Online vs Traditional Education - Essay Example

This paper draws a comparison and contrast between online education and traditional education. Online education and traditional education are similar in the syllabus and course structure but differ in the styles and patterns of communication between the students and instructors, flexibility in terms of schedule, extent of learning and development of skills, and the overall cost both for the school and the students. Communication on online education is very different from the way it is in traditional education.

In online education, conversation is made through the exchange of messages. Messages are exchanged via keyboard, so typing errors are common to occur. Although online communication is a fairly effective means of communication, yet it is subjected to a lot of challenges. For example, the communicating parties may be interrupted in the middle of communication if the internet connection breaks. There is a lot of uncertainty in online communication. One never knows when the computer starts malfunctioning or is attacked by a virus.

However, when the computer is functioning properly and everything is set, communication is not only instant and effective, but is also time saving and cost effective. Nevertheless, a research conducted by SRI International found that “[o]n average, students in online learning conditions performed better than those receiving face-to-face instruction” (Bits, 2009). On the contrary, traditional education provides an individual with frequent opportunities of socializing with peers. Students get to meet one another on daily basis.

They make gossip, share views and discuss ideas both pertinent to the school education and other social and political matters. Such group discussions are very informative. Students get to learn about new opportunities. “Traditional college students are between the ages of 18-21 and benefit from the social atmosphere that a normal college campus provides” (Carron, 2006). The face to face interaction with peers and teachers has also many psychosocial benefits for the students. It inculcates confidence in the students and enhances their emotional intelligence so that they are more prepared to play their constructive role in the society in general and in the workplace in particular.

Online education provides an individual with much more flexibility than the traditional education. Students that take online courses are provided with the facility to work along with carrying on their studies. Many students with great potential are not able to continue their studies just because they are not able to afford the fee and other expenses associated with education. Online education brings students back to the world of academia by providing them with flexible schedules. The students can adjust their studies according to their work schedule rather than having to adjust their work schedule according to their studies.

Thus, an individual having online education is more empowered as compared to the students of traditional education. The freedom online education offers enables the students to optimize on their time management skills. “[S]elf-paced, independent learners are usually more disciplined in terms of preparation and time management” (Sanders, 2011). On the other hand, schedules in the traditional