The recent turn of events caused by the rise of the deadly Corona Virus (COVID19) is known to all. The global pandemic has changed a lot of things in our lives lately. Among others, it has detached kids from the joy of attending regular school.

As per a report, more than 1.2 billion children across the globe are affected due to the closure of schools. With most educational institutions being shut all over the world, students are left with no choice but to stay connected with their studies through online classes.

In such a situation, parents are left with no choice but to ensure the smooth running of classes for their wards. However, they do contemplate the advantages and disadvantages of learning online as compared to classroom learning. 

In this blog, we are analyzing the concept of classroom learning versus online learning along with its pros and cons. 

The changing situation

The damage caused by the pandemic has dramatically changed the scenario of education showcasing a steep rise in e-learning. Education these days is taking place remotely via digital platforms where students are attending classes from the comfort of their homes.   

This sudden shift in the education system is making many parents, as well as educators, wonder if it is going to persist even after the pandemic. And in case it does, how this new trend is going to impact the education market across the globe?

As such, the overall market of online education was on a rise even before the start of the pandemic. In fact, as per some research, by 2025 the market of online education globally was estimated to reach over 350 Billion dollars. Moreover, with the pandemic in place, this market has seen a huge surge lately. 

This surge in online education can also be seen with the coming up of more and more online learning tools/apps, language tools, virtual training tools, as well as video conferencing tools among others.   

Despite this continuous growth, parents are still unsure whether this new trend of online learning will suffice for their children’s education. 

Lets us see some key differences between the two modes of learning.

Key differences

• Interaction between students and teachers – the basic and the most important difference between classroom learning versus online learning is the interaction. In classroom learning, students are face to face with teachers, which helps in more classroom participation and group activities among kids, while in the case of online learning this is restricted, especially if the number of participants is more.
• Place of study – In the case of classroom learning, the presence of a physical classroom and the presence of a teacher makes learning more apt. Moreover, it allows a proper schedule for kids. On the other hand, in online learning, the student can sit at any corner of the house and join the class.
• Flexibility – Online learning allow students to be more flexible. It is also said to be more organized assisting in homework and assignment.
• Cost – the cost-effectiveness of online learning is due to its reduced cost of logistics and travel. It also limits other costs like tuition fees, infrastructure, library fees, and so on.   

If you compare, there are many pros and cons on both the system of education.  

How kids, teachers and parents are adapting to the new trend

The Covid19 pandemic has hit the world at a time when the students were supposed to start a fresh year at school amidst new friends, teachers, new classrooms etc. However, with the virus baring its fangs, it forced the education system to reinvent itself and make online classes the new normal. The change was so fast that the teachers, as well as the students, didn’t get time to prepare for the same. But slowly and steadily, the online way of teaching is making its presence felt as seen now after almost a year of the pandemic.  

The experience of online education has been different for different individuals – teachers, students and parents. While the tech-savvy ones could easily get away with the new developments, others had to struggle through it.

With the initial chaotic situations, disagreements and mental pressure, now the situation seems to be greatly in control. In fact, for once, parents are ready to continue with the online means of education for their wards rather than sending them to school in such a situation.   

What lies ahead in future?

As per some research, online learning is capable of increasing the retention of information. Moreover, it also takes less time. Research says that worldwide online learning is showing prominence and this new trend in education is here to stay.

So on one other hand, some scholars are of the view that this new move of unplanned online learning will not yield any productive result, while others think that model of education will show a significant outcome.  

However, whether and when the regular classroom learning will commence is yet to see. But in any case, it is for sure that this new trend of online learning is transforming kids of this generation into tech-savvy and digital folks.