Various online learning environments have transformed how education is delivered to students. Schools
and students now have multiple options for virtual learning formats, allowing flexibility in how education
is provided. Synchronous learning consists of a real time interaction between both the student and
instructor trough a video web meeting. Although this was once the most used learning environment, now a
days it’s not quite as used. Possibly meaning it wasn’t the most effective way. Asynchronous learning
allows the student to access the material on a web site where assignments, lectures and prerecorded videos
are intergraded for the students to work through without having to meet in real time with an instructor.
This typically being for the run of the whole course. The ongoing debate in context is, is online learning
conductive to student success? One side argues that students in universities prefer in person teaching, as
they report a higher engagement, learning and understanding while attending in classroom teaching. The
other side of this debate argues that based on analysis, university students learn better in online classes.
They believe that online learning can lead to better outcomes because its accessibility and flexibility are
more adaptable to student’s needs. Finding a balance is the key, a balance that combines the engagement
and social interaction of in-person learning with the flexibility and accessibility of online formats may
offer the most effective path to supporting students’ success.
Perspective #1 – In person learning is better for students
In perspective #1, it is argued that students generally prefer in-person learning because it provides a better social experience and a more effective learning environment compared to online learning. In the article “Remote and In-Person Learning: Utility Versus Social Experience” by Panos Photopoulos, Photopoulos expresses that the students themselves felt more involved and comprehending when attending in person classes. “The students preferred in‑person teaching and reported higher engagement, learning, and understanding during classroom teaching” (Photopoulos 1). This is significant because it reflects not just a subjective preference, but it also is based on measurable academic outcomes. When the students say they felt more engaged and felt improved in learning, it suggests that the physical classroom environment provides important elements that can’t be attained from online classes. When students feel more actively engaged, they’re more likely to retain information. This highlights its role in enhancing the quality of in-person education. Photopoulos also points out what he believes is an important key to student’s engagement. In his article he states “Students value direct communication with their teachers during face-to-face classes [44] regarding learning effectiveness and social exchanges between the community members. In that respect, the disruption of social relationships has affected both the students and the teachers”. Highlighting the importance of immediate interaction that is offered between the social dimensions that only in-person education can deliver. The in-person setting can also deliver utilities such as real time feedback, discussions and collaborative projects for the student’s engagement and academic success.
Perspective #2 – Students learn better in online classes
The opposing side of this debate argues that based on analysis, it was discovered students learn better in online classes with help of a wide-open accessibility. In the article “Online Vs In-Person Classes: Is One Better Than The Other?” By Sharon Kim, she says “A meta-analysis by the US Department of Education found that students learn better in online classes, on average. This could be due to the increased accessibility for all learners that comes with online learning compared to many traditional classrooms.”. Kim also mentions that the flexibility and personalized pace that online learning provides can significantly enhance a student’s learning outcomes. Online classes often allow students to organize their schoolwork around personal and professional responsibilities through asynchronous learning, enabling them to progress through material at their own speed. The online courses allow the students to learn at their own speed, the ability to control the learning timeline and the various range of sources available can create a more effective personalized education. This is especially helpful for students with varied learning styles and need more time going over certain material. In her article, Kim also emphasizes on this outcome, she says digital classrooms could be more inclusive in terms of a student’s personal pace, students can spend as much time needed revising and going over material until its understood. “Technological tools also allow for customized content to cater to individual learning styles and needs. This is sometimes referred to as adaptive e-learning. Leveraging technology in this way is shown to increase student engagement and learning outcomes.”.
Similarities and differences
In their articles, both Photopoulos and Kim acknowledge the importance of both utility and social experience within students’ education. However, they both weigh in these factors differently when considering online vs in-person learning. Photopoulos seems to prioritize the social and interactive aspects of in-person learning. He often highlights its role in adapting and developing crucial interpersonal skills within the students. He says,” the unmediated social interactions (didactic and socio-relational) with instructors and peers [45] has been described as a reason for preferring the in-person modality”. The students considered that the in-person courses enhance their ability to connect and interact with their teachers [46]”. This reflects a belief that the classroom setting supports communication and relationship-building, which he sees as essential to learning. On the other hand, Kim focuses more on the utility and flexibility of online learning. She specifically points out the capacity to cater to students learning styles and schedules. She points out how online learning could be a more diverse option and is great for people who struggle with fast pace and busy schedules. “Digital learning environments can be much more inclusive than traditional classrooms. Students can slow down the pace at which they consume learning material. They can rewatch a lecture multiple times if needed and take time to process it before responding to online discussions or assignments” (Kim 1). While Kim does not ignore social aspects together, she views digital platforms as offering alternative ways for students to engage. Such as asynchronous discussions or unlimited access to lectures that can still foster meaningful communication, especially for students who may struggle with fast paced in person learning environments. Interestingly, while Photopoulos favors in person interactions, he does acknowledge that not all students thrive equally in that setting. He writes, “Some of the students appreciated the importance of face-to-face interactions and explained their preference for remote teaching by referring to their obligations at the particular period of their lives… (Enrollment: 2018, preference: remote); S73: “I get very anxious when people surround me, and remote lectures help me feel calm”. Similarly, Kim while focused on flexibility, implies that online learning might not replace the efficiency of face-to-face interactions. In her article she states, “In-person classes provide regular face-to-face interactions where people can engage in natural, spontaneous discussions and develop genuine connections. This can aid in building your professional network because many of your classmates will likely be working in the same industry as you after graduation. Despite the differences this suggests that both authors contribute to the understanding of the tradeoffs involved when choosing in between online and in-person education. They lean towards different aspects as being more critical for the student’s overall success.
Strengths and weaknesses
Photopoulos article stands out for its qualitative data, he draws on direct student experiences to show the realities of online and in-person learning. One of its key strengths is its acknowledgement that not all students thrive in traditional in-person classroom environments. For example, a students testimony explains “I get very anxious when people surround me, and remote lectures help me feel calm,” (Photopoulos). Illustrating how online formats can support mental well-being. This students’ perspective strengthens the argument that education should be adaptable to ones needs. However, a weakness of this article could be that it leans more toward defending online learning without exploring many social or collaborative drawbacks of reduced in-person interactions.
On the other hand, Kim’s article emphasizes the value of face-to-face learning. A strength in her article is she emphasizes that a key advantage of in-person learning is its ability to provide structure and reduce distractions “With in‑person classes… you may be more motivated to focus on schoolwork away from the distractions of your home”. This highlights how the physical aspects of being at school can create a more focused environment for students that struggle to stay engaged. A Weakness to Kim’s article is that it presents a surface level comparison without really diving in deeply into the challenges or limitations of online learning. She highlights the social and structural benefits of in person education but doesn’t provide evidence of students’ outcomes.
Compromise
While Photopoulos and Kim presented distinct perspectives on weather online or in-person learning best supports students’ success, they both highlight very important elements that contribute to a positive educational experience. Ultimately, student success depends not on choosing one over the other, but on how well the learning environment is meeting the needs of the student. In context, both online and in-person learning can be conductive to students’ success. A potential compromise between the two viewpoints could be the implementation of a hybrid learning model. An approach like this would combine the social and interpersonal benefits emphasized by Photopoulos and Kim. By blending face-to-face interactions with the personalized pace and accessibility of online tools, a hybrid model could accommodate a better, wider range of learning styles and solutions. This balance offers students the opportunity to develop interpersonal skills while also being self-directed. Ultimately fostering a more supportive and effective educational experience.
Works Cited
Photopoulos, Panos et al. “Remote and In-Person Learning: Utility Versus Social Experience.” SN computer sciencevol. 4,2 (2023): 116. doi:10.1007/s42979-022-01539-6
Kim, Sharon. Online Vs In-Person Classes: Is One Better Than The Other?, UNITY UNIVERSITY, 21 Nov. 2023, unity.edu/articles/online-vs-in-person-classes/.
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