Online learning has been known for multiple benefits during its existence, especially due to its convenience. However, classroom learning has some benefits that the former cannot replicate for a number of reasons. Some of these benefits are personality development, engagement, entertainment and socialization skills. These benefits are impacted by crucial factors that online education cannot replicate, especially the real-life experience provided by this environment.
One of the most valuable advantages of classroom learning is that it teaches young people proper socialization skills to communicate with others. According to psychologist Albert Bandura, observing and imitating other people helps children learn (Walkertown Academy 2022). Moreover, classrooms expose them to people of various backgrounds, thus teaching them acceptance of others’ differences. Friendship is another way children can improve their social skills in such an environment. One might say that video chats can accomplish the same tasks, as it may involve multiple people during one lecture. However, a real life environment is more appropriate for this kind of opportunity, as students should interact face-to-face and some may struggle with socializing online (Riverside Military Academy 2021). This important aspect works in favor of classroom education, providing children with the necessary setting.
The contribution to the development of the students’ personalities represents another beneficial aspect of classrooms. It is shaped by means of activities that involve writing, reading, listening, speaking and comprehension. It is easy to say that the same can be done in an online environment, which is a fair statement, albeit misguided. This is because in order to develop one’s self-concept and self-worth, real life experience is required, which is why it cannot occur by learning through a screen. This is something that an online environment is unlikely to replicate.
Finally, the classroom environment is usually entertaining and engaging. Teachers can provide children with multiple interesting activities during the lesson. Although the same can be done in an online environment, there is one important detail that works in favor of classroom learning. Children have a small attention span, which is why they can be easily distracted. This makes online learning look flawed, as students forget to concentrate on the learning process. Besides, they can be distracted by social media and other websites. In classrooms, everyone has the same goal, is in the same place, and acquires a useful experience. Through games and insightful teaching methods, children are more involved and entertained. Thus, they will be more concentrated on the learning process and have a pleasant time as well.
However, online learning provides the necessary educational materials more efficiently. Various items, such as PDF files, podcasts and videos can be used during the lesson, making the process more lively and captivating. By supplementing the lessons with other means besides traditional textbooks, teachers will be able to provide the necessary information efficiently and successfully (Gautam 2021). However, the problem is that in order for these lessons to be successful, stable internet connection with the suitable speed is required. Without this important feature, the information cannot be delivered, especially in small towns and cities, where this aspect is a problem. Hence, internet connection is one crucial and fragile thing that can mean the difference between a successful and unsuccessful lesson.
In conclusion, while online learning has brought multiple benefits, such as the opportunity to provide multiple materials, it is fully dependent on internet connection. The latter can be quite fragile, especially in small towns. However, classroom learning has many advantages, such as teaching children how to socialize, contributing to their personality development and keeping them entertained and focused on the learning process. They will not be distracted by social media and will have the opportunity to improve social skills with the help of a real time experience, which is something an online environment cannot reproduce.
Works Cited
Gautam, Priyanka. “Advantages And Disadvantages Of Online Learning.” ELearning Industry, 2021, Web.
Walkertown Academy. “Reasons Why Classroom Learning is Better Than Online Learning.” Walkertown Academy, 2022, Web.
Riverside Military Academy. “8 ways classroom teaching is better than online education.” Riverside Military Academy, 2021, Web.