Compare And Contrast Online And Online Learning

Online learning differs from traditional classroom learning in many ways. There are the obvious differences of the physical location in which each occurs, and how classes are attended. There are also differences that may not be quite so apparent.

In traditional classroom learning, students attend a class at a specific time, in a specific location. There are many details that students do not have a say in, such as what time the class is offered, which day(s) it meets, where it meets, etc. This forces a student to work their schedule around when the college offers the courses required to complete their degree.

When a student chooses to learn in an online environment versus a traditional classroom environment, there is one difference that becomes immediately apparent: the student does not have to physically attend a lecture on a campus. This offers the student flexibility in their schedule. They may choose to complete coursework “at 2:00 in the morning, wearing pj’s and a pair of fuzzy bunny slippers..” or “while on a business trip to China.” (Bethel University, 2014, p. 5).

Online learning requires a much greater level of self discipline and motivation than traditional classroom learning does. The student must make time in their schedule to read their textbook, attend their lectures online, and complete their discussion and writing assignments. It can be hard to set aside time each week to meet deadlines and work ahead on one’s own, especially in between work and other commitments. In traditional classroom learning, a student is almost forced to dedicate a minimum number of hours to the course, because they are required to attend lecture on campus. If the student cannot motivate themselves to make time for their classwork, they will fail in online learning. (Bethel University,