A Comparative Study of Online Learning Vs Class Room Teaching & Activities

It‘s digital era in 21st century. X & Y generation are still in learning process of this digital things whereas Z generation born with this platform. Nowadays it‘s important to have technical knowledge in all fields. ―Techno Savvy‖ is a new phrase for this technology world. Due to this COVID-19 Pandemic situations has arisen for educational sector where the population is huge and to maintain the norms & safety measures of COVID-19 it‘s not possible. Because this sector age group is starts from 3 years to 22 years. So alternative option is instead of classroom learning must choose the online learning. We have observed that there are some university offer online educations or degree but that‘s for working profession, but today‘s situation is how useful is online learning for regular school or college students. In this paper tried to compare online teaching and learning methods preferred by students & teachers or classroom or traditional learning. India is a developing country and still there is time to become fully digital especially in the rural area. Even in urban area education institute is behind in this online platform. Though online learning provides many benefits but not beneficial for every student. In classroom learning it‘s a kind of social interaction between students and teachers where they can communicate easily. Some students simply learn better in a collaborative setting than they do on their own. It is found that concentration level is better in classroom learning comparative online learning. There are some advantages and disadvantages of both sides but in the current situation it‘s important to adopt the concept of online learning. In the market many tools are available to do online learning such as Microsoft team, Zoom, Google meeting, webex and so on but important to provide proper training to mentor, students and parents then only its effectiveness. Online learning cannot replace traditional learning but sure it will reduce the workload of the teacher. The Open University in Britain have found that online courses equate to an average of 90% less energy and 85% fewer CO2 emissions per student than traditional in person courses. According to them Online learning is certainly the more effective option for students, but it‘s also better for the environment. A good teacher is one who is able to explain and demonstrate concepts in a variety of ways for a variety of different learners and learning styles. A good teacher is a good learner they learn how their student(s) learn and modify their teaching accordingly. Both the concepts stand together with their pros and cons. In today‘s world we should consider what‘s best for the society and work accordingly.

Online learning has become the need of a time. It is important to compare the effectiveness of classroom and online learning: teaching research methods that face to face interaction, online interactions are important components of learning and teaching in blended learning environment. Online courses help to reach more time and place bound students. students and teaching fraternity about effectiveness of online learning and classroom learning. It is important to understand the issues and challenges faced by students and teaching fraternity which will help to find the solutions and beneficial for the effectiveness of teaching learning in the new normal of COVID-19.

● To understand the student‘s perception about classroom learning and online learning. ● To understand the effectiveness of classroom learning and online learning. ● To study the advantages and disadvantages of classroom and online learning.

● Wai Kit Wong and PohKiat Ng in their article ‗An Empirical Study on E-Learning versus Traditional Learning among Electronics Engineering Students‘ states the difference between e learning and traditional learning focusing on electronic engineering students and study is descriptively empirically investigated. According to author many institutes still follow traditional learning method. If e-learning gets cultivated, then to obtain its use for proper understanding of its difference with traditional learning. The sample for the research was first year student and they participated in survey and quiz. Data analysed using normality, reliability and ANOVA test. The result was shown that e learner had importantly different result from traditional learner. They also exhibited good performance and agreeability in the quiz and survey respectively. According to authors finding from this research is flexibility and effectiveness of e-learning in electronics engineering courses is more and can be useful. ● Ryan R. Otter, Scott Seipel, Tim Graeff, Becky Alexander, Carol Boraiko, Joey Gray, Karen Petersen and Kim Sadler in their article on ‗Comparing Student and Faculty Perceptions of Online and Traditional Courses‘ has compared online and traditional courses through student and faculty perception. Nowadays uses of online teaching mode have been increased in college campus. Author developed two separate surveys and did comparison between them. In this paper student and faculty who delivered courses using both the online and traditional mode and on student feedback author used same series of 7-point Likert scales. Both surveys measured: perceptions of online versus traditional courses, perceptions of students who take online courses and students‘ motivations for taking online courses, perceptions of faculty members who teach online courses; and analysis to determine relationships between questions. The 25 questions were measured in this study. The author reaches to conclusion that in online method students feels disconnected from teacher and their friends the same opinion found by faculty. Faculty found online teaching mode is more challenging and complicated compare to traditional learning. ● Nahid Khalil Elfaki, Itedal Abdulraheem and Rashida Abdulrahim in their article on ‗Impact of E-Learning vs Traditional Learning on Student‘s Performance and Attitude‘ states that nowadays with the rapid increase in the internet technology, The e-learning has become extremely important system and up to the minuet essence that is largely used and put into effect by many educational institutes globally. In this research author is studying the impact of e-learning on the students‘ academic performance. Author has obtained samples from Najran University College of nursing during the period from January to August 2019. The sample size is around 80 nursing undergraduate students. Final exam results and a self-administered questionnaire were used for collecting data. The result showed that compare to traditional learner, online learner scored more in final exam. That means online learner performance is better. The finding and conclusion drawn by the author as follows the study show a remarkable contrast in tuition result other than good frame of mind between online and traditional learners which can be a feasible another learning method for higher education. It also put up to the present literature in the sector of online computing and e-learning. ● Falih M. Alsaaty, Ella Carter, David Abrahams and Faleh Alshameri in their paper on ‗Traditional versus Online Learning in Institutions of Higher Education: Minority Business Students‘ Perceptions‘ has mentioned that for past ten years, professor have discussed which mode of education is higher level. Some declare that online is superior and others arguing that online is less successful and effective than traditional classroom teaching courses. Still others propose that the hybrid mode (e.g. online blended with face-to-face lectures) is the most crave and fruitful content delivery method for students. However, students‘ realizations towards online learning as compared to traditional face-to-face learning have largely been ignored. This paper intends to fill this null in the literature and survey minority students‘ perceptions towards online learning versus traditional face-to-face modes of education in higher education. the help of primary and secondary data. A survey was conducted through a questionnaire which was sent to teaching fraternity and students. The data obtained was analyzed with a percentage tool, weighted mean, Standard Deviation and Coefficient of Variation. The secondary data was collected through articles, books, reports, online review.

DATA ANALYSIS

Student‘s feedback is very important to understand whether they like the new normal method of learning which has been followed by all the universities. It was important to know which method has been followed by the students most, what are the issues and challenges they are facing in online learning. As per students what is most effective method of learning. The findings are: Online learning is taking a different pace due to situation of COVID-19. To understand the effectiveness of the virtual learning the research has been conducted for the various hotel management courses offered by university. As hotel management courses are more based on practical learning, as demonstrations and practicing the same help the students to understand better. Data opted from the students enrolled for various courses such as Bachelors in Hotel Management, B.Sc in Culinary Arts and B.Sc in Hospitality and Hotel Operations. The data generated is from students of various semesters such as first, second, third till sixth semester. As each individual and different class people will have different opinion. To understand it well the information opted from different classes and semesters. The researcher was curious to know about what is the most preferred learning method by the students. The data reveals that majority that is 76.8% students prefer classroom teaching as better method of learning. Only 23.2% students have given preference to online learning. It concludes classroom teaching is most preferred and better method of teaching students. The researcher was keen to know the effectiveness of online learning. The 11.6% students have rated for scale 1 that is poor, 14.5% students have rated for scale 2 that is fair, 27.5% students have rated for 3 that good, 24.6% students have rated for 4 that is very good and In the current pandemic situation online learning is opted to reach student and impart knowledge. 21.7% students have rated for 5 that is excellent. The data shows majority students think that online learning is effective but it is not their prefered learning method. As we have seen the students option about the effectiveness about online learning. The researchers were keen to know the effectiveness of classroom learning as well if it has any variation. The 0% students have rated for scale 1 that is poor, 5.8% students have rated for scale 2 that is fair, 4.3% students have rated for 3 that good, 20.3% students have rated for 4 that is very good and 69.6% students have rated for 5 that is excellent. The data shows classroom teaching is much more effective as per students option as maximum number that is 48 out of 69 respondents think classroom teaching is excellent. As per graph three and four the researcher got information about students rating about online learning and classroom learning. But it is very important to know that which is the better method for students to understand the content well. The data reveals from graph 5 that 87% students think they understand better in classroom teaching whereas 14.5% students think they understand better in online learning. As majority of students have rated for classroom teaching hence it can be concluded that students understand better in classroom learning. The technology is taking a boon in all the sectors nowadays. The number of various portals was used by teachers to conduct the online classes. The researcher was interested in knowing the issues faced by students during these sessions. The data reveals that 44.6% students have faced issues of non availability of resources. Sometimes not having a computer or laptop, no good Smartphone is the issue with the students. 73.8% students had an issue of poor internet connection. Online classes is completely dependent on good connection, only then students will be able to attend the online session, understand better and create good interest. But from the graph 5 states that majority of the students faced issues of poor connectivity. 35.4% students had an issue of power failure, where it is difficult to overcome such issue. Though you have good connectivity, required resources but power failure will enable you to attend the online session. 24.6% students had faced an issue of insecure portal of online learning. Today‘s generation is techno savvy and do lot of research before making use of any sites. As the portal chosen for the online learning was insecure as per student's opinion and hence it affects adversely on online learning. whether they will prefer more classes through online learning. The data reveals that 41 respondents that are 60.3% students do not prefer online classes whereas 30 respondents that is 44.1% students are of opinion that they would prefer more classes through online learning. Hence, the data shows majority of the respondents do not prefer online classes. The concentration is very important for better learning. Each individual require quiet, peaceful atmosphere to concentrate better. The researcher was interested in knowing the students perspective whether online learning or classroom learning is better for concentration. The data reveals 88.2% students think in classroom learning the concentration is better whereas only 16.2% students think concentration is better in online learning. As majority of the respondents opinion is about classroom learning, hence is can be concluded that for better concentration level of the students classroom learning is better. Learning is effective when all the doubts of students present in the class are resolved. Researcher made an effort to know that online or classroom which is better method of learning to clear the doubts of students. The data reveals that 63 respondents that is 92.6% students think that their doubts are cleared better in classroom learning whereas merely 9 respondents that is 13.2% students think doubts can be cleared better in online learning.Hence, classroom learning is better learning method to clarify the students doubt and it can help to interact in group together to resolve the doubts. Good atmosphere is very important for better learning. Otherwise even if you take efforts to opinion about online learning or classroom learning which is better for studying. The data reveals that 57 respondents that is 82.6% students think classroom learning creates better atmosphere for learning whereas 13 respondents that is 18.8% students think that online learning creates better atmosphere for learning. As majority of the respondents are in favor of classroom learning, hence in can be concluded that classroom teaching help students to study better. In the current situation it is very important to know the student‘s preference about learning method to have a better understand and positive impact of learning. The researcher tried to know the student preference with the help of questionnaire. The data reveals that majority of the students think that classroom learning is better than online learning. It is the best way to clear their doubts directly as in online learning they face problem such as power failure and poor internet connectivity which affects on study. Classroom learning is better as they can focus better as they are physically present at that place. It is better as the environment supports the learning and the outcome is much better. Doubts can be resolved immediately, there is no disturbance. It is better as all students are present together, so they get more interest in attending lecture. In classroom teaching the access to the resources is available; students are more attentive and punctual. Hence, majority of the respondents are in favor of classroom learning. The COVID-19 has made a drastic change to the higher education, graduation, and post graduation. The academic institutes are all set by now to adopt the change and excel in online teaching learning process. The researcher was keen to know the faculty opinion about online learning, its effectiveness and the various challenges faced by them while taking over online learning completely for the ongoing semester. Also, to understand whether online learning is a useful method in the long learns. Fifty responses collected by researcher which are 6% graduates, 62% postgraduate, 24% doctorate and 8% others.Out of total responses 50% are male and 50% are females who have recorded their opinion. According to the age of a person adopting changes or learning new technology is a skill required by the faculty. From the respondents 32% respondents are of age group 25-35, 34 respondents are of age group 36-45, 26% respondents are of age group 46-55 whereas 8% respondents are of age group 56-65. As online learning is chosen by all the academic institution to continue with the learning process and avoid any academic losses of the students. The researcher was interested to know what the teacher‘s prefer the most. The data reveals that 92% respondents prefer classroom learning whereas 24% respondents prefer online learning. Total 8 respondents that is around 8% prefer both leaning methods. Majority of respondents have given preferences to classroom teaching as their choice to conduct the classes. To conduct the online classes, one must be techno savvy for effective delivery of the classes. The researcher made an effort to know how many teachers techno savvy are to meet the demand of current situation. The data states 80% of the respondents are techno savvy whereas 20% are not techno savvy. It means majority of the respondents are in a state to deliver lectures effectively through online portals whereas 20% need to be given training so that teacher‘s capability can be matched to the requirement. Effectiveness of any activities conducted for learning is very important. The researcher was keen to know the effectiveness of online leaning over the same, 17.9% respondent are agree whereas 3.6% respondents strongly agree to the statement that online learning is as effective as classroom learning. Majority of the respondents are still in dilemma about which is better method. Convenience to perform any task can make it easier and more interesting. The researcher has made an attempt to know the online learning can provide better convenience compare to classroom learning. The data reveals that 50% respondents agree to it whereas 50% respondents disagree to that the online learning can provide better convenience compare to classroom learning. Understanding of the content taught by teacher is very important in teaching learning process. The researcher has made an attempt to know the understanding level of student‘s through classroom learning. The data reveals that 3.6% respondents has rated poor, 23.2% respondents has rated fair, 44.6% respondents has rated good and 28.6% has rated excellent. As majority of the respondents have given rating as good hence it states that understanding is better in classroom learning. Similarly, the understanding level through online learning data reveals that 3.6% respondents has rated very poor, 32.1% respondents has rated poor, 42.9% respondents has rated fair, 19.6% respondents has rated good, 1.8% respondents has rated excellent. Hence, as per respondents it shows understand is better in classroom learning as compare to online learning. Researcher tried to understand the level of understanding through virtual learning method and result revels that 3.6% respondents has rated poor, respondents it shows understanding level of student is good in virtual learning. The researcher has tried to know the level of attendance in online learning. The data reveals that 78.6% respondents states they face a problem of attendance during online learning whereas 21.4% does not face any problem of attendance. It can be concluded that student‘s attendance is a problem during online learning as majority of the respondents agree to it. The researcher has tried to understand the problems and challenges faced by faculties to manage the online classes. 28.6% respondents think that unsecured portal of online learning, 30.4% respondents face the issue of power failure, 83.9% respondents face the issue of poor internet connectivity and 53.6% respondents face the issue on non availability of resources. Majority of the teachers face the issues of poor internet connectivity and non-availability of resources. The researcher was keen to know the opinion of respondents on whether education institute should apply virtual learning methods only. The data states that 25% respondents strongly disagree, 51.8% respondents disagree, 21.4% respondents agree whereas 3.6% respondents strongly agree. Hence, it concludes majority of the respondents do not prefer virtual learning method only.

Classroom learning is better as it is more interactive than virtual learning. Virtual learning is a slow process; it takes more time as compared to classroom learning. The issue of less interaction is faced in virtual learning. Many disturbances in virtual learning like inadequate infrastructure, students not getting privacy at home, etc. virtual teaching should be blended with offline classroom teaching. Subjects where laboratory activities are involved, online teaching is not feasible. In exceptional case, it can more real books or sketches, students have more attention during traditional classroom. Online meaning is effective for matured students, for basic development up to age of 16 classroom learning is required. Classroom teaching is the best because you can directly interact with your students. Classroom teaching enhances good learning opportunities for the students than Online or Virtual classes. Traditional methods allow assessing emotional needs of a child. Looking at the student, teacher isable to see and understand if the child has understood or not, if the child is facing a personal problem at home etc. Face to face contact can build a trust in between students and teachers. A strong bonding can be formed in classroom teaching. Classroom teaching is still a need in country like India. There are lots of efforts that need to be taken for developing online mode of learning. Some poor students not having an Android Smartphone is also an issue for online learning. Considering all the issues and challenges classroom learning is more effective method for the students. A combination of both online and classroom learning will help to reduce the issues to certain level and can enhance the process of teaching learning. Online learning is more flexible. In addition, as one can attend virtual classes anywhere and anytime, students don't have to travel. At the same time, the physical classroom method involves in-person teaching and hands-on training from a professional, which is also necessary for specific situations. The online course is an effective way of conducting pre-licensing insurance training. The implication is that the instructional design employed by OLT is effective for designing Internet based courses delivered to adult students seeking to acquire the knowledge and comprehension associated with licensure. The higher GPA of the online students indicates online instruction was more effective then classroom instruction. However, given the self-selected nature of the online sample, more research is needed before definitive conclusions can be made. Other limitations of the study include: the small sample size for the online group, and an inability to control for reading level, work/home environment, ethnicity, age, or educational background of any of the participants. The results of the study do provide support for the conclusion that online instruction for individuals entering the insurance field can be effective, and can be more effective then traditional classroom delivered instruction for those students confident in their ability to learn online.

Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations are made:

• Additional studies should be conducted following a more robust experimental design in which students are randomly assigned to

For future studies, it is suggested that more true or fact-finding data (concern to the students‘ academic results) are seize and study in order to verify the importance of e-learning effects in basics of operative system. The cluster of participants need to increase and should cover from primary school to Post graduate colleges in both categories. In future once everything will be normal in overall globe that time faculty should use blend of digital classroom teaching for better understanding.

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Research Scholar, School of Education, Sabarmati University, Ahmedabad (Gujarat)-382481