Traditional Teaching Method (Offline Method): In the pre-technology education context, the teacher is the sender or the source, the educational material is the information or message, and the student is the receiver of the information. In terms of the delivery medium, the educator can deliver the message via the “chalk-and-talk” method and overhead projector (OHP) transparencies.
This directed instruction model has its foundations embedded in the behavioural learning perspective and it is a popular technique, which has been used for decades as an educational strategy in all institutions of learning. To get more in-depth about offline vs online methods of learning, read further below.
Offline Vs Online Methods
Some limitations of Offline method
- Teaching in the classroom using chalk and talk is “one-way flow” of information.
- Teachers often continuously talk for an hour without knowing the student’s response and feedback.
- The material presented is only based on lecturer notes and textbooks.
- Teaching and learning are concentrated on “plug and play” method rather than practical aspects.
- The handwriting of the lecturer decides the fate of the subject.
- There is insufficient interaction with students in the classroom.
- More emphasis has been given on theory without any practical and real-life situations.
- Learning through memorization but not understanding.
- Marks oriented rather than result-oriented.
Online Methods
E-Learning: E-Learning is an abbreviation of the term electronic learning. It is the use of electronic media, educational technology and ICT in education. In includes numerous types of media that deliver text, audio images, animation and streaming video. It also includes technology applications and processes such as audio or videotape, satellite, TV, CD-ROM and computer-based learning information and communication system. E-Learning can occur in or out of the classroom. It suited to distance learning and flexible learning but can also be used in conjunction with face-to-face teaching, in which case, in which case, the term ‘Blended Learning’ is commonly used.
Online Learning
There is no single definition for online learning. It includes learning with the assistance of the Internet and a personal computer. The term e-learning or electronic learning often is used interchangeably with online learning.
There are many terms for online education. Some of them are virtual education, interest-based education, web-based education and education via computer-mediated communication.
Characteristics of Online Teaching-Learning Methods
1. The separation of teachers and learner, which distinguish it from face to face education.
2. The influence of an educational organization, which distinguishes it from self-study and private tutoring.
3. The use of a computer network to present distributes educational content.
4. The provision of two-way communication via a computer network, so that students may benefit from communication with each other, teacher and staff.
Advantages of Online Methods
✔ Extendibility, Accessibility and Suitability: Users can proceed through a training programme at their own pace and at their own places. They can also access the training at any time receiving only as much as they need.
✔ Easy to content Update: The changes you make to any of your content are immediately available to your learning audience across the world.
✔ Travel Cost and Time Savings: Learning is delivered directly to the learner instead of the other way around.
✔ Internet Connections are Widely Available: Most computer users have access to a browser and are connected to a company’s internet and have access to the internet.
✔ Vast Untapped Market for Training: If you are looking for commercial markets, the internet also offers a huge audience hungry for material via the net.
✔ Inexpensive Worldwide Distribution: No separate or distinct distribution mechanism is needed.
✔ Direct Access to Many Other Training Resources: The internet gives access to the largest library in the world. Capitalize on the offering that has already been created and use them to enhance the learning you are distributing.
Disadvantages of Online Learning Methods
✔ Student assessment and feedback is limited.
✔ Cannot design and develop robust multi-media courses.
✔ The net is not right for all types of training.
✔ It is a highly costly method of learning.
✔ Limited bandwidth means slower performance.
✔ Bandwidth/browser limitation may restrict instructional methodologies.
✔ Little formatting of content in current browsers.
✔ There is a lack of personal community and connections.
In all according to Steve Lohr (2009), “On average, students in online learning conditions performed better than those receiving face-to-face instruction.”
Today’s age is the age of technology; hence, the need and importance of online learning will increase day-by-day. You may also read some other notes and study materials for Offline Vs Online Methods of learning.
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