the traditional learning and online learning systems has transformed university education
The availability of the traditional learning and online learning systems has transformed university education significantly. The traditional learning system is a one-alternative path where students could only adapt to a schedule set by universities, while the online system allows students to schedule lectures in a way that suits them. Similarly, the traditional system allows more interactions between students and instructors. Both systems have benefits and limitations in equal measures and they work differently for different people. Although both systems facilitate the delivery of education content efficiently, when it comes to online learning and the face-to-face in traditional learning, there are both similarities and differences.
The two learning systems, traditional and online, require a great time management skills and involve a great amount of work. Time management is essential in both learning systems. Whether students choose to attend classes online or physically go to class for a face-to-face session, they are assigned homework and assignments to complete. While students under the traditional program face the challenge of commuting to school and attending class meetings regularly, online students also face the challenge of balancing work and family responsibilities and creating time for studies. For this reason, students in both systems have to manage their time wisely to ensure they gain maximum benefits from the classes.
Participation is mandatory for both online and classroom –based programs. Although the forms of participation between the students and their instructors are different, they all target the same results. In the traditional systems, students voluntarily engage in class and group discussions, ask questions, and seek answers from their peers and also the instructor. The instructor also gets to clarify issues directly to the students. Similarly, participation in online classes is mandatory and accounts for several points in the final grade. Therefore, participation in both cases helps students to gain knowledge from different perspectives.
The main difference between the traditional face-to-face system and the online system is the level of interaction and relationship between instructors and students. In a classroom-based program, direct communication creates diverse dynamic for every class. Students get the opportunity to know the instructor and even conduct small group discussions whenever necessary and upon request. Students under online programs, however, do not enjoy this form of interaction. Instead,
the school community interact over the internet where teachers use forums, online discussion media, and chats to build a community. The face-to-face interaction gives students under the traditional program an upper hand as far as discussions and clarifications are concerned.
Furthermore, there exist a significant difference in the forms of assignments and tests offered in the two systems. Students in the traditional classroom system receive virtually every type of assessment including presentations, written work tests, and oral examinations. However, students on the online courses are only assessed through a number of methods that can be delivered over the internet. For example, online instructors evaluate students through open-book examinations, papers, and the frequency and quality of students’ contribution in online discussions.
Even though education aims to serve the same purpose in life which is to i9mprove illiteracy, the different forms of programs offered share some things in common but also have significant differences. Whereas both systems require good management of time and reasonable participation, traditional classroom system involves more instructor student interaction and the bond facilitates learning. Besides, students in the traditional system are assessed in more practical ways.