When it comes to choosing between in-person and online learning, we play a repeated discussion in our head without making any progress. There is a constant debate that runs in our minds, and we are unable to form any conclusion. Just like every coin has two sides, our education sector is also divided into two phases, and that is offline and online learning. And to choose any one of them would be like choosing between Ronaldo and Messy.
Strange, but true!
Each of them has its pros and cons. In this blog, we will talk about each of the modes of learning in detail.
If we ask you to choose between both modes of learning, you would still not find a final verdict.
Some of you want a strong grip on Mathematics or any other academic subject; hence, for you, one-on-one personalized learning is the suitable choice.
Some of you want to pursue your hobby and cannot find a way from your busy schedule; hence, for you, the online mode of learning is an appropriate alternative.
One cannot decide which is better as it depends on the time, place, nature of the subject, and budget.
To get better insights, let’s understand each mode of learning.
A Period of Shift: From Offline to Online Learning
There is an old adage that says, ‘Change is the only constant.’ And after the Pandemic, this got real in terms of education. From the last two years, the education sector has seen many changes. From shutting down schools, colleges, institutions to turning on the cameras and switching to the digital way of learning, the educational landscape saw numerous parameters of learning.
The period of transformation was difficult for both learners and tutors. From attending morning assemblies to enjoying lunch breaks to participating in sports events to having an after-school conversation with friends, the students were adapted to traditional classroom methods. After the Pandemic, there was a sudden shift in the learning sector. It was difficult for students to cope with the new environment. Accepting a new online classroom was difficult for them.
In parallel, teachers were also in dire straits. From learning technical variations to adapting to new teaching methods, they were also oscillating back and forth in the digital world.
But with time, e-learning became the new norm.
As per statistics (from Wikipedia), it was found that students retain 25-60% of information through online lectures as compared to physical classrooms.
This period of transformation served well for both tutors and learners.
In this blog, we will learn about some benefits of both the modes of learning and through which students can decide what works for them.
Benefits of in-person Learning
1. It helps in understanding the concepts in a better way
The importance of physical touch is important for learners as they feel secure with the tutors, and subconsciously, it gives them a sense of comfort that someone is listening to them.
2. It takes a closer look at the mindset of the students
Students have different learning patterns. Their uniqueness distinguishes them from other students. In-person learning focuses on this unique style very keenly. From their attentiveness to reading skills, writing patterns, responding nature, everything is clearly visible and sensed by the tutors. In-person learning takes a closer look at each of the students’ learning styles and on the basis of that teachers can guide them to their best.
3. It is helpful for the mental health of the students
The physical classroom has a different comforting surrounding. From students’ joyful sounds to their silent mourns, tutors can analyze everything in detail. Hence, in-person learning takes care of students’ mental health and helps in building their emotional well-being. The mood of the students and their behavioral patterns are keenly observed during the classroom session and if anything is troubling them, it can be taken care of.
Read-More: 5 Ways to Take Care of Your Mental Health
4. It helps in improving academic grades
Some of the studies have proved that students tend to learn more in physical classrooms. The reason is constant physical attention from the tutors followed by discipline decorum of the classroom. The interactive sessions and constant support from peers also help in improving the academic grades. Be it asking about the homework or responding to questions, every academic need is taken care of.
5. It helps in creating fewer distractions
In-person learning helps students focus better on their academic courses and reduces distractions. Students feel comfortable in the physical classroom and the chances of their distractions are less as they are constantly monitored by tutors.
Benefits of Online Learning
1. It promotes flexibility
The new norm of digital learning promotes a flexible approach for students. Students can choose their own timings and can take classes as per their own will. If due to certain reasons, they cannot log in to the classes, they can always opt for recorded sessions.
2. It is feasible for students
Students can sit in their comfort space and can log in anytime, anywhere. Not only in terms of comfort but some of the online courses are feasible in terms of budget; hence, it is a win-win learning situation for the learners.
3. It provides different learning styles
With digital learning, students are exposed to different learning styles. From digital illustrations to video-based learning, there are newer learning parameters offered in the online mode of learning.
4. It helps in developing technical skills
The online mode of learning offers digital advancements to the students as well as the teachers. It aids in developing technical parameters that are beneficial for future growth.
5. It offers various options
Not only from the academic point of view, but online learning is helpful in opening various other non-academic learning to the students. From art and craft, foreign language learning, dance lessons, music classes to yoga and meditation, students are exposed to various new options.
By looking at these benefits, students can decide what suits them best and can work on the following.
