GROUP DISCUSSION_

WHICH MODE OF LEARNING IS

BETTER? ONLINE OR OFFLINE?

Let us first have a brief view on both online mode of

learning as well as offline mode and then decide on
which one could be more favourable and which one is
better suitable for students. An important change in the
global school system was brought about by the Covid-
19 pandemic. Lockdown regulations caused physical
schools to close, which made online learning the new
standard. Although it has helped to keep education alive
in these challenging times, online learning cannot
totally replace it. Both online and traditional classroom
settings have benefits and drawbacks. Even though we
are past the pandemic, online mode of education still
allures a lot of the student community, so we can have a
broader perspective on this based on the pros and cons
of each of the modes of education.
First off, let’s have a short insight on online mode of
learning.

ONLINE MODE OF LEARNING:

An important change in the global school system was
brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic. Lockdown
regulations caused physical schools to close, which
made online learning the new standard. Although it has
helped to keep education alive in these challenging
times, online learning cannot totally replace it. Both
online and traditional classroom settings have benefits
and drawbacks.
In the world of rapid globalization, technology has
advanced at a lightning speed. There is no denying the
fact that the entire education system in all nations has
gained a new meaning with online education.
It has become a new method of catering to the students’
needs and making any form of learning possible for
them while staying within the spectrum of their parents’
guidance.
When we speak of online classes vs offline classes, the
classic advantage of online classes is that it has
immensely supported the students who are slow
learners and learn things at their own pace. They find it
easier to learn without any constant pressure of
outdoing other kids in the live learning classrooms.
Besides, online education has been a success in
incorporating the skills like time management and self-
discipline in the students.
The students have gained significant skills to
understand how to manage their time, and how to
prepare well for exams in their own unique way using
the right tools and resources.
OFFLINE MODE OF LEARNING:

The initial learning method that allowed students to

regularly interact in person with their peers and
teachers, offline education is the conventional
counterpart of online education. Even while online
learning is thought to be the way of the future in terms
of education, it will never be able to completely replace
traditional learning in its entirety. Offline learning is
largely unaffected by technical concerns and offers
pupils a great chance to create and maintain a regular
schedule.
Offline Education is a conventional analogy to online
education. It is the original method of teaching where
students and teachers have face-to-face interactions
while learning.

No wonder, online classes have gained significant

popularity but nothing can replace the holistic approach
of offline classes that has been happening for decades.
It is the best mode of learning and helps students learn
subjects at a faster pace with a rigid schedule to follow.
The difference between offline vs online education is
that the teachers have access to analyse every student’s
learning technique and behavioural patterns. They keep
a hawk-eye on each student and monitor the responses
and address them when needed.
Now that we have an insight on both of modes of
learning, it’s time to evaluate their pros and cons
PROS OF ONLINE LEARNING:
Flexible Environment And Schedule:
This discrepancy between online and offline schooling
cannot be refuted by any fact. Students now have the
power to design their own learning environment that
best suits their needs thanks to the online learning
environment.

Self-discipline: During their independent study time at

home, the students have acquired self-discipline. They
are experts at effectively managing their time. They
now know how to schedule their classwork, homework,
classes, and other typical school activities. Parents say
that their children have developed greater responsibility
and time management skills.
Affordable: Since online classes have taken hold,
education has become somewhat more accessible. The
price of uniforms, transportation, and extracurricular
fees has significantly decreased, making education
more accessible and inexpensive for both students and
parents.

CONS OF ONLINE LEARNING:

Increased Screen Time:
Managing screen time is one of the biggest challenges
that students who learn online must overcome. Online
learning necessitates consistent extended periods of
time spent logged in. Long-term screen time causes
pupils a lot of trouble and is bad for their health overall,
especially the eyes.

Technical Issues:
A further drawback is that of technical issues. During
online sessions, challenges with poor Internet access
recur frequently. Urban and small-town communities
have the most trouble keeping a steady Internet
connection. It obliterates the students’ ability to learn.

Other drawbacks include:

 Individuals’ sense of isolation; little peer assistance;
and group work that is less effective than it would be if
done offline.

PROS OF OFFLINE LEARNING:

Hands-on practise:
Typically, in online classrooms, students do not have
the opportunity to engage in hands-on practise in
several subject areas. Only in offline classes is it
possible to comprehend a subject better.
Greater involvement and interaction:
In face-to-face learning, there is greater interaction
between the students and the lecturers. They get to
participate in more class activities.
Fewer distractions:
In offline classes, the professors only concentrate on
teaching, therefore there are fewer distractions for the
students while they are studying. They focus completely
on the subject being covered in class.
Individual attention:
Teachers give each student their undivided attention,
which helps students do better on exams. They gain a
better comprehension of all the subjects and have more
clarity regarding their doubts.
CONS OF OFFLINE LEARNING:
Travel Expenditure: The institutions for offline classes
are all at the same place, and each student has to find a
special way to get there. The additional travel and
preparation time costs money and takes away from time
that may be spent for independent study.
Rigid Schedules:
Because the timings are fixed, there is little room for
flexibility with offline classes. Students who work 20
hours a week or full time have a higher dropout rate,
while the cause of this is uncertain.
costly method of instruction.
Expensive mode:
In addition to the cost of tuition, boarding, and travel
expenses to campuses, offline study is an expensive
form of learning, as we previously mentioned.

Offline mode lacks cutting-edge technology:

Learning about technology breakthroughs through
online courses is highly recommended. By using
laptops or computers and connecting with other
students via a variety of channels, they are learning how
to use technology and do it effectively.
There are significant dissimilarities between online vs
offline education with so many advantages and
disadvantages. Since each study has its individual
preferences and has a unique learning style, offline and
online education both have gained equal popularity
among students. We believe that whatever method of
learning a student finds easier to grasp, is best for them.
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