A study on student’s perspective with the effectiveness of online vs offline

learning

 Purpose of study:
A significant increase in the number and variety of online courses has been observed in
recent years although online courses have been welcomed as a great opportunity by a
number of students. Others still see them as less useful than traditional face to face
courses. Evaluate the effectiveness of online education and discuss to what extent online
courses can replace traditional classroom teaching.

 Introduction:

Online learning was being introduced almost a decade ago but its effectiveness is always a
topic of debate. When it came to training and development, traditional methods such as
lectures and classroom learning was a preferred method. But online learning became
popular once the concept of globalization started evolving. Students, researchers, trainers
and many other started collaborating with people in different parts of the world and hence
started getting grips on online learning and education. Most of the universities round the
world began the external concept of degrees and certification which was enhanced by
online learning. In this essay, both the sides of online as well as offline learning is been
reviewed. Various literature reviews around pros and cons of online and offline learning is
been highlighted and studied. The role of technology, the role of practicality and the role of
creativity and innovation will be discussed to restructure the traditional curriculum into
more feasible, contemporary and interesting one.

 Traditional methods of learning:

This is the most common practice whereby the teacher or trainer uses memorization and
recitation technique to deliver the learning. Though this technique is important and
effective; it overshadows skills like critical thinking, decision making, thinking out of the box
and problem solving abilities (Sunal et al 1994). the most popular methods falling under this
category are lecture method, instructive training, seminars, conferences, role plays, etc.
Lecture method: Most widely used method around the globe; it is a teacher controlled and
information centered approach whereby the teacher or the trainer is the sole person who
delivers the instructions. There is no guarantee of active participation by the students or
learners in this method. This is the most widely used methods in schools, colleges and
 universities. The main aim of this method is to fulfil four purposes namely to motivate, to
clarify, to review and to expand. (Wasley, Edgar B, Wronsky et al 2005)

 Advantages of traditional learning:

1. It is strictly active form of learning
2. It enhances interpersonal relationships
3. Communication is clear and effective
4. Extra-curricular activities are more interesting and fun in this type of learning

 Disadvantages of traditional learning:

1. Lack of flexibility
2. It might be costly when compared with online learning.
3. Not suitable for students who are introverts.

Online learning methods:

Though not so modern, online learning was introduced to overcome the distance barrier
and to cover maximum crowd to impart learning and education. Modern computer
technologies are being used to enhance this method. With all its criticism this method has
gained popularity in recent years and it has become a sole resource when we talk about the
covid-19 pandemic. The few popular examples under this category are web-based learning,
virtual classrooms, video based learning, mobile learning, etc.

 Advantages of online learning:

1. Customize learning is being provided
2. Lifelong learning availability
3. Students gets chance to improve their technical skills
4. Cost effective

 Disadvantages of online learning:

1. Lack of face to Face interaction
2. Specialized subjects and topics are difficult to be delivered in online mode
3. Physical activities are restricted
4. Poor networking as students rarely get chance to meet different people
5. Lack of credibility
 Literature Review
1. Dr. Murillo de Oliveira Dias* , Dr. Raphael de Oliveira Albergarias Lopes, Andre Correia
Teles (2020)

Will Virtual Replace Classroom Teaching?

World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the COVID-19 as a pandemic, near 3.7 million
people were confirmed positive to the coronavirus, with 253.831 deaths. While Mankind fights
desperately for survival in a critical moment in human history, most teachers had to reinvent
themselves in a joint effort to avoid a complete halt in educational activities; suspended sine
die around the globe. e. This article investigated the challenges faced by teachers, and
executive education professors in Brazil, through live online classes via the Zoom platform. Key
findings pointed out (i) the lack of stable online connection; (ii) security issues; (iii) limited
pedagogical resources; (iv) background noises; (v) shortage of equipment supply due to the
lockdowns, as barriers to online live classes dispensed with the Zoom platform. This study aims
at providing scholars, teachers, professors, instructors, practitioners, online service providers,
software developers, among others, with a perspective regarding the online live education
experience.

2. Ijaz Hussain (2020)

A Study on Effectiveness of Online Learning System during COVID-19 in Sargodha

The pandemic caused the largest turmoil in the field of education across the world. The
conventional system of education has been disrupted resulting in the closure of all educational
institutions around the globe. The exams were postponed which made the students more
concerned about their academic achievements. The current study was carried out to
accentuate the effectiveness of online learning system during the wave of COVID-19. The
overall findings revealed that the online learning was an effective and efficient system of
learning to fulfill the educational needs of learners at distant locations. On the whole, the
inferences supported the effectiveness of the online learning system during COVID-19.

3. Kimkong Heng and Koemhong Sol (2020)

Online learning during COVID-19: Key challenges and suggestions to enhance effectiveness

The COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on every aspect of society. It has caused profound
disruption to the education system as governments around the world have temporarily closed
educational institutions to contain the spread of the coronavirus. Face-to-face classes have
been canceled and moved online, bringing about the rise of online learning that has allowed
learners to continue their education. this article first attempts to explain different terms used to
describe online learning. It then discusses key challenges posed by the widespread adoption of
online learning during the pandemic, followed by a discussion of suggestions made by different
researchers to enhance the effectiveness of online learning. The article concludes with a
summary of key challenges and suggestions and brief recommendations for the broader
adoption of online and blended learning in the post-COVID-19 world .

4. Anuradha Dilhani Akuratiya and Nadeeshika Ruwandi Meddage (2020)

Students' Perception of Online Learning during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Survey Study of IT

Students

With the sudden change in an environment with the new coronavirus, online learning has
become a promising solution for the education sector all over the globe. Despite gaining
popularity of online learning with the emergence of the internet, and new technology students
are more inclined towards the traditional face to face learning rather than online learning
before COVID-19. The present survey aimed to examine the students' perception of online
learning during the COVID-19 pandemic period at the ATI in Dehiwala, Sri Lanka. Out of 130
participants, 62.5% had little or no experience with online learning prior to the coronavirus
outbreak, 54.7% preferred blended learning of traditional learning and online learning. The
most popular device used to connect online is the smartphone (43.8%). Regardless of the
challenges to online learning during the COVID-19 included issues related to reduce interaction
between the lecturer and friends (64.1%), social isolation (55.5%), and technical problems
(57%). Irrespective of these challenges, students perceive online learning as effective as face to
face learning, enjoyable, able to learn at own pace, easy access to online material, and active
participation. 82.9% of students agreed to integrate online learning into their course in the
future and overall perception regarding online learning during COVID-19 is 79.7%. In conclusion,
the current survey displays a favorable perception of online learning among IT students.

Glimpse of Post Covid-19 Education:

As we are all aware, both public health and public education are interconnected and should
hand in hand as they show the inevitable necessity of co-operating.

Think of educators as front-line warriors in society, as the focus of everything The educational
process is a man-made relationship between the educator and Learner.

Educators ought to reform the timetable of physical schoolroom activities in a very manner that
student Educators need to reform the timetable of physical classroom activities in a way that
student will come back to home presently as possible, academics ought to provide home
learning activities and assignment or experiments during which students actively take interest
and respond with results they arrive at. can return to home soon as possible, teachers should
give home learning activities and assignment or experiments in which students actively take
interest and respond with results they arrive at.
Governments must prepare free and open supply of technologies for educators and learners.
Any stream of the education whether or not it's commerce, science or art it must embrace the
common understanding to save lots of mother earth and the way to measure sensible life with
natural infrastructure provided by nature, such quite ethical principles must be enclosed in
educational information for maintaining level of common humanity to common planet.

GDP and gross national product are the keen parameters that each country should live the
economic health however governments and voters ought to powerfully select conducive same
proportion of GDP publicly Health and Public Education to supply the humanistic vision in
governance framework of the country.

 How educators can possess creativity in online teaching?

As we have a tendency to all grasp on-line categories are well and handily providing students
opportunities to be told at any time they want to learn however whereas interacting in classes
academicians don’t understand concepts about are they inquisitive about this fashion of
interacting or not?, schools can’t observe what students do in another tab together with
attending online lecture. thus here are some resolutions mentioned as below.

1. fascinating Assignment:
schools of a selected subject ought to style an assignment for college students within
which they take interest the maximum amount as possible. For example, assignment to
create memes concerning particular topic, one minute video of definition or dialogue of
topic connected understanding, task to organize reels video and out of all best videos to
be printed on Instagram page of institute. thus such quite activities will catch interest of
scholars and that they could feel that their efforts are being recognized by institute.

2. Case Study Base Learning:

As IIMs and high B colleges are travail case study base learning for nurturing analytical
skills, crucial thinking and drawback finding skills in student minds.

3. Invite Industrialists and world professionals for guest sessions:

Universities have to be compelled to create compulsion on management carnival of a
minimum of one week within which the state level or native level industrialist, folks
from field of company law & justice, CA & Cs professionals, IAS & IPS, corporate etc are
to be invited for guest lecture. Such quite management carnivals provides snap shots of
current market rapport.
4. Empower Students (Emphasize engagement):
schools ought to attempt to be the mentor for students. Mentor will improve the
performance of scholars instead of a rigid faculty. best ways to be designed that student
can voice and choice and demonstrate learning.

5. Avoid monotonous format:

Use integration of diverse thanks to transfer data victimization multiple mediums. A
course solely designed supported text-based formats. Slides sounds monotonous that
truly fails to have interaction students to desired level. Comprehensive walk through,
learning analytics and animation, mass communication, pre-equipped knowledge of
coming topics, cross responsiveness such quite activities will mingle the coed minds for
crucial thinking skills.

6. continuously create students clear with “WHY” sort of questions:

the colleges ought to attempt to elaborate the answers like why this subject is in their
syllabus? Why they have to be told specific subject? and take a look at to well equip the
coed mind with skinny line variations between the things.

Reforms in universities due to covid catalyst:

1. Increase in Digital Divide:

once the massive impact of pandemic Indian universities and learners are adopting
digital platforms to be told and students and academics also are being employed to with
this. Virtual coordinated efforts by faculties, accessing of E-Library turning terribly
progressive.

2. Style Innovative FDP with bound changes:

Universities ought to design school development programs to coach the trainers or to
teach the educators concerning internet primarily based lecture providing methods.
Such quite FDP programs will facilitate loads to educators to feel modify to convey a lot
of important lecture.

3. Use of computing in a very tailor-made manner:

Educators must attempt to step in shoes of learners; they must not accompany “one
size suited all” approach. they have to be capable to convey completely different
examples, presentations; videos in a way enlarging capability of customise learning.

4. Integrated learning & administering experience:

 Administration can try to establish enough social engagement between student and
teacher in order that challenges, feedback and progress of each is channelized in correct
way.

Therefore these are some reforms that international Universities adopted.

 21st Century Skills

1. Learning skills
These skills which consist of four C’s essentially trains the students and learners around
mental approach to adapt and improve in a professional environment. These are
subdivided into,
o 1(a) Communication: The most essential skill which is required in the professional
environment and which builds confidence and openness in an individual. Proficiency in
oral, written and even non-verbal communication gives an edge over others when it
comes to expression of thoughts, ideas and information. Effective communication not
only improves the skillfulness but also develops a pleasant and powerful personality.
Whether it can be presentation skills or effective writing or even negotiating skill; this is
one of the effective weapon in the armory.
o 1(b) Critical thinking: This tool helps the learners to identify problems or road blocks
and find effective solutions for them. Some of the components of critical thinking are
reasoning, analyzing, problem solving, decision making and evaluating. Using each
component effectively can produce brilliant outcomes in day to day work/professional
life.
o 1(c) Collaboration: This is the method by which students and learners are taught to
work with each other by adapting and adjusting to get best possible results in a team
environment. Team work is the most essential element in any organization which
directly reflects the productivity and profitability of the organization.
o 1(d) Creativity: This element of learning trains the students to think outside the box.
This mainly focuses on brainstorming and generating maximum ideas from an
individual. The essential elements of creative thinking are focus, people, tools and time.
By combining all these elements new ideas are generated.
 2.Literacy Skills

These skills are based on the ability to use resources available, all facts and figures,
technology and basic knowledge through studying various subjects. They are also known
as IMT as it focuses on use of information, technology and media to enhance the students
and learners with a competitive advantage. They are subdivided into:

o 2(a) Information literacy: This concentrates on understanding and analyzing basic

information, data, facts and statistics. Learners develop and ability to collect and
interpret various data and facts which they encounter in day to day life. Hence this
forms a very foundational skill.
o 2(b) Media literacy: Medium or channel is the method by which information is passed
from one point to other. It is very important to use the correct medium in order for
effective communication. This platform enlightens the learners with the exact use of
methods and outlets by which information is published in best effective way.
o 2(c) Technology literacy: A very obvious method which highlights the use of correct
machines, tools and programs that make the current information age. Technology plays
a very important role in development of an individual as well as the organization. This is
the only thing which upgrades so quickly that a timely check is required to stay up to
date with it.

3.Life skills
These are set of skills which might vary from person to person and they can easily be
embedded in personal development with right guidance. Acronym FLIPS is used to
describe these skills by most of the trainers. They are as follows:

o 3(a) Flexibility: This is a quality of adapting and adjusting to the changing environment
or circumstances. A very basic but very essential skill which most of the individuals
struggle to incorporate in professional life. These skills teach the students and learners
to be both proactive and reactive and hence shape them as proper planners.
o 3(b) Leadership: Motivating people working with you by either planned delegation or by
being a role model is the essence of leadership. Effective leader shapes and guides a
group or a team in such a way that goals and objectives are achieved with dedication
and commitment. Leadership can be transactional or transformational and depending
upon the situation, either of it can be used to produce desired results.
o 3(c) Initiative: This is the ability to be proactive and start something which can be
 autonomous. Starting new projects, ideas and tasks with one’s own will is the essence
of this skill.
o 3(d) Productivity: BY embedding this skill in professional life, one can make sure of
continuous improvement in day to day operations. Closed monitoring and evaluation
can help in constant or improved productivity. In a nutshell this skill is all about
optimum use of available resources, skills, technology and methodology to produce
desired or best results. Productivity will in turn directly affect the profitability of an
organization.
o 3(e) Social skills: This concentrates on overall networking skills and meeting different
people with different perspectives. The overall development of an individual is strongly
relied upon the social surroundings and cultural diversity.

Findings and Conclusions:

o Findings:
 By reviewing various research papers and articles it is clear that both online and
offline learning are equally important.
 Traditional offline learning provides clarity in communication and interactive
participation of the learners and students
 Online learning provides more flexibility and versatility.
 Online learning has proved to be the lone solution in situation like covid-19.

o Conclusion:
 The study concludes with a strong opinion around the importance of hybrid learning
that is mixture of offline and online delivery methods. Students and learners with
divided views can be benefited from these hybrid methods. No matter how much
modernization is introduced in education system, the traditional lecture method is still
an effective mode of learning.

 References:
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 eaching_Lessons_from_Virtual_Classes_via_Zoom_in_the_Times_of_COVID-19
 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/348181704_A_Study_on_Effectiveness_of_Onli
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 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/346719308_Online_learning_during_COVID-
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