This debate has been going on since the inception of online learning. However, the current pandemic has made it all the more relevant. From kindergarten kids to working professionals, all sectors of the society have taken to online learning and online earning. But are online certification programs a better alternative for traditional learning? Let’s see who won this debate.

Traditional Learning vs Online Learning: Key Differences

• Learning Styles

Typically, online certification programs provide an independent style of learning, wherein the students self-direct themselves based on their academic goals and other commitments. Some courses even rely on pre-recorded lectures, while others like Talentedge believe in Live & interactive learning styles. On the other hand, traditional classrooms are pretty restricted when it comes to learning styles. They do provide collaborative learning styles but restrict students to stick to the schedule.

• Classroom Setting

Remember how you used to go to school, and there were multiple students in a classroom, one blackboard, and a teacher? Well, that is what a traditional classroom setting refers to wherein students gather to learn at a specific time and place. On the other hand, in an online professional course, students follow the same model; however, the difference here is that online learning allows participants the flexibility to choose the time as well as the place to learn that is most convenient for them.

• Technology

To do well in an online professional course, you must have basic computer literacy. Similarly, the instructors must also understand how to utilize various resources into lessons. In addition, you must also be well-versed in other media that may be utilized in online certification programs like web pages, webinars, google docs, search engines, etc. There is no such requirement in a traditional classroom setting; just one teacher with just one medium of imparting knowledge.

• Tuition Fees

This is where online learning takes a leap; a considerable one at that. Often, schools structure their tuition fees as based on credit or charge a flat fee that includes all the requisite costs for a semester. Contrarily, the tuition fees for an online professional course is significantly less as compared to traditional schools.

• Pacing

Online certification programs follow the self-paced approach wherein the participants can attend a lecture whenever they want, be it in the middle of the night, while travelling from work, or with the first ray of sun. There is no restriction on completing the course within a stipulated timeline. In traditional courses, on the other hand, participants must take courses and attend lectures as per the schedule of the institute.

What’s Your Take?

Online learning presents a ton of leverage over the traditional format of learning. This fact is even more so true for working professionals, who are unable to quit their job to pursue higher studies. And with the always-on competition and dynamic business environment, up-skilling is something professionals can’t afford to put off. So, what do you think? Will online learning soon become the standard method of learning? If so, enroll for an online professional course and make your way into the digital world of education.