Traditional vs. Online Learning

One way that the online class differs from the traditional classroom is in the participation levels of the student. Every student in an online class has to participate in every discussion. Although instructors in the traditional classroom try to involve all students in class discussions, there are time constraints that often preclude 100 percent student participation. Therefore, I think that the online class is the better delivery method when the goal is to have all students participate in class discussions.
Online courses and traditional courses are similar in that they both have course descriptions, requirements, and deadlines. Students can collaborate in groups in both settings. The advantage of working in a traditional classroom group is that you can see people’s reactions when you are working face to face. The advantage of working in an online group is the flexibility of participating in the group whenever it is convenient.
I believe that for some activities online learning could be more effective than traditional learning. These activities would include student participation in class discussions and student collaboration in some group projects. Also, more frequent writing or posting on line could help improve student writing skills. Students could also develop some time management skills and get more experience working independently.
However, at this point in time, I think that a combination of the traditional class and the online class would be the best delivery system for my courses.