15 Differences Between e-Learning vs Classroom Learning in 2024

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We were living a normal life until the pandemic hit us. However, the pandemic has taught us many things, made us change the way we were living, and much more.

One of them is the Teaching and Learning style. After this Pandemic, the very first question that came to our mind was, how are we going to teach and learn things?

But we came up with a solution of Online Learning for everybody even if we were not able to go anywhere and attend classroom sessions. Whereas, in the initial time, everyone was adjusting themselves to this new system of learning and attending classes, whether it be the students, teachers, or professionals but somewhere all of us were facing some issues while getting used to it. And therefore, the debate started that whether Classroom Learning is better than E-learning.

So now, let us know the difference between E-learning vs Classroom learning

1. Flexibility

· In E-learning, the student or the learner can complete the session or course at their own pace. No need to wait for days or weeks to complete one particular topic or subject. The learner can complete the course within some hours or days which help the learner to know his/her capacity and potential to learn and perform.

· On the other hand, Classroom learning does take a lot of time to complete the session or course but it also gives time to the learners to fully understand the topic or subject which is very important in learning anything.

So, Flexibility in E-learning vs Classroom Learning truly depends on the learners.

2. Availability

· In E-learning, the Availability of the materials such as e-books, videos, e-libraries etc., stays 24*7. Whenever the learner wants, he/she can easily access these and proceed with the next sessions.

· Whereas, in Classroom learning, the student cannot proceed without the trainer’s instructions. But the learner can always revise and make the concept stronger in the meantime.

Therefore, in the case of Availability E-learning vs Classroom Learning has its own benefits.

3. Materials

When it comes to Materials that are required for studying, E-learning vs Classroom Learning becomes more debatable.

· In E-learning, the materials are all on the Laptop/Desktop/Mobile/Tablet. Therefore, the Laptop/Desktop/Mobile/Tablet itself becomes a study material. No need for any other thing to carry.

· But in Classroom learning, you have to carry various books for various subjects and have to make separate notes for each subject. Whereas in E-learning, every note for the different subjects can be created under one file.

But in E-learning, while working and studying through the screen, eye problems can be experienced.

Therefore, in this case, it depends on the learner to choose between E-learning vs Classroom Learning.

4. Fees

In E-learning, the fee for any course is lesser than the Classroom courses.

· E-learning is cost-effective, whereas, classroom learning is not because of the cost of tuition fees, rent, electricity, etc.

Therefore, the winner between E-learning vs Classroom Learning is E-learning.

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5. Time-Saving

· E-learning saves time as it allows the learners to study at their own pace and they don’t need to travel anywhere.

· On the other hand, in Classroom learning, you have to wake up early, pack bags, travel to the institution, etc. which takes a lot of time.

E-learning saves a lot of time as well as energy, therefore, E-learning is more favorable between E-learning vs Classroom learning.

6. Student Teacher Interaction

The students always need a teacher to interact about their problems in any topic or subject and also expect feedback about their progress.

· In E-learning, students don’t get to interact much with the teacher or instructor as many may feel shy, but still, students can actively participate in discussions and ask questions.

· While in Classroom learning, the teacher encourages every student to participate and can interact with them with ease. In E-learning, students can interact with the instructors via live classes, doubt solving sessions, E-mail and direct contact.

In Interacting with the teacher, classroom learning is the best between E-learning vs Classroom Learning.

7. Skill Development

Skills are developed by practising a lot and for practising, you need practical experience too.

· In E-learning, skills are gained and can be used in doing a real job but sometimes because of the lack of practical experiences, the best skills are not gained. Although, one can get into a good institute that provides good practical knowledge and experience for developing skills.

· While in Classroom learning, both practical knowledge and experience are provided as the students are present physically. And this can help one develop great skills.

In E-learning vs Classroom learning, it depends on the student which mode he/she wants to choose.

8. Discipline

Discipline is needed in both E-learning and Classroom Learning modes. Without discipline, a teacher cannot teach and a student cannot gain knowledge.

· In Classroom learning, students have to wear a proper uniform, set their hair neatly, pack all the books, bring all the necessary stationery, etc. Students have to maintain silence when the teacher is explaining and behaving in a good manner.

· On the contrary, in E-learning, the students do not pay attention while the teacher is explaining; they don’t mind wearing inappropriate clothes and usually keeps their videos off. Because of this, the instructors are not able to interact properly with the students.

If the student is determined to learn with discipline, he/she will be comfortable in any of the modes.

9. Other Expenses

· Expenses like Books, Stationery, Uniform, etc. is unavoidable in Classroom learning.

· While in E-learning, there are no expenses for books, stationery or uniform but one must-have essential to learn through E-learning i.e. Laptop, or any device from which the student can study, and a good internet connection.

So both E-learning vs Classroom learning has additional expenses.

10. Instructors’ Point of View

The traditional way of teaching has always been more favorable for the Teachers as they have seen their teachers teaching students while holding chalk in their hands and writing on a Blackboard. Every teacher wants to teach the students who are physically present and who actively participate in the class.

Although, now that the systems are changing, not only do students have to adapt to new methods of learning but even teachers are learning to adapt to new teaching methods. Teachers are getting quite comfortable with teaching online as they can stay at home and teach.

Some teachers like the online teaching method, while others still want to go back to the traditional way of teaching. But the Trainers or the Instructors are always the best and are experts in their respective subject or field, whether they are teaching online or in Classroom

Other 5 differences between E-learning vs Classroom learning

Factors	Online learning	Classroom learning
Travel	No Need	Yes
Doubt sessions	Yes	Yes
Comfort in learning	Depends on the student	Depends on the student
Active participation	Depends on the student	Depends on the student
Best Trainers	Yes	Yes

So, these were the 15 differences between E-learning vs Classroom learning.

Let us now know more about E-learning and Classroom Learning.

During the lockdown, when the whole country (and the world too) was trapped inside the house, the biggest question was how the students and the people are going to study and work. But somehow, the solution was found and the students and the professionals continued studying and working from home via zoom sessions and meetings.

Online Classes were the only hope left with the Teachers during the lockdown and pandemic era. Initially, it was very hard for the teachers and students as well to study at home, but slowly and gradually, things got smooth and students and the teacher started getting comfortable.

What are the types of Online Learning?

1. Asynchronous Online Learning

When students are able to study independently from anywhere in the world at any time suitable to them, is known as Asynchronous online learning.

For example, certain courses that give materials all at one time and on completion of the course, the certificate is provided.

2. Synchronous Online Learning

Synchronous Online Learning is when students get a chance to study in groups at the same time from anywhere in the world.

For example, online schools, online tuition, online live courses.

3. Pre-recorded Video Learning

When all the students get the same material i.e. videos, PDFs, etc. to study and learn from which is recorded before time and uploaded later, is known as Pre-recorded Video Learning.

4. Customised E-learning

Course, curriculum or study pattern, when customised or designed according to the student and as per their need is known as Customised E-learning.

All these were the types of online learning, which got popularized after the lockdown.

What are the types of Offline Learning?

1) Intrapersonal Learning: Students who like to study alone and learn by themselves, these types of students are usually introverted.

2) Physical Learning: Students who learn by involving physically and doing the thing practically.

3) Visual Learning: Students who learn by watching videos, or simply seeing information to learn and understand.

4) Auditory Learning: Students who tend to learn by hearing the information rather than just seeing and reading.

5) Verbal Learning: Students, who understand and learn by speaking, usually memorize the concepts by communicating.

6) Logical Learning: Students who tend to learn things by solving problems using their logical problem-solving methods.

7) Musical Learning: These types of students learn through sound, rhythm and music.

8) Naturalistic Learning: Students who are more interested in learning things about or through nature.

9) Linguistic Learning: Students who love to learn through reading, writing and love to solve math problems.

10) Interpersonal Learning: Students who tend to learn by being in groups, these types of students are usually extroverted.

Students nowadays are finding new ways to learn and understand concepts. This way, students are exploring their learning patterns which will make them comfortable in learning and understanding concepts.

Conclusion

The debate about E-learning vs Classroom learning is never going to end, but one should not rely on the conclusion of others. Both E-learning and classroom learning has their own pros and cons; therefore, a person should experience both modes and then decide which is the best and most suitable for them.

E-learning does allow learning at our own pace but social skills are well developed in classroom learning mode. But on the other hand, E-learning allows you to develop a new number of skills, in lesser time. Critical thinking ability is enhanced in classroom learning, while in E-learning, many foreign courses from foreign institutes can be achieved without spending more money.

Deborah Meier quoted that “Good schools, like good societies and families, cherish and celebrate Diversity” but perhaps it is the Teacher that makes the difference and not the Classroom.