Online classroom vs Physical Classroom! Which is better?

An online school, cyber-school, or virtual school teaches students primarily online through the internet.

An online school includes many of the benefits provided by a physical school (learning materials, live online classes, self-paced courses, online exercises, web forums, tests, etc) but delivers these through the internet. Online schools may also permit individuals to earn negotiable credits or to take recognised examinations, to advance to the next level of education.

“This is important for students to understand what to expect before they step foot or log into the classroom. In the case of online versus traditional education or virtual versus physical classroom, there is no right or wrong answer.”

The physical classroom reflects your teaching style. If you want students to participate in small groups, for example, clusters of desks or organise them around tables. For periodic whole group discussions, try a U-shaped desk configuration or a circle. If you plan on a self-paced curriculum, and individualized learning, you should set up learning stations.

• Advantages of the online classroom:

1. Lower costs

2. Less pressure

3. Flexibility

4. Skill development

5. Individual instruction

6. Networking opportunities

7. Location

8. Comfort

9. Transferring credits

• The disadvantage of the online classroom:

1. Lack of discipline

2. Lack of accreditation

3. Information overload

4. Scripted lectures

5. Difficult to select best course & classes

6. Less creativity & more instruction

• The advantage of the physical classroom:

1. Discipline

2. Accreditation

3. Creativity

• The disadvantage of the physical classroom:

1. Expensive

2. Too much pressure

3. Location problem

This is important for students to understand what to expect before they step foot or log into the classroom. In the case of online versus traditional education or virtual versus physical classroom, there is no right or wrong answer. It comes down to personal preference and knowing how you learn best. These learning formats can all be very effective, no matter your personal learning situation and style.