Topic Presentation
The rise of online education, especially during the pandemic, has sparked debate about its effectiveness compared to traditional in-person instruction. The question is as follows: Is online learning as good as face-to-face learning? This discussion examines both sides of the argument to evaluate the benefits and challenges of each approach.
Both Sides of the Argument
In Favor of Online Learning
The pandemic has significantly shifted the approach to education, with online learning coming to the forefront of instructional methods, aiming to reach improved student outcomes in the long run. In their study, Zheng et al. revealed that most students (80%) accepted online courses and wanted some degree of remote instruction to remain even when remote learning would no longer be needed. Moreover, the research found that the online cohort studying during the summer of 2020 was equally or more likely to receive an A than an analogous group learning face-to-face in the summer of 2019 (Zheng et al.). Therefore, online learning can be just as effective for helping reach desired student outcomes while students themselves positively receive online instruction due to its convenience. The flexibility and effectiveness of online learning make it a valuable educational tool.
In Favor of Face-to-Face Learning
In-person learning suffered significantly due to the disruptive implications of the pandemic. Goodwin pointed out that face-to-face learning was preferable to students’ parents, who found it more challenging to juggle work and kids’ schooling when they were at home. In addition, students’ academic achievement decreased in subjects such as math, spelling, and reading as a result of online learning. Thus, face-to-face learning is favorable not only for logistical reasons but also for keeping track of achievement.
Choosing a Side: Pro Online Learning
While online learning emerged as an emergency response to educational challenges in the pandemic, it has become widely accepted by students and teachers. Specifically, the flexibility and autonomy that online learning gives are impossible to achieve in traditional instruction. Thus, students can become more independent when learning remotely and dedicate more time to studying subjects that they find interesting. Besides, such flexibility encourages collaboration between students and teachers who negotiate the most convenient methods of instruction. To conclude, online learning is here to stay, and it is essential to advance the available methodology to guarantee students’ success.
Citing Sources
In Favor of Online Learning
Zheng, Meixun, et al. “Online Learning During COVID-19 Produced Equivalent or Better Student Course Performance as Compared with Pre-pandemic: Empirical Evidence from a School-wide Comparative Study.” BMC Medical Education, vol. 21, no. 495, 2021. Web.
In Favor of Face-to-Face Learning
Goodwin, Cara. “The Benefits of In-Person School vs Remote Learning.” Psychology Today. 2021. Web.