- Revolution Of Learning: Online V/S Traditional Education Statistics
- Traditional Education v/s Online Education
- What Has Changed In Online Education?
- What Remained The Same?
- Pros and Cons of Online Education
- Pros and Cons of Traditional Education
- Why Has The Popularity Of Online Education Skyrocketed?
- Online vs. Traditional: Real Cost of Education – Does Online Education Cost Higher?
- Online vs Traditional Education: Which is better for you?
- Blended Learning – Curbing Online vs. Traditional Learning Cons
- Conclusion
- FAQs
“What are you studying currently? I don’t see you going to college.” – the aunt asked at a birthday party!
“Ohh, I am taking an online course,” – I replied agilely. You know, it’s trending. Everyone is taking online courses, so I also enrolled in one!”
We all have heard this conversation at least once since the pandemic started. Online learning has been trending for quite a while now. (thank you, pandemic)
Flexibility and learning from anywhere have become buzzwords, and traditional learning is out of the syllabus! Technology has brought a revolution in the education industry, and things are no more like they were before!
However, everyone asks whether the pros and cons of traditional vs. online learning and whether online will replace traditional education with technical advancements. We don’t think so!
Both education systems have their own set of challenges. That’s what we will learn in this blog – Online vs. Traditional Education: All You Need to Know.
Let’s dive in.
Revolution Of Learning: Online V/S Traditional Education Statistics
Imagine this. It is 2020, the world moved into lockdown overnight. Students and parents have no other choice but to enroll in online mode!
Let the numbers speak for, remarks on online classes vs. traditional classes.
From then till today, online learning has slowly become a part of our lives, and we have accepted that as an integral part of our curriculum. But did it start in 2020? Let us look at online vs. traditional education statistics to see a clear difference.
In the fall of 2008, more than 7 million students enrolled in remote learning bachelor’s and master’s courses. They made up 36% of the total student population. From then till 2025, the numbers were predicted to grow up to 39%.
Below is the statistical figure won online and traditional learning you need to know!
- 45% of school students have acknowledged the method of watching videos and studying better than going to school every day.
- A significant 40% of the global E-Learning market is held by North America.
- 3 million+ students are taking up online courses for their higher education.
- 900 universities launched 13500 MOOC courses across the globe.
- 56% of US college students used laptops in the classroom during a typical week.
- A higher growth trend is observed in online courses. There has been a high amount of new learners and a drastic increase in the number of enrollments by 32% leading to 189 Million.
- The traditional course enrollment is falling by one or two percent yearly as people find online learning accessible and affordable.
Traditional Education v/s Online Education
From the most unbiased perception, let us see the online vs. traditional education differences.
| Traditional Education | Online Education | |
| What Does It Mean? | In the traditional education module, teachers and students face-to-face engage in a physical classroom to learn practical and theoretical lessons. | Definition: Under the newer education model, educators and students engage in learning meaningful life and subject lessons on a virtual platform and not in a physical classroom. |
| Choice of Subjects | The subject choices were categorized and restricted for one to explore liberal combos/ | The subject choices have become liberal, and students freely choose combos like economics + psychology without hesitation. |
| Flexibility | It goes as per standard timings and flexibility as accessibility is among significant challenges. | Everything has become much more flexible and accessible, as even live class recordings are available to watch later. |
What Has Changed In Online Education?
This is probably the most influential and core part of the blog. While we discuss the existence of the two education modules, the concepts and factors we want to highlight elaborately are the changes and the revolution it has brought. A lot of education practices and functionality have changed.
Let us look at a few important ones that have been most controversial and talked-about niches:
#1. Technological advancements.
We never thought that somebody across borders could be a part of the classroom in an altogether different country. But it happened. Besides using technological tools like smart classrooms and digital gadgets, the engagement of students and teachers has also been shifted in a digital classroom from a physical classroom.
The internet is available; notepads have replaced notebooks, keyboards have replaced pens, digital options have replaced sticky notes and bookmarks, and so much more. While we miss traditional elements of education, we have become very dependent on the newer ones.
So, a student in a traditional classroom used to carry a bag full of books, notebooks, and stationery as essentials. In contrast, a student in a modern classroom carries a laptop with an internet connection, and everything is sorted.
#2. Flexibility
Uniformity, being to school and college on time, and attending mutual and common classrooms were what a traditional education system looked like. But, it has changed. While students can engage during a standard time, there is no necessity to do so.
The biggest advantage of a flexible study schedule is the significant increase in opportunities. A student who desires to multitask has been blessed. So, it has become easy to achieve if he wants to do an internship and college.
While there are chances that it can be manipulated, now is when students need to realize and take charge of their actions. If they play around, they will play with their future, and if they choose to utilize the benefit, they will build a successful career.
#3. A student-friendly approach
The transition’s greatest perk lies in students’ favor. Whether it is about technological advancements or flexibility, it will help students when used mindfully. Previously, students would end up missing a class when they could not make it to class on time. Now, even if they are sick, they will not miss critical lectures from their teachers.
Students, who wanted to do so many things in the learning years, but couldn’t, due to packed timings, have finally found the opportunity to do so. From repeated classroom recordings to sitting and attending classrooms in their comfort, almost all changes work in their favor of them.
#4. Remote Accessibility
One of the most significant challenges for students in a traditional classroom was allocated per the college and university’s needs. For many, college and the university they wanted to attend required them to move out of their city and pursue the desired course. That did not only result in extra efforts but also additional costs that turned down the hopes of many aspiring students.
Students worldwide can be a part of the American classroom without having to move to the USA. Even someone living in Texas can be a student in California’s education system. The existence of remote classrooms hasn’t only made learning more accessible and reduced the cost that killed so many dreams.
There were a few major changes that happened from the transition of traditional classrooms to online learning modes. These are a few enlightening opportunities for students who look forward to acting responsibly and taking advantage of the chance in their favor.
What Remained The Same?
The tree’s roots support the change it goes through throughout its life span. Similarly, methods and systems might change, but the purpose of education always remains the same.
With that into consideration, let us look at what still remains the same between traditional and online education.
#1. The Ultimate Goal
The ultimate goal of education has always been bringing positive change and the light of knowledge into young minds that will contribute toward purposeful and meaningful changes. We try to adapt easily to reach the answer. So, no matter your chosen method, the answer doesn’t change. With something easier, it becomes comprehensive and easy to access.
The purpose of education is still the same. A country wants to make up human capital through education, which remains the same. Whether functioning in a physical classroom or a virtual one, the ultimate goal is to get students informed, which remains constant. We are just trying to find an easier and more accessible route towards it.
#2. The student-teacher concept
Just like a traditional classroom, the concept of student and teacher engagement hasn’t changed. An online classroom is always incomplete without an educator, just like a traditional one. The human touch is irreplaceable. No matter how many automated voice recordings we keep, a classroom is not a classroom without a teacher and the students.
A virtual classroom has a teacher trying to reach out to every student attendee and their queries. The structure of the class hasn’t changed; what has changed is the platform!
Pros and Cons of Online Education
There are always two sides to a coin. While online education has brought a lot of advantages to the table, there are things we are missing out too! While it is fair to talk about the merits, it would be unfair not to elaborate on the challenges it has brought.
| Pros of online education | Cons of online education |
| The cost of online education in terms of institutional fees has considerably reduced. Universities and colleges do not charge as much for online courses since campus cost is the minimum to nil. | While the college fee has been reduced, the expense of keeping up with the digital needs has increased too! Students of an online classroom should have necessary technological tools like laptops, internet connection, and others. They cost more than notebooks. However, they are still required in a traditional classroom of the modern world. |
| Students have the opportunity to be flexible with the classes. While the classes are scheduled for a standard timing, in cases of emergency, students can take up recordings later on. | With flexible routine comes regularity in disciplinary functions. While students hold the opportunity to make up their own routines, they have the responsibility to act responsibly and avoid being ignorant. |
| The study speed has increased too! There is no need for a student to spend time showing up at the university. That saves a lot of time, which can be utilized well in other activities. | Students who require teacher interaction to resolve queries can find it extremely difficult in an online classroom to do so because of the limited accessibility of the human touch. |
| Students can take up internship opportunities while pursuing a course because they have a routine that they can design and save time in hand. | Online classes have led to an increase in pressure amongst the students who are required to perform meticulously well and live up to the expectations. |
Pros and Cons of Traditional Education
While many things have changed in the modern education module, it comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Some things made our lives so much easier, while others left us thinking and missing the traditional education module.
| Pros of traditional education | Cons of traditional education |
| The human touch makes up for the significant missing factor. Every element of traditional education, like a board, classroom desks, and teacher-student interaction, is not something that can be achieved in a virtual classroom. The little pat on the back from the teacher to the student as a sign of appreciation and a little punishment are a few things lost in online classes. The effectiveness and realness of a traditional classroom are its greatest merit. | The many needs of the advancing era are higher than ever. The students need to multitask and gain fundamental skills by wearing multiple hats for upskilling themselves. Traditional classrooms restrict students’ accessibility to many other opportunities that can help them gain tangible skills and build an attractive and noteworthy profile. |
| The sense of competence and eagerness to shine brighter was way higher in a traditional classroom than in an online one. The excitement to secure first place and run towards the stage to receive the certificate and medal from the crowd, differentiating oneself from the crowd, is real. The contemporary world of online classrooms can certainly not provide that feeling. | The cost of traditional education was higher than online education. It did not only involve the tuition fee but also the campus, fare, and living costs. Students had to migrate to the university or college location and pay hostel or rent fees. This reduction in cost with the online study module significantly decreases the total payout required to pursue a degree. |
| The sense of competence and eagerness to shine brighter was way higher in a traditional classroom than in an online one. The excitement to secure first place and run towards the stage to receive the certificate and medal from the crowd, differentiating oneself from the crowd, is real. The contemporary world of online classrooms can certainly not provide that feeling. | The traditional classroom lectures couldn’t go on a rewind mode and play whenever required by the students. The lesson once taught wasn’t done again, at least in the same manner, and all the students who missed out on them for their own reasons did not have a second chance. The accessibility and flexibility were the major missing pointers in a traditional classroom. |
| Building up the character and personality of the child was very prominent in the traditional teaching module. Online classes do the job, but certainly not as efficiently as a physical classroom. | The fact the children cannot attend in-person classes is somewhere making them prone to the challenges of building up a good personality and character that are essential traits of education. |
Why Has The Popularity Of Online Education Skyrocketed?
Statistics mentioned above very well speak of the increased interest and positive feedback for online education to have become a significant part of the modern study schedule. But what led to the idea becoming so popular?
The greatest challenges faced by many students in the world of physical classroom education included location issues and the cost that came along with it. Many students could not afford to live in a different country and pursue a college degree. Today, it has changed! The remote accessibility has made it possible for many students to take the course in a college they always wanted.
It has also paved the way for students to be more flexible with their curriculum and do everything initially supposed to be pushed on. Like a traditional class, students could take up internships only after completing the course, but now, even first-year students can start internships and build the required skill set.
Online vs. Traditional: Real Cost of Education – Does Online Education Cost Higher?
For many students, the cost of education and the need to meet the finances has been the greatest challenge. This is especially true in the USA, where students handle the cost of their higher education either by taking a loan or doing a job.
Whether it was to take up a course of their choice or to attend their dream college, everything revolves around the cost. Online vs. traditional education cost makes up for the most viable difference.
Has online education solved this problem up to an extent? Let’s see!
#1. The Traditional Education Cost
The cost of traditional education greatly varies as per the choice. Many central universities offer courses at much lower tuition fees. However, the admission process isn’t as easy. Thus, many students do not get admission to such colleges and universities.
Then there are high-end private colleges that offer courses at much higher tuition fees. A typical bachelor’s course in commerce can be an average of 2.5 to 3 lakhs a year. It can be triple the amount for courses like a bachelor’s in technology and design.
#2. Online Education Cost
Online courses are relatively cheaper than traditional ones, but there are significant pointers. Though cheap, it is not as inexpensive as often expected. Also, students’ aspirations rise higher when the cost goes down.
For example, if a student wanted to attend a famous design institute in Delhi would be ready to bear a lakh more and take up an online design course from a foreign institution. So, even if the fee is less, the human tendency to want more and better keeps it at par, always!
The two integral cost-associated variations in traditional and online education are mentioned below:
#1. The cost difference is huge
For a design course from an institution in a foreign country, say the USA, a student had to pay up to a crore or more just to the university. A similar design course on an online platform can be done in just a few lakhs or a few thousand! Yes, the experience wouldn’t be as great as it would come after visiting the campus, but a student can have international exposure and a degree. It would, anyway, add a lot to the resume and profile.
#2. There is no additional fee!
The tuition fee of the university, college, or institution is less for an online course they offer because they, too, need to engage lesser resources in an online classroom. Besides that, a student from another city does not pay any additional cost of living, which further lessens the budget.
Online vs Traditional Education: Which is better for you?
This is the essential part of this write-up. While we have discussed, compared, and tried to look at the most unbiased and fair comparison of the study modules, we want you to find the right one that excites you the most!
Everything that has the most outstanding merits doesn’t have to always be right. Human choices are subjective to their own interests, which differentiates us from each other.
After knowing what it has to offer, you must decide what you can compromise and what you cannot.
If everyone is going to sit at home, who will come to the campus? Well, that is never going to happen! The introduction of online education doesn’t mean that we let go of the campus visit once in for all. Every introduction of a new concept should be an addition rather than a replacement.
Here are a few things you should note if you are planning to take an online course:
#1. Challenge of allocating
There is a possibility that you might live in a small town, but your capabilities are higher. At the same time, you can have reasons for not being able to migrate to a big city for education purposes. In such cases, an online course from your dream university comes as a rescue that resolves your problems of allocating while also making your dream come true.
#2. Have other things on the to-do list
If you want to wear multiple hats and find yourself in different shoes, it’s never a bad idea. For example, if you want to work in the marketing industry while pursuing a marketing course, you can do it.
#3. You are self-motivated
Remember, with online courses; you won’t have anyone but yourself to push you. Many times, students who are not motivated find it hard even to open their laptops and start with lessons. They need a push, which the online course doesn’t have. So, if you don’t need motivation and can hold yourself accountable, the online course is for you.
Who Should Pursue Traditional Classroom Education?
If you are someone who prefers an old-school method of learning and wants to experience classroom fun and interactions, traditional classroom education is for you.
If you love the experience and exposure it is offering you while being on campus; you have no reasons not to attend in-person classes.
What matters, in the end, is choosing something that matches your interest level. You don’t have to find what’s right for the world; you need to find what is right for you!
Blended Learning – Curbing Online vs. Traditional Learning Cons
Blended learning is the combination of traditional and online learning. Yes, they exist! Some courses come wholly on a digital platform, and some require you to make it to the campus. The third existing type is blended learning, where sometimes you stay at home attending a virtual classroom and other times in the real classroom.
What’s best?
You get to experience the best of both worlds. You are flexible, yet not flexible enough; You are accessible to other priorities while being equally available for your classes; you don’t miss out on the best things.
Two things to note: An online 360-degree study module might not live up to your expectations, and looking at the urgent need to upskill, you cannot dictate all your time into one thing. Here is when blended learning resolves both concerns.
Conclusion
With this write-up, we hope to have helped you understand the online vs. traditional education pros and cons.
As the times change, things will get updated to suit the modern needs of flexibility, accessibility, and multitasking. But, eventually, it is your choice where you feel the most comfortable and organized. Your solution depends on your needs.
It is high time we start making education and career decisions as per what works best for individual choices and interests.
Online learning and traditional learning have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. How you choose by understanding what stands easy to let go and what cannot go to the bay. The system has given you the freedom for you to make responsible choices.
FAQs
#1. What is the significant difference between online and traditional education?
Online education provides more flexibility, accessibility, and reduced course cost. These are a few significant contributions of online education in modular education.
Traditional education has better student-teacher interaction and competence, while flexibility and accessibility remain limited and have high costs.
#2. Why is online education better than traditional education?
Online education has numerous benefits, including a flexible schedule, accessibility, and the option to explore many other life skills while pursuing a college degree. The costs have reduced, and students can now do multiple other things simultaneously.
#3. What are the benefits of online education?
Online education provides the following benefits:
- Pursue the desirable course from the favorite college without the need to allocate.
- The flexibility to do many other things besides a college course
- The reduced cost is minimal as a resource is utilized without a campus fee.
- The advantage of studying at one’s own pace.
#4. Are online students more successful?
Success is not dependent on whether you are an online or an offline student. It depends on one’s hard work, capabilities, and skills. If you are motivated and open to further growth, no matter which way you choose, success will come to you. You need to prioritize and choose what best suits your interests.
#5. How does online learning help students?
Online learning has made students’ lives easier by bringing much-needed flexibility to the curriculum. It also gave students the freedom to take courses from any university around the globe without moving into the place. Additionally, it has helped students watch the lessons on repeat and take up classes that they would otherwise miss.
#6. What prominent skills do you develop from online learning?
One of the benefits of online learning is that it fosters the ability to listen and act responsibly. In an online classroom, a student is responsible for staying attentive and grasping the knowledge. If not anything else, it has helped students to become more accountable than ever.
#7. What causes students to lose motivation while learning online?
Student-teacher interaction is one of the major missing factors in an online classroom. On days when students cannot understand a lesson or need that added boost, they might not be able to find that because teachers would not be available in person.
#8. Will online learning diminish the quality of education?
Not really! Online learning has given students the most profound opportunity to explore many other ways to build and enhance their skill set through internships and workshop programs. So, while they are pursuing a course, they have an opportunity to gain fundamental, tangible life skills. The only thing required of them is responsible behavior.
