Online vs In-person learning: Which is better?

Have you ever seen an advertisement that promotes a video conferencing company? Have you noticed that one of their biggest reasons to get you onboard is because of your future with online learning? They make it seem like getting a degree online is like doing nothing. And ever since COVID-19 hit, people have gotten used to being stuck at home and working. But, which do you think gives you more quality education; online or in-person learning?

Face-to-Face learning is definitely better than online learning because of the interactions that will benefit the learner the most. One of the most beneficial reasons for learning in-person is the response time. It is much easier to discuss a problem with an instructor who is right next to you than trying to type or explain the issue over video. During face to face learning, a person’s questions will be immediately answered, whereas on online learning, it means waiting for a response. If a student waits too long to have a question answered, then they won’t remember that they ever asked the question when they get a response. In a classroom environment, there is also the advantage to being in small discussion groups, in which you can collaborate and share ideas on a difficult topic and receive immediate and helpful feedback from your peers.

In-person learning is also better than online learning because it builds a more disciplined and structured student. One of the best ways to make friends is by interacting with them in a classroom environment. Meeting new people and gaining new friends also is a great way to sharpen social skills. Socialising with others can pave the way to future job connections, which is what everyone strives for. Online learning, on the other hand, depletes a person of these opportunities, as it separates people into their own homes. Additionally, as social media booms in the 21st century, people need to be able to know how to interact with others, as a few friends can make life a lot more enjoyable than without any.

Lastly, in-person learning is better than online learning because of the physical aspect. Ever since the novel pandemic COVID hit in 2019, people have been stuck in their homes, not breathing fresh oxygen and having their muscles stiffen up. However, moving out and about is the best way to realise that there is another whole world out there, and that there are so many more possibilities. Being healthy and fit increases our energy and makes us more optimistic for what is to come. It also reduces the risk of getting many different diseases, as what is the point of working so hard to achieve something if you aren’t healthy enough to enjoy it?

In conclusion, face-to-face learning is much better than online learning because of the interactions, friendships and movement opportunities that it presents. Some people argue that online learning is better because of having the comfort and relaxation of their own home, but I disagree. Although it may not seem like it, going to school and learning in-person can teach you many life lessons and make you realise that life is boring without other people.

I will leave you now to ponder on this statement. “We meet so many people in life, but we only get to know a few.” Know them well, as a person who you can trust can take you a long, long way.