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C- July 15, 2020
R- It shows the effect of in-class learning.
A- The Mercury News
A- It goes against my claim because it supports the effects of online learning.
P- To show the risk of going back to school.

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C- August 16, 2020
R- It shows the main problem of going back to school.
A- Santa Barbara Independent
A- It goes against my claim because it shows the possible effects of in-class learning.
P- To show the annoyance of going back to school.

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C- July 19, 2014
R- It shows what online learning can be like.
A- Open Colleges
A- It goes with my claim because it shows what online learning could eventually develop into.
P- To show what might happen in the future of online learning.

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C- August 3, 2020
R- It shows what online learning could do to students' education.
A- The Independent
A- It goes with my claim because it suggests the possible outcome of online learning.
P- To show the possibility of learning online.

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C- July 29, 2020
R- It shows some of the effects of online learning.
A- The Philadelphia Inquirer
A- It goes with my claim because it shows the struggles of online learning.
P- To show the effect it could have on kids.

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C- February 17, 2018
R- It goes over the advantages of online learning.
A- Simply Info
A-It is against my claim because it goes over the advantages of learning.
P- To go over the advantages of online learning.

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What are the Advantages of Online Learning | E-Learning Benefits | Information Video

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C- May 13, 2020
R- It contrasts the two learning styles.
A- Stafford
A- It is against my claim because it goes over the advantages of online learning.
P- To go over the advantages of online learning.

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We are now in age of the fourth industrial revolution - Technology. As it transforms major industries, life has become more interconnected, blurring the lines between the personal and professional with a growing number of sectors and companies becoming operationally mobile. The education industry has also slowly but surely attempted to accommodate these shifting demand trends, bringing with it a unique set of challenges. As Covid-19 changed the world and the education landscape with it, distance education and online learning became proliferated by necessity, raising questions about the differences between them. This articles covers the 5 differences between online learning vs classroom learning.

Online Learning vs Classroom Learning #1: No Human Interaction: The most obvious difference someone thinks of when comparing the two is the perceived lack of human interaction, however this isn't technically true. The correct way to phrase this would be 'no physical interaction'. Classroom Learning involves physical interactions with a teacher and peers, while online learning transfers this component to a virtual environment. So while there human interaction, it happens online via virtual lectures, virtual discussions, face-to-face video workshops etc.

Online Learning vs Classroom Learning #2: 24/7 access to learning materials: With online courses, students can always access learning materials such as module contents, assignments, lecture materials, podcasts and recorded sessions anytime during the course of their studies. For postgraduate courses module tutors are always there to assist with any questions through emails, messages and Skype calls. With Classroom Learning, be it for a school or university courses, a student has to visit the physical location to speak with tutors face to face, during assigned hours. This can be limiting, especially for working professionals.

Online Learning vs Classroom Learning #3: Practice while you study: For University courses, Online Learning students can fit studies around their work schedules, and can immediately practice new concepts learned by applying them in their current scope of work. With classroom learning university courses, this is not often the case. Since students have to leave their job and social commitments to complete a degree programme, they will only be able to practice the new knowledge once they have re-joined the workforce. When it comes to schools and younger learners, a lot of Online Learning tools and apps help students understand concepts on a deeper level by providing problems they can interact and solve with in different ways. For example, logic puzzles or math puzzles that aren't the cut and dry 'solve for x' prevalent in classroom learning.

Online Learning vs Classroom Learning #4: Assessments: The Classroom Learning method of assessing a student's capabilities is usually through quizzes and exams, most often one in a physical setting invigilated by an examiner. Covid-19 has made this method of assessment (temporarily) redundant. In Online Learning, assessments are undertaken via assignments, which can be either individual or group-based, providing an opportunity for students to form study groups that support each other and learn from their differing experiences. In rarer cases, online, open-book exams are also used as an assessment medium, however the latter is more popular.

Online Learning vs Classroom Learning #4: Agility: Course materials can be accessed from anywhere in the world, regardless of differences in time zones, the location of the student, or their current status. From a busy working professional studying online in the late hours of the evening, to a stay at home mum brushing up their knowledge before getting back on the job market, online learning provides the much needed flexibility to study and finish a degree at each one's own pace.

As universities recognise the need of the modern workforce for education, learning and development, online programmes were developed with various specialisations to cater to professionals from different fields, industries and experiential backgrounds. It is no longer an absolute requirement to travel to a campus to study the programme, as our partner UK universities have a global reach, providing their distance learning courses to various countries worldwide.

The online mode of learning also inculcates a sense of discipline amongst students as they have to beself-motivated to finish their assignments and degree requirements to graduate on time. With student support always available to online students, they are guaranteed to successfully finish their degree course with a little commitment and dedication. At Stafford, we endeavour to assist students with choosing the right programme and help them successfully apply in joining thousands of students, all studying the same qualification worldwide.

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Online Learning vs Classroom Learning. Read 5 differences.

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We are now in age of the fourth industrial revolution - Technology. As it transforms major industries, life has become more interconnected, blurring the lines between the personal and professional with a growing number of sectors and companies becoming operationally mobile.

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C- December 21, 2019
R- It goes over the mishaps of working online.
A- E-Student
A- It is with my claim because it goes over the disadvantages of online learning.
P- To go over the flaws of e-learning.

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10 Biggest Disadvantages of E-Learning - E-Student

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There are a number of disadvantages to E-Learning, and these drawbacks must be addressed to ensure the legitimacy of online learning.

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C- August 19, 2015
R- It talks about most of the pros and cons available outside and inside of school.
A- NC State
A- It goes with my claim because it goes over the cons of online education.
P- To go over different sides of online learning.

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Pros and Cons of Online Education | NC State Industry Expansion Solutions

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The term of online was not very appealing in 1970s and 1080s just like an airplane in the beginning of the 20th century. Internet was in development stage in early 1990s compared to now and the…

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C- June 4, 2020
R- It is about the pros and cons of online and in-class education.
A- Michigan State University
A- It is with my claim because it goes over the advantages of traditional learning.
P- To go over the advantages and disadvantages of both learning styles.

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Christine Greenhow, associate professor of educational technology in the College of Education, 2018 Recipient of MSU's Teacher-Scholar Award, answers questions about online and classroom learning.

Q: What are the advantages of online learning, compared to in-person classroom learning?

A: Online learning can be as good or even better than in-person classroom learning. Research has shown that students in online learning performed better than those receiving face-to-face instruction, but it has to be done right. The best online learning combines elements where students go at their own pace, on their own time, and are set up to think deeply and critically about subject matter combined with elements where students go online at the same time and interact with other students, their teacher and content.
Q: What are the disadvantages?
A: Teachers need to distill their key goals and leverage technology features to meet them. Used well - online chat, discussion forums, replayable video lessons, online meetings, etc. offer tremendous opportunities to make students more engaged (and accountable) compared to time-strapped classrooms where students hide and few hands shoot up.

The downside is that this stuff takes work; we know from research that pedagogy matters. Educators can't just scan the textbook, record the lesson, put them online and expect the same or better learning.
Q: Are there social, developmental or other pros or cons of virtual education?
A: A challenge we are facing is inadequate access to the technology and social infrastructure needed for virtual education. In the same way our country invested in our physical infrastructure, such as the interstate highway system, this pandemic has highlighted the need for a similar investment in our technology infrastructure and, beyond that, research suggests the social and instructional supports needed for all students to successfully learn with technology. Students without reliable, fast internet, suitable devices for schoolwork or people around them to help are spotlighted in the shift to virtual education.
Q: Since online learning is continuing this school year, how do you think K-12 education is impacted?
A: Since online learning - or a hybrid online/in-person model - continues, this new normal may prove better than the old. Having raced to close gaps to virtual teaching and learning in Spring 2020, K-12 education will likely seek to continue the expanded technology infrastructure, flexibility and virtual learning benefits to improve education long-term. For learners unable to attend school in physical classrooms for various reasons, the pandemic-initiated move to virtual learning could be a welcome and permanent improvement.
Q: Are there benefits or drawbacks of online learning that are specific to university settings?
A: Having taught and studied in-person and online courses since 2012, I see benefits of online and hybrid learning specific to university settings. Working professionals, international students and others can get the high-quality education needed for career advancement despite geographic and other constraints. Offering degree programs in two modes, as we do at Michigan State, means that online students can learn alongside on-campus students, bringing a diversity of experiences to classrooms from which everyone benefits. The future of university education is giving learners choices, which todays' technologies make possible.

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Ask the Expert: Online learning vs. classroom learning

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Christine Greenhow, associate professor of educational technology in the College of Education, 2018 Recipient of MSU's Teacher-Scholar Award, answers questions about online and classroom learning. Q: What are the advantages of online learning, compared to in-person classroom learning? A: Online learning can be as good or even better than in-person classroom learning.

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C- April 4, 2020
R- It goes over the Pros and Cons of online learning.
A- University Magazine
A- It goes with my claim because it goes over the disadvantages of online learning.
P- To go over the Pros and Cons of online learning.

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What Are Pros and Cons of Online Classes

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C- January 29, 2016
R- It goes over the different aspects of online learning and in-class learning.
A- Online Learning Consortium
A- It is against my claim because it goes over the pros of online learning.
P- To go over the advantages of the different ways of learning.

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As online classes (and online education in general) have become more popular, people are asking the question: how effective is online learning in comparison to in-class learning? There have been various discussions on the topic, highlighting the benefits and drawbacks for each of the educational delivery methods; however, is it possible that we are simply asking the wrong question?
Online vs In-Class?
Each of the instructional methods offers a unique combination of benefits to students. Online courses offer more flexibility and are ideal for people with a busy schedule, while in-class education traditionally has a more structured class schedule. The discussion on face-to-face interaction is a key point in this argument. In a physical classroom, students have a chance to express their ideas vocally in class through in-person interactions (although the prevalence of live digital classrooms mean that this distinction is becoming blurry). Some students may feel shy or intimidated in front of their peers compared to the online environment, and then again, some distance education students may feel bewildered by the technology involved in the online world.

The most noted advantages for each method have been identified:

On the other hand, it is fair to suggest that both instructional formats have the potential to offer effective learning tools for individuals. Means, Toyama, Murphy et. al. (2009) suggest the performance of online vs in-class students, including differences in grades and learning advantages, is dependent not so much on the delivery method, but more so on the course content, structure and instructor. Moreover, with existing educational tools and technological advances, it is easy to communicate with and engage students in various learning activities, both in-class and online, with the same level of efficiency.
Making the Best of Online and In-Class Education
Choosing between online or in-class education has long shifted from "which one is better" to "which one works better for me". Considerations include the individual's schedule, internet access, and/or organizational skills. Online education may be a preference for busy professionals and those looking after a family; the in-class format can benefit those who prefer face-to-face interaction and can commit to a set schedule. The online option works better for students who are looking to build their credentials while continuing to work; in-class is preferable for those looking for the "college experience".

Aside from personal preferences, it is also necessary to look at the way education is delivered. There are a few key factors that make a big difference in whether the learning experience, online or face-to-face, is successful for the student.

There are multiple tools that are available that allow educators to make learning memorable and interactive. Creating presentation slides helps to organize the lesson and highlight the main points of the class and bringing video into the classroom can create a transition from one topic to another. Collaboration tools are readily available in the world of online teaching to get over the hurdle of interaction.

Online portals hosting class materials and announcements are just as important for in-class students as they are for online classrooms. They keep students updated on what is coming up, key assignments dates, and reduce the need for textbooks or paper handouts. Ideally, these online portals are easy to use and can also prompt interaction with students outside of the classroom.

The trend of instructors delivering unidirectional lectures to students is disappearing. Nowadays, collaboration and interaction with students is more important, both for online and in-class formats. Asking questions and taking part in team exercises may seem easier in-class, but in larger classrooms or lecture halls, the professor has an uphill struggle to keep the class engaged. Tactics to increase student involvement in-class include assigning group projects or scheduling tutorials.

The danger of one-way communication also exists in the online environment, especially with courses structured with limited or no face-to-face interaction. Therefore it is important to utilize educational tools to encourage communication: discussion groups, live webinars, collaboration software and social learning methods. All of these tools create more quality interaction between the students and the professor, and they can encourage students to take the initiative in their approach to learning.

In the modern classroom, both in-class and online, diversity has become the norm, be that diversity in cultural backgrounds, views or learning strategies. It is important to accommodate for the needs of all students to ensure that they are getting the most from the class. One of the key factors is incorporating students' cultural and personal background into the learning experience, which can be done through discussions and debates.

Another key is to include different learning mediums to accommodate for different learning styles. Some people learn better through writing, some through reading and listening and some through the visual clues. Both online and in-class education should include different learning mediums and tools to benefit the students.

A successful education equips students with the skills and knowledge to make them efficient and effective individuals after the completion of their education. Of course, giving students access to appropriate information and teaching them theoretical concepts is very important, but the goal is to teach them practical application. The best way, in either format, to encourage students to apply their knowledge is to give them a certain amount of freedom and flexibility in their learning, and give them room to exercise their organizational skills.

Online students may have an advantage here since the nature of their class format typically relies greater on their self-discipline. Their learning activities (set readings, recorded videos, assignments) typically happen outside of the classroom setting, which teaches them to set their own deadlines, work on self-motivation and collaborate with their group across the country and sometimes internationally.

However the in-class environment can also offer opportunities for self-directed learning through scheduled group projects and presentations, or by the preparation and encouragement of discussions and debates among classmates.
Summary
Online and in-class education are both proven methods to develop learning and increase one's knowledge. Each education method has their own specific advantages disadvantage but one is not better than the other. The better question is whether professors and instructional designers are best using the available tools to maximize the potential and learning outcomes of each method.
Sources:
Means, B., Toyama, Y., Murphy, R., Bakia, M., and Jones, K. (2009). "Evaluation of Evidence-Based Practices in Online Learning: A Meta-Analysis and Review of Online Learning Studies." US Department of Education. Retrieved from http://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED505824
About the Author:
Alex Nikotina, an Online Marketing Assistant at Ashton College, loves digging deeper into the real stories and trends in education. Originally from Russia, Alex loves to travel and experience new countries, having previously spent time in Japan before moving to Canada.

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Online vs In-Class: Are We Asking the Wrong Question? - OLC

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Learn more in our Blended Learning Mastery Series: Research into Practice As online classes (and online education in general) have become more popular, people are asking the question: how effective is online learning in comparison to in-class learning? There have Read More >