# data[].attributes.body
C- This article was posted on Jan. 29, 2016.
R- It tells you that both are good, but it really depends on the educators.
A- The publisher of this article is Online Learning Consortium.
A- This article is unbiased because it gives pros and cons of both face to face and online learning.
P- It informs you that maybe we are asking the wrong question.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
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.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Online vs In-Class: Are We Asking the Wrong Question? - OLC

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
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 Read More >

# data[].attributes.body
C- This Video was posted on June 5th, 2020.
R- It tells you 5 key differences about online learning vs. face to face learning.
A- The publisher of this video is YouTube.
A- This video is against my claim because it shows five differences that make online learning better.
P- It informs you that online learning is better.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
5 Key Differences Between Online And Face-To-Face Learning

# data[].attributes.body
C- This video was posted on May 18th, 2020.
R- It shows you the differences in online and face to face learning.
A- The publisher of this video is YouTube.
A- This video was unbiased and only compared the two sides.
P- It informs you that neither is better or worse, it all comes down to when it is used.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Online vs Face to Face Learning: Is there a difference?

# data[].attributes.body
C- This picture was posted on April 14th, 2020.
R- It shows you the pros and cons of online learning.
A- The publisher of this picture is cbubanner.com
A- This picture is unbiased because in shows pros and cons of online learning.
P- It informs you of the good and bad of online classes.

# data[].attributes.body
C- This picture was posted on November 17th, 2016.
R- It shows you the difference and similarities between face to face and online learning.
A- The publisher of this picture is google sites.
A- This picture is unbiased because it shows the differences and similarities of online and face to face learning.
P- It informs you on how different and similar the to styles are.

# data[].attributes.body
C- This picture has an unknown post time.
R- It shows you the difference and similarities between face to face and online learning.
A- The publisher of this picture is  google sites.
A- This picture is unbiased because it shows the differences and similarities of online and  face to face learning.
P- It informs you on how different and similar the to styles are.

# data[].attributes.body
C- This article was posted on Sept. 23, 2020.
R- It shows that the schools aren't ready for online because of technology.
A- The publisher of this article is Students 4 Social Change.
A- The article is for my claim because it says that the technology needed isn't there.
P- It informs you that the schools need better technology for online learning.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
As schools begin to reopen or begin virtual teaching this fall, institutions face the difficult decision of whether or not they should hold in-person classes. Private schools possess higher funds and more resources to enforce safety precautions that enable students to physically attend school each day, putting students enrolled in private institutions at an advantage. Therefore, public schools require more funding so that they can safely conduct in-person instruction or provide opportunities for in-person connections between students and teachers. Although some may argue that remote learning can offer an equally robust education, students at public schools deserve the chance to benefit from an in-person experience just as much as those enrolled in private schools.

CDC Guidelines

Public Schools Need Funding

It's no surprise that fewer students at a school mean less of a risk that the virus spreads. The sheer fact that private schools have a lower number of students attending their institutions puts them at an advantage over public schools in the reopening process. With fewer people inside of a building, private institutions can more efficiently remain 6 feet apart from one another. Private schools' selection process requires that potential students apply to their institutions and may be granted or denied acceptance. Public schools do not have the option of turning students away; therefore, their student population is inevitably higher. Private schools also charge tuition, which provides funding for the school. In terms of COVID19, the tuition that private schools receive can be put towards new ventilation systems, thermometers for temperature checks, means for socially distancing in the classroom (plexiglass between desks), new technology, and more. In order to level out the playing field, public schools need more funding from the government so that their students don't fall behind in the age of COVID.

Superintendents of various public school districts across the country have acknowledged the fact that reopening schools will cost more money, due to the necessary protective equipment and tools for sanitization methods. Superintendents have also realized that public schools will need more funding to support the mental health of students returning to school after the past six months; they predict that more nurses and counselor services will be needed by students this fall. Unfortunately, with the fragile condition of the economy, states have been continuously cutting K-12 education spending. The Philadelphia schools are projecting a $38 million deficit for the 2020-2021 school year. New York City schools have experienced $185 million in budget cuts this past year. Florida's Broward County Public Schools have announced a hiring freeze as they anticipate further cuts in their system as well. Paterson Public Schools in New Jersey are preparing for the layoff of 245 teachers. With fewer and fewer resources available to public school systems, we need to prioritize the education of these students, and we need to do it now...

Effects of Online Learning

Many families struggled to support their children in their remote-learning this past spring, leading parents to worry about what their children's future education looks like. Parents of younger students were challenged by balancing work from home while acting as teachers at the same time. Remote learning can lead to a lack of motivation in students, as they're not as driven to learn as they did when physically attending school. Rather, online school leads children to focus merely on finishing the online assignments and checking all the boxes, instead of retracting information that they can carry to their next year of schooling. A junior in high school from California stated that when learning at home, "it is just a lot harder to stay motivated on one task without getting distracted." Studies have also shown that those students who have experienced trauma are especially distressed by the idea of remote classes and turning their camera on for class or being potentially recorded on zoom. This adds additional pressure to parents as anxious children are less likely to reach out to their teachers for help and more likely to fall behind academically.

Advantages of In-Person Learning

Can Virtual Learning be Successful Too?

Give the Teachers the Tools They Need

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and/or student and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of United 4 Social Change Inc., its board members, or officers.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Virtual Divide: Online vs. In-Person Learning in Fall 2020

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
As schools begin to reopen or begin virtual teaching this fall, institutions face the difficult decision of whether or not they should hold in-person classes. Private schools possess higher funds and more resources to enforce safety precautions that enable students to physically attend school each day, putting students enrolled in...

# data[].attributes.body
C- This picture has an unknown post date.
R- It shows you the pros and cons of online learning.
A- The publisher of this picture is mycollegeguide.org
A- This picture is unbiased because in shows pros and cons of online learning.
P- It informs you of the good and bad of online classes.

# data[].attributes.body
C- This article was posted on 6/04/2020.
R- It tells you that face to face learning is better because of access to technology.
A- The publisher of this article is MSUToday.
A- This article is for my claim because it informs you that not everyone has the tech to do it.
P- It informs you that face to face is more stable than online.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
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.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Ask the Expert: Online learning vs. classroom learning

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
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.

# data[].attributes.body
C- This article was posted on May 15th, 2018.
R- It informs you on the differences of these styles of learning.
A- The publisher of this article is Purdue University Global.
A- This article is against my claim that face to face is better.
P- It informs you that online is more flexible and is better.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Student Life

Both online learning and on-campus learning have pros and cons. The real question you might ask is: Which is better for me? The answer depends on a number of factors, including:

Your work status: If you are balancing a full-time job and going to school, you may need a degree program that suits your busy schedule. On the other hand, a flexible schedule may be less important for full-time students. Which statement is most true for you?

I work full time and need a flexible program that fits with my schedule. Online education may be right for you.

I work part time and have a more flexible schedule. Either online or on-campus will work well for you.

Where you live: For students who have deep ties to where they live-due to work, family, or other reasons-distance learning provides access to programs virtually all over the world. Which statement is most true for you?

Moving isn't an option. Online may be a better option, especially if your local university doesn't offer a program that interests you.

I can live anywhere. Either online or on-campus will work well for you.

Family: Add family into the mix of balancing work, life, and school, and you need a program that allows you to study on your schedule

I have a family, so I need to take classes when my house is quiet. Online education may be better for you.

Family obligations aren't a big issue for me. Either online or on-campus will work well for you.

Your learning style: Online learning provides many channels through which students and instructors interact with each other, including email, online chat, and video conferences. On-campus education provides communication through the same channels with the addition of in-person, in-classroom opportunities. Which statement is most true for you?

I am comfortable communicating through email, chat, and video conferencing. Either online or on-campus will work well for you.

I prefer in-person communication. On-campus will probably suit you better.

There are many more factors to consider as you explore your options. Most importantly, you'll want to find a college that offers a variety of programs so that you can find a degree that lines up with your career goals. For example, Purdue University Global offers more than 175 programs.

In the following sections, you'll see research that suggests a slight trend away from traditional brick-and-mortar college toward virtual learning environments. That trend doesn't mean that one option is better than the other; rather, technology has made it possible for universities to reach a wider audience. And the wider audience is responding to increased opportunities.

Traditional Classroom vs. Online Education Enrollment Statistics

The traditional classroom education experience requires you to attend classes in person, on a campus. This is still the most common way of learning, although a recent report suggests a decline in traditional college enrollment:

Online education is becoming a more appealing option for many students. While on-campus enrollment saw slight year-over-year declines from 2014 to 2016, online enrollments saw increases.

Quality of Online Learning vs. In-Class Learning

The Journal of Public Affairs Education published a study that compared the effectiveness of online learning with in-classroom learning and found that:

While online education tends to have less sense of instructor control, group dynamics were more favorable.

Group contact tends to be continually maintained in online learning, but in the classroom setting, there was little group contact between meetings.

Because of the distributed model of group studying, members may be slower to respond in the online setting.

Although response time may be longer online, the quality of feedback tends to be more detailed and focused than in the classroom setting.

The researcher also found less sense of anxiety in an online group dynamic, and the quality of the technology has a big impact on the users' experiences.

Online Programs Can Provide Greater Convenience

The convenience and flexibility of online learning allows you to study any time, virtually anywhere you have an internet connection. It's an ideal solution for people with demanding work schedules and family obligations. In many situations, you can pause the content or go back to a portion to refresh your memory. This is incredibly helpful when you need to spend extra time on a challenging topic.

Only you can decide whether online education or an on-campus college is best for you.

Visit our FAQ page for answers to common questions about the online learning experience, or click here to request more information.

About the Author

Purdue University Global

Purdue University Global delivers a fully personalized, world-class education online that's tailored for adults. We offer 175 programs, including associate's, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees as well as certificates, in areas such as business, IT, education, health sciences, nursing, criminal justice, and more.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Classroom vs. Online Education | Purdue Global

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Student Life Both online learning and on-campus learning have pros and cons. The real question you might ask is: Which is better for me? The answer depends on a number of factors, including: Your work status: If you are balancing a full-time job and going to school, you may need a degree program that suits your busy schedule.

# data[].attributes.body
C- This article was posted on 11/12/2020.
R- It shows you that overall face to face learning is better.
A- The publisher of this article is Education First.
A- This article is for my claim because it informs you on how online learning is less progressive.
P- It informs you that face to face is superior to online because it was what we are used to.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
With ever-changing landscapes and new global challenges, educators and learners around the world have had to adapt. In this new era, connecting with friends and family had to happen over WhatsApp, FaceTime, or Zoom, and so education has followed suit.

There's no denying that digital learning is a valuable asset - and online education certainly has its merits. But, when the world returns to normal, will it still come out on top? Or can nothing really beat meeting face-to-face and learning in a classroom? Let's explore the research.

Online learning makes education accessible

The emergence of online learning has 'disrupted' the education system. Schooling has traditionally happened in person, which has had limitations for individuals unable to attend. So, the most obvious benefit of offering learning opportunities online is that you open education up to many more people.

Digital education facilities have enabled many learners to gain qualifications and even retrain for new careers at any stage in their life, by offering online learning courses that can be taken over a long period of time. This opens up formal education for those who can't leave full-time employment or other commitments to attend university, allowing them to study and achieve at home and at convenient times.

Scientists looking at the effectiveness of distance learning found that in some studies, distance education students performed slightly better in exams and grades than traditional classroom students, but that overall the average performance outcomes weren't that different. This research also recognized an important opportunity for foreign language students. Interacting with native speakers is a proven method for achieving language competency, and online platforms can connect students easily with native-speakers in another country.

In classrooms (virtual or physical), technology offers teachers novel ways to explain things. Technology has also amplified the role of gamification, also known as play-based learning, in online education. Gamification is often seen in the use of language-learning apps, which enable the user to learn the lexicon of their chosen studied language through a series of virtual contests which have instant rewards. The obvious benefit of these apps is the potential for individuals to learn at their own comfort and pace.

But digital it has its limitations too

Delivering online learning requires different approaches and skills to delivering lessons in a physical classroom. Particularly this year, traditional classroom teachers have had to adapt and learn themselves, in order to teach students online. This could well have slowed down the progress of education, particularly as students also had to adjust to learning online.

For online or remote learning to work effectively, the content of the course being delivered has an impact on the student's progress, and the content has to be of a very high standard, tailored to the online learning environment. Much like a successful physical class will have taken a great deal of preparation and an understanding of in-person teaching theory and best practice, the same is required of digital education.

Interactivity is key in a learning environment. A key barrier to learning, identified by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), is a teachers' ability to connect with students and identify their needs. This can be harder to achieve without time spent in the physical classroom, particularly if online learning is delivered to a large class rather than in small tutored groups or one-on-one environments.

Plus, where students don't have access to technology or are learning at the mercy of a poor internet connection, issues connecting to live video conferencing can leave them at a disadvantage. Digital skills are also not distributed evenly among students, and not all learners will have the required knowledge or understanding to get the most out of virtual education. If teachers don't have the skills or time to support this skill development, students may get left behind.

In-person classes also have some drawbacks

Where students live and their socio-economic background can be a barrier to accessing education. With in-person class sizes capped to the capacity of the school and many schools only taking students who live locally, exclusively offering teaching in person will exclude some groups of individuals from learning. This is particularly true where education is not made freely available.

Though it has been the traditional way of learning for decades, some students' learning style does not suit that of a full classroom. Many find speaking out in front of their peers intimidating and this limits their interaction and opportunity for valuable feedback. These students may find it easier to participate in class discussions when activities are hosted digitally.

But face-to-face learning wins out in the end

In the classroom, a teacher's value extends beyond the class being delivered. To get the best out of their students, a teacher's role is also to motivate, encourage and supervise - the latter being particularly difficult to do through video conferencing software. Technology can even be brought into the classroom as an effective supplement to in-person classes. For example, including animations, video content and game-based learning allows students to experience several of the benefits of online learning tools, and is more effective than online learning used exclusively.

Interactivity, personalization and effective communication are key ingredients for successful learning. You can't beat the classroom as an environment for providing valuable feedback. Research has identified two-way dialogue as one of the most effective ways of communicating, and it is particularly important in education. This is learning with plenty of back-and-forths; education built on questions and answers - easiest achieved when in the same room. In a classroom, it has the potential even to go beyond teacher-pupil dialogue, with student-to-student and group learning interactions.

But particularly when learning a language, students often achieve the best results when learning in person - not just in a classroom, but also when living in the country whose language they're embracing. Learning during a study abroad program or working in another country accelerates the rate of language learning and improves a learner's language proficiency.

Culture is an important and enjoyable part of language learning; language and culture are tightly entwined and understanding the culture helps you to understand the roots of the language as well as its use on a deeper level. It changes the motivation of language learning to connection instead of learning for a purely functional purpose such as for career success. It's even been shown to deepen a student's sense of 'self'. And the best way to connect with the culture of the language and those who speak it, is to learn whilst embedded in amongst native speakers.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Online learning vs. in-person classes - what's better? ‹ GO Blog | EF United States

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
With ever-changing landscapes and new global challenges, educators and learners around the world have had to adapt. In this new era, connecting with friends and family had to happen over WhatsApp, FaceTime, or Zoom, and so education has followed suit. There's no denying that digital learning is a valuable asset - and online education certainly has its merits.

# data[].attributes.body
C- This picture was posted in November of 2020.
R- It shows how uncomfortable online learning is.
A- The publisher of this picture is  HumorNama.com
A- This picture is for my claim because it shows how uncomfortable sitting in front of a computer, doing work is.
P- It informs you that online learning is not comfortable.