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Change is inevitable, and it occurs across all industries. The education industry is no exception, as it is constantly bombarded by numerous technological advancements, especially in this age of digitization. As industries move their operations online, education has not been left behind, and it has also moved online. The development of technological and online infrastructure has created school platforms that enable students to enroll and learn online. Currently, students can choose to obtain their college degree through online education or enroll in the traditional, in-person learning system. However, this was not very prominent before the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. The pandemic facilitated numerous operations moving online, including learning. Nonetheless, face-to-face classroom learning, or traditional learning, has never lost its importance, as innumerable students also consider it. Due to the differences in students’ preferences, the advent of online learning and the prominence of in-person education raise the question: which is better? One side of the argument believes that in-person learning is far more effective, as it allows for better academic performance during the quality of delivery and the type of presentation. Those in support of online learning argue that it offers unmatched flexibility and allows for a richer set of interactions. While either side has its benefits, the answer to the question depends on the student’s preferences and goals in pursuing a college degree. Students must choose wisely when considering higher learning, as both online and in-person learning have characteristics that determine degree completion and performance.
Online Learning Is
Better Than In-Person Education
On the one hand,
there are a lot of students who consider online learning an effective way of
learning as it gives them more chances to succeed and perform better. Villasenor’s
article “Online college classes can be better than in-person ones. The
implications for higher Ed are profound,” gives the idea that online classes
can be better compared to the traditional classroom learning. Villasenor makes
an argument that online learners have the benefit of balancing between
education and work life. That is, students are able to choose between taking
care of their children, aged relatives, and dealing with work during the
learning process. According to Villasenor, online education is advantageous
since it gives students the aspect of comfort since they are not in a situation
to stay in campuses or with regions where they can comfortably commute. Online
learning allows students to continue with a good quality of education and
receive good experience, as well as handling other tasks. Moreover, Villasenor
also points out that online learning is highly efficient in establishing interaction
between the students and their teachers. Villasenor suggests that discussion
boards and emails that are online are utilized in soliciting feedback as well
as sharing ideas and this improves interaction among students. These
characteristics make the students express themselves, which otherwise they
would not have done so in the traditional classroom set-up. They have the
freedom to speak up as they are not afraid. Through Supporting a wider variety
of learning styles, Villasenor feels that online learning is the way out of the
poor time management problem, which most students have. Because the majority of
assignments may be done during their lunch break or in the evening, students are
be able to schedule their time well and have a high degree of interaction with
their classmates. Online learning, in its own right, is cost-effective as well
as creating a prospect of students to engage in multiple interests whilst
attaining a high level of academic excellence.
In-Person Learning
Is Better Than Online Learning
The opponents of online learning
view traditional classroom set-up as the most effective learning method. They
base their arguments on the premise that in-person learning contributes to good
academic performance compared to virtual learning. In their 2022 article, “In-Person
or Virtual Training? Comparing The Effectiveness of Community-Based Training,” Gross
et al. argue that while online learning can be as effective as in-person
learning, research shows that it is not very effective and that in-person
learning is more effective, especially in academic performance. Essentially,
there is a big difference between how the two sides present education, which
determines academic success. For instance, Gross et al. explain that in-person
instructors obtain “extensive instructional training” for the specific
programs, as opposed to online instructors (7). That means online learning is
not practical for all programs. In-person learning is effective for all
programs because the majority were designed for the traditional learning
system. According to Gross et al., most learning materials for numerous
programs were “designed for in-person delivery” (8). In other words, most
learning materials are designed for physical classroom presentations, and even
when they can be presented online, their effectiveness will differ. Online
platforms offer an innovative and novel space for e-learning; however, they
might not be effective due to the type of program, rather than the platform
itself. For instance, science programs such as biology and chemistry,
especially those that require laboratory activities, are better taught in
person rather than online. In addition, in-person instruction offers better
academic performance, and the delivery is of high quality. The students do not
experience technical problems and receive instant feedback due to real-time
physical interaction with the instructors. According to Gross et al., online
learning is less effective because it is affected by “technical difficulties,
internet stability, and less-controlled environment” (7). These issues are not
present in a physical learning environment, which allows for high concentration
and, consequently, improved academic performance.
Similarities and differences
There are
several differences and similarities between Villasenor’s and Gross et al.’s points of view about online and in-person
learning. One of the biggest differences is their explanation and understanding
of different learning styles on students’ success in life. Villasenor claims that online learning contributes to greater
success because it allows students to manage their time effectively, especially
for working students. Villasenor sees this as a vital factor in student success
because what is offered in-person education can also be found in online
learning. In contrast, Gross et al. argue that academic excellence and
success can only be achieved through in-person education. In other words,
in-person delivery is more effective in gaining knowledge and improving
students’ performance. According to Gross et al., online learning is less
effective because it is affected by “technical difficulties, internet
stability, and less-controlled environment” (7), and it is not as effective as
in-person delivery. Students choose in-person learning because they want
enriched interaction, physical access to resources, and instant feedback from
the instructors. These differences make us think about which style of learning
is relevant to a specific student’s circumstances: the positive outcomes of
online learning for a working student, or the positive outcomes of in-person
learning for a full-day non-working student.
Despite these differences, there are
also some significant points both sides agree on. Both authors admit that
online learning is not for every course, and that others are better instructed in
an in-person learning environment, which is crucial when selecting the type of
learning a student selects. Villasenor states that “A
key disadvantage to online instruction is that there are categories of courses
for which it falls woefully short—think chemistry laboratories, studio art
classes, and the like.” Similarly, Gross et al. argue that online
delivery is not as effective as in-person delivery in some programs, such as
sciences that require in-person practicals. Another point that both articles
agree on is the understanding that online learning has numerous technical
challenges. Gross et al. say that online learning is less effective because it
is affected by “technical difficulties, internet stability, and less-controlled
environment” (7), and Villasenor says that “not all
students have a home with access to reliable internet and a computer.” The
authors also agree that both learning styles are effective. These similarities indicate
that online and in-person learning are choices that parents and students must
decide upon. While both articles have different viewpoints about online
learning and in-person learning, they share common ground on the significance
of each style.
Strengths and Weaknesses
There are several strengths and weaknesses in the way each article supports its arguments. Villasenor’s greatest strength is citing peer-reviewed articles to support his arguments. He cites the paper “Adapting Online Education to Different Learning Styles” by Diana J. and the article “Online learning in higher education: exploring advantages and disadvantages for engagement” by Dumford and Miller. Another strength of Villasenor is addressing both sides of the argument. In other words, he not only looks at the advantages of online learning but also its disadvantages. Even though Villasenor has these strengths, he has one great weakness. Villasenor does not conduct research to use the results in coming up with conclusions. The author relies on personal opinions rather than qualitative or quantitative research, hence, making the arguments less reliable.
Gross and colleagues also have strengths and weaknesses in their research. One the biggest strength is relying on researched data; specifically quantitative research they carried out to support their argument. They used both virtual learning participants and in-person learning students with a sample of 613 participants. Gross et al.’s argument is more logical, reliable and credible, which enhances the strength of their article. Another strength is that the Gross and colleagues rely on the number of peer-reviewed sources to develop and substantiate the arguments. Additionally, both sides of the argument were also analyzed by the authors. Nevertheless, Gross et al. have certain weaknesses. They used studies on HRI (Healthy Relationships Iowa) programs only, which may be challenging to apply to other learning institutions due to issues of replication. In addition, the authors fail to address the questions of why as to why students draw preference to in-person learning over online learning.
Both articles present clear arguments on online learning and in-person learning. Their arguments are compelling and they both agree on the effectiveness of online learning, despite challenges such as technical issues and internet problems. While Villasenor delves into the effectiveness of virtual learning in terms of effective time management, Gross et al. focus on in-person learning as the most conducive environment for better academic performance. Based on my experience with online education, I am affirmative that online education is the best choice for students with numerous responsibilities such as work, taking care of family members or children. On the other hand, for a student who is comfortable staying on-campus, in-person learning is the best option. Irrespective of the decision, both learning styles are effective in enhancing academic performance.
Works Cited
Gross, Gregory, et al.
"In-person or virtual training?: Comparing the effectiveness of
community-based training." American Journal of Distance Education 37.1
(2023): 66-77. https://doi.org/10.1080/08923647.2022.2029090
Villasenor,
John. “Online college classes can be better than in-person ones. The
implications for higher ed are profound.” BROOKINGS. Accessed from
https://www.brookings.edu/articles/online-college-classes-can-be-better-than-in-person-ones-the-implications-for-higher-ed-are-profound/
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