Traditional on Campus Classes vs. Online College Classes, Essay Example

Introduction

In recent trend, a majourity of students proceed towards higher education programs offered on line ranging from certificate level to doctorates.  There are many reasons why the traditional on campus college classes are much more beneficial than online college classes or distant learning.

It is being evaluated that, traditional campus college classes provide many benefits to the students while exposing them to:

• Social interaction in classroom participation
• Learning atmosphere
• Various student activities

Social interaction with others in classroom participation is very vital for a student in fact learning is not just limited to the student and the teacher but the entire classroom. When a student participates in a class, it is obvious that the student learns from each other and absorbs knowledge better than being isolated with latest technology. It’s just not only that the teachers get a better chance to explain things in a way that students can grasp the facts quickly. Students also enjoy physical participation in classrooms especially they can voice their opinions and share among other students. But in distance learning students do not get direct access to teachers or students; they lose human contact. They are being isolated and feel detached.

When it comes to learning atmosphere, a positive learning environment is vital to the student. This aspect affects the student psychologically and physically. In a learning environment things are arranged in a way that learning becomes more interesting; all physical things are organized so that the students get maximum benefits; the use of space, how the furniture and materials are stored. The psychological environment, teachers with calm and patient attitudes can carry the students towards their goals more easily. Students become more comfortable and confident in their studies. Unfortunately distant learning students miss this opportunity as there is no one to interact with them and guide them closely. They strongly need self-direction to achieve their goals and they are to be set their paths and get frustrated often.

Also when it comes to classroom participation, lots of activities are done in order to make the students more interested in their studies. In a traditional class room this is followed by getting the students involved in various activities; they grasp facts actively as they get instructions while reading, writing, discussing and problem solving (Bonwell & Eison, 1991; Litecky, 1998; Prince, 2004). This can be done in two ways either it can be self -directed or group directed. In a distant learning process, the students are to face these challenges by themselves. In comparison online learning requires loads of reading without such activities.

 Conclusion

As explained above it is understood that, although distant learning has become a fast and easy way to proceed towards higher education, it has numerous negative effects on the student psychologically and physically. Mainly the frustration and many researchers agree with the fact that virtual interaction supports at a higher level. Hanna (1998)