Online learning technology has grown in popularity in India during and post COVID-19. Many educators, parents and school administrators were debating whether online learning technology is better for their children than traditional classroom instruction. Will the online learning results be comparable to those of traditional classroom based teaching? All these questions lead to the crucial decision of whether to continue with online instructions or switch back to classroom instruction.
Most public and affordable private schools had no proper internet access or infrastructure to support technology in their buildings. A majority of students did not have access to digital gadgets like laptops, tablets, cellphones, smart TVs, etc. Hence, it was difficult to stay connected through the internet and continue teaching/learning.
As we are all aware, online education is growing in India. However, there are seven advantages to classroom instruction that online learning technology will never be able to match.
1. Enriches students’ social development:
Students learn to interact socially in schools and classrooms. Each student in the school has the opportunity to learn how to control their emotions and increase their self-assurance, self-esteem, and empathy.
They also tend to develop relationships with their teachers and peers, and inculcate skills like responsive care, practical helping, taking a turn, conflict resolution, and cooperation. These skills may not be possible to master through online teaching.
2. Promotes critical thinking:
Through various projects and teamwork in the classroom, students gain new knowledge, ideas, and concepts. They have the opportunity to develop new skills while learning a new concept or subject in school, including problem-solving, assessing, and analytical, communication, creative, and leadership abilities. They gradually develop critical thinking skills.
3. Highlights that learning is fun:
In a classroom set-up, a lot of physical games and activities can be conducted that are played both inside and outside. These make learning a fun and enjoyable activity. Although these methods can be applied in online teaching, they won’t be as effective as physical activities and games since there is less human experience.
4. Encourages collaborative learning :
Once students grow up and begin their higher education, work in any position at an organisation or lead their own business, collaborative, cooperative, and adaptive skills become extremely important. Working with a group teaches students to communicate, interact, and work together.
Students also have the opportunity to work together during group learning projects in the classroom where they can share knowledge, develop ideas, and produce final products collaboratively.
5. Flexible Teaching Style/Methods:
As opposed to online learning, in a classroom setting, a teacher’s approach to teaching can be changed or altered depending on how well an idea or subject is understood by the students. Some educators can entirely gamify their lesson plans to make learning more entertaining and productive.
6. Builds better personality:
Students have opportunities to learn virtues like diligence, control, courtesy, generosity, teamwork, and togetherness in the classroom. They are expected to adhere to the academic standards which include those related to their roles and obligations, such as being disciplined and respectful of the teachers, maintaining order in the classroom, smiling and greeting teachers, peers, and other staff members, offering and seeking assistance when required.
7. Enhances student motivation:
Lack of student motivation is another problem with online learning. There is no denying that face-to-face interactions between students, peers, and teachers motivate them to learn. Discussions in class aid students in expressing their ideas and opinions during arguments.
Students get inspired by their teachers to produce better work. Students are motivated when their lecturers and peers provide them with frank comments and helpful criticism.
The preceding points demonstrate that, while the Indian education system has built the muscles to deliver education online, there are certain benefits to classroom/face-to-face teaching that online learning cannot replace.
Why Classroom Learning is Better than Online :
In India, classrooms offer a unique learning experience for several reasons. Being physically present in class allows for immediate interaction and personalized guidance from experienced teachers. The traditional setting encourages students to build friendships, improving social skills and teamwork. The regular schedule of in-person classes helps students stay organized and focused. Additionally, in India’s diverse cultural landscape, classrooms become lively hubs where different ideas come together, providing a well-rounded education that goes beyond online platforms.