Online Learning Versus Campus Learning - Essay Example

Online learning versus Campus Learning Whether online learning provides the same kind of well-organized education as campus learning has been in focus by many people including scholars, parents and students. Each kind of setting has its own pros and cons that must be considered before opting for any kind of learning. Online learning is gaining popularity in today’s technological world (Bonk & Zhang, 2008) and is being accepted as an equally popular way of gaining education and showing productivity, and in some cases it tends to be more productive than the traditional classroom model. Campus learning has its own exclusive benefits which cannot be denied. This paper compares online learning with campus learning so that the reader may get a better idea about the benefits and tradeoffs of both kinds of learning process. Online Learning Pros 1. This is the best method of education for distant students. Today, distance learning is no more a headache or a difficult task because all syllabi, lectures and assignments are conducted through the internet. Students interact with their teachers online and pursue their education while sitting in the comfort of their homes. The same applies for students residing in underprivileged locations who cannot reach the campus and thus lag behind because they cannot gain access to courses and syllabi. Online learning simply needs an internet connection and the education is made accessible at the doorsteps. 2. Students can get faster access to information than campus learning. They can access libraries and instructors and can get their problems solved in a much convenient way through some clicks of the mouse. They do not have to take appointments with their teachers; instead, they can “communicate with some academic libraries by phone, e-mail, and even interactive software that allow for asynchronous online chats about a particular search” (Maeroff, 2003, p.245). Students can also communicate through teleconferencing (Kushniroff, 2008, p.2) 3. Online students do not have to worry about their routines. They do not have to get up early in the mornings and are free to set their own routine which best suits their study habits. Campus students have to follow a strict routine and have to attend their schools or colleges even if the teacher goes on leave. This wastes their time. Online students do not have to go through this hassle. Cons 1. Online learning tends to isolate the students inside the territory of their homes and they remain inside their study rooms for hours and hours which creates a bad impact upon their personalities on the whole. Research suggests that this isolation leads to depression and anxiety in the individual leading to the development of negative behavior. Campus learning does not isolate the students in this way and they can always share their problems with their peers which is an excellent way to ward off their depression. 2. When a student is online, there are so many distractions that come his way that may make him waste his time in a negative way. For example, pop-ups coming in the form of game advertisements may make the student distract from his learning session and he may end up browsing games. Advertisements and social networks are the biggest attractions that even the most committed students find hard to escape. 3. During online learning, the teacher is not able to get familiar with his student’s learning style which is a very important consideration to enhance the learning process. Every one of us has his own unique good or bad style of learning new things (Dunn, 2000). It is important for the teachers to know his students’ learning styles so that he knows how to deal each student individually. Online learning robs the teachers of their ability to assess their students’ learning styles thus limiting an efficient transfer of information from teachers to students. Campus Learning Pros 1. When students go to the campus, they tend to meet other students and thus socialize with their peers, which is an integral part of personality development. Students come to know how to behave in classrooms; how to show respect to teachers; how to deal with peers; and, how to show discipline while learning. This socializing is beneficial for students in both short and long terms because they learn how to deal with life and its problems and how to cope with relationships. Hence, campus learning teaches effective relationship management which cannot be learned through online learning. 2. Campus learning makes the students follow the deadlines in a better way and they learn how to follow a set routine pattern for their studies. Online learning does not provide the students with these opportunities because they tend to be relaxed since they do not have to confront teacher’s remarks and class fellows’ comments’ if they do not meet a deadline or are not dressed up neatly, and etcetera. Hence, campus learning teaches discipline in a much better way. 3. There are no communication barriers like slow internet speed or server breakdown between the teacher and students. So, they can freely share their ideas inside the classroom setting and discuss the concepts. Teachers come to know their students personally. There is an interactive atmosphere which enhances learning. There are hands-on labs in traditional classroom learning that are crucial for development of skill sets (Tabor, 2007, p.47). Cons 1. Campus learning makes some students undergo depression through bullying from peers or favoritism shown by teachers. Online students do not have to go through these issues. Classroom settings are not free of peer abuse and teacher bias which encourages passive learning in some students. 2. Students who are weak at vocal communication lag behind because they feel shy discussing their issues with the instructors or friends at campus. Online learning encourages such students to communicate through emails and chat sessions. Conclusion Both kinds of learning processes have their respective pros and cons. Students must decide which way to go after considering their abilities and preferences. None of the two is less effective; instead, both kinds of settings provide effective learning environments which are fruitful in their own respective ways. Whichever the setting is, it always depends on the commitment and determination of the student that makes him excel. References Bonk, C.J., & Zhang, K. (2008). Empowering Online Learning: 100+ Activities for Reading, Reflecting, Displaying, and Doing. San Francisco, California: Jossey-Bass. Dunn, R. (2000). Learning styles: theory, research, and practice. National Forum of Applied Educational Research Journal, 13(1), pp. 3-22. Kushniroff, M.C. (2008). Examination and Survey of User Satisfaction with Inter-based Learning Compared to Tradition Classroom-based Learning. USA; ProQuest. Maeroff, G.I. (2003). Redefining the educational institution. A Classroom of One: How Online Learning is changing our Schools and Colleges. UK: Palgrave Macmillan. Tabor, S.W. (2007). Narrowing the distance: implementing a hybrid learning model for information security education. The Quarterly Review of Distance Education, 8(1), pp. 47-57. Read More