue the program.
Cost Effect:
The amount of investment required in both categories varies as they have different ways to reach their learners.
Classroom Learning:
The cost of training the teachers, providing study materials and educational supplies required in a live set-up for classroom learning is more.
E-Learning:
The investment in online learning is less as there is no classroom involved.
One needs to have an electronic gadget like a phone or tablet and an internet connection. They are easily available and accessible, and most schools provide them for faster adaptation to online education.
Time Consumed & Flexibility:
The amount of time one needs to dedicate to learning a program is different in these categories, and so is the flexibility that they offer.
Classroom Learning:
Students and teachers need to gather in one particular place for their classes. It is essential to consider the amount of time one takes to reach a place.
These classes have fixed timings. Hence, there is no flexibility. You will have to skip the session if you cannot make it on time.
E-Learning:
As there is no need for students and teachers to be at the same place. The time invested by both of them in travelling is zero.
As the courses are available online, there is no strict timing that needs to be followed by the student to learn the program.
Online classes are incredibly flexible as students can watch a recorded session later, even if they miss their classes. Hence, many top schools are adopting it as they can provide education dynamically.
Dependency on Technology:
Technology plays an essential role in our daily lives. This dependency and convenience have a signifiicant influence on learning too.
Classroom Learning:
There is little to no dependency on technology in traditional learning. Notes are written in books, and teachers are available to teach in front of the students.
E-Learning:
Classes are solely dependent on technology. Online learning is not possible without gadgets and the internet.
Instructions & Understanding Concepts:
Teaching is mainly about instructing students to understand and learn a concept. The methods of doing so can differ.
Classroom Learning:
The environment of a classroom set-up is very interactive. There is a constant to and fro interaction between the students and teachers.
The instructor also clarifies whether the students have understood a particular concept before moving on to the next one. Hence, instructing and understanding, both are taken care of seamlessly.
E-Learning:
Learning can be provided in the form of LIVE classes or pre-recorded videos. There is a scope of interactions during LIVE classes but not during pre-recorded video sessions.
Resolving Queries:
Doubts and queries are common to arise while learning anything. The way these doubts are addressed is different in these learning methods.
Classroom Learning:
In an active classroom, doubts are cleared immediately as classes are conducted in an interactive manner.
E-Learning:
Clearing queries and doubts in online classes is difficult.
Students have to get in touch with the instructor through mail or other mediums to find answers to the questions they have regarding the course.
Sometimes raising doubts during LIVE classes can also give some difficulties. Also, the learners do not get the answers immediately, which is a drawback.
Conclusion:
Each method has its gravity. It has its own merits and limitations.
Learning differs from person to person. Based on the requirements of the students, they choose the kind of learning that suits best for their understanding and schedule.
Both methods initiate the empowerment of knowledge and skills to their students. It is solely a decision of the student to learn from their desired method.
