The proliferation of information and communication technology (ICT) has created significant advancements in the way both teaching and learning take place. Among these advancements is the emergence of online learning, also known as e-learning, which is defined as the distribution of learning materials and resources online via the use of information and communication technology to facilitate the learning experience (Chitra & Raj, 2018, p. 2).

1. Is online education an effective replacement for
traditional classroom teaching?
Damaine Fabion Franklin
R2104D12054733
Induction Module
UEL-IND-M-100-47155
4/28/2023

2. 1
Introduction
The proliferation of information and communication technology (ICT) has created significant
advancements in the way both teaching and learning take place. Among these advancements
is the emergence of online learning, also known as e-learning, which is defined as the
distribution of learning materials and resources online via the use of information and
communication technology to facilitate the learning experience (Chitra & Raj, 2018, p. 2).
This implies that there is no face-to-face interaction with online learning, unlike traditional
education. Due to its flexibility and convenience, online education has become one of the
most popular teaching and learning methods. However, there appears to be substantial debate
among researchers regarding the relevance and effectiveness of both online education and
traditional classroom teaching. Some researchers argue that traditional classroom teaching is
still relevant and, as such, is the most effective teaching and learning method, whereas others
support online learning as the most effective method of teaching and learning in
contemporary society. According to one study, scholars claim that during the COVID-19
pandemic, some students who participated in online courses found the learning resources
difficult to comprehend and preferred traditional face-to-face instruction to online learning
(Kumari, et al., 2021). In another study, researchers administered pre-test and post-tests to
students, and based on the results, they concluded that traditional face-to-face classroom
education was more effective than online learning (Hassan, Abiddin, & Yew, 2014, p. 27).
Although the arguments presented have some merit, other researchers, such as Rawashdeh et
al. (2021), reported that the methods employed by online education tend to be flexible,
convenient, and accessible, and courses can be completed remotely regardless of
geographical location. The author further noted that the environmental factors that disrupt
traditional classroom teaching are typically not a hindrance to the delivery of online courses.
While a substantial amount of teaching occurs using the traditional face-to-face method, the
purpose of this essay is to evaluate the level of effectiveness of online education and provide
evidence to support the claim that online courses are an effective replacement for traditional
classroom teaching. Therefore, this essay begins with a discussion of the increased demand
for online education as compared to traditional classroom teaching. It then explores the
advantages of online education, including the ability to participate in classes regardless of
geographical location. Followed by the flexibility of online education in terms of time
management and cost-effectiveness. Subsequently, it describes the extent to which online
courses are personalized to meet the needs of students with diverse learning styles.

3. 2
Main Content
Research indicates that the demand for online education has increased rapidly over the years,
particularly in light of the recent COVID-19 pandemic. According to Basar et al. (2021, p.
127), the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted the traditional methods of learning
and teaching. As a result, numerous public and private educational institutions around the
world have been compelled to close their doors to students and teachers. The authors also
noted that, because it was impossible to predict when the pandemic would end, many
countries pursued online education as an effective and efficient means of continuing students'
education. Furthermore, Zheng et al. (2021) examined the perceived effectiveness of online
courses among students at a dental school in the United States during the pandemic from
2019 to 2020. The authors found that among a total of 482 dental students, a majority had a
positive perception of online courses and preferred to continue studying online during and
after the pandemic. Based on the evidence provided to support the claim, it can still be argued
that online courses are not always a suitable replacement for traditional classroom teaching.
Despite the possibility that this may be true, the question remains, “To what extent is online
learning an effective replacement for traditional classroom teaching?”
According to recent studies, the ability to attend and participate in online courses regardless
of geographical barriers is one of the undeniable benefits of online education. In some
countries, access to traditional forms of learning is frequently limited due to the geographical
location in which one lives. As a result, there exist learning disparities among students,
particularly those who reside in remote areas (Collins et al., 2010, p. 4). Due to the
limitations imposed by geographical factors, advances in information and communication
technology have made it possible for online learning to extend beyond the boundaries of
traditional classroom teaching and deliver instruction to learners in remote locations that are
convenient to their needs. (Salta et al., 2021). Moreover, the advantages of online learning
offer geographically dispersed students a more flexible means of completing their studies at
their own pace as well as a sense of control and ownership over their learning (Kumar, 2015).
As a result of these advantages, Clerehan (2002) observed that a growing number of students
are completing their studies outside of the traditional classroom setting and relying on online
course materials as a foundation for their studies.

4. 3
In today’s technologically driven world, it is obvious that online courses have a distinct edge
over traditional classroom teaching in terms of flexible time management. With online
education, as opposed to traditional education, students are able to schedule their class
attendance and courses at their convenience, whereas in a traditional classroom setting, class
attendance, and course schedules are limited to predetermined times (Santiago, et al., 2021).
In a study conducted by Indreica (2014), the author found that students enrolled in online
courses and utilizing online platforms better manage their time more effectively than those
who do not. This study demonstrates that online learning platforms, such as Moodle, have
substantial effects on time management, and that students who use online learning platforms
have more effective time management strategies. Students in higher education institutions
primarily benefit from this because they are able to balance work, leisure, and other
obligations while taking online courses. In addition, online learning provides a more
accommodating learning environment than traditional institutions because students have the
option to attend classes at a location that is most convenient for them (Sanford, et al., 2017).
Another important point to emphasize is the fact that the rising cost of education is a major
concern for most students. However, as tuition prices continue to increase, online courses
provide a more efficient and cost-effective alternative to traditional classroom teaching, as
students get a high-quality education at a much lower cost due to the reduced operating
expenses required to run online courses. Deming et al. (2015, p. 6) conducted a comparison
study of both online learning and traditional face-to-face teaching. Based on their findings,
the authors noted that there is evidence that colleges charge less for online education, which
is a clear indication that online learning has the potential to significantly alter the cost of
acquiring the same education as on-campus students. Additionally, online courses eliminate
the costs associated with accommodation and transportation, whether by ground or air travel.
In addition, a similar study by Pakdaman et al. (2019, p. 5) also indicates that online
education alone is more cost-effective than traditional face-to-face education. Given these
points, it is evident that online courses will always be more cost effective than traditional
classroom teaching, and that they will often be more flexible in finding methods to help
students complete them in less time.

5. 4
Lastly, the courses offered through traditional classroom teaching are not designed to be
adjustable and personalized to meet the needs of students with diverse learning styles,
especially those with work life. Consequently, there is a need for a more proactive approach
to developing learning methods that facilitates the various learning styles and characteristics
of students. With this in mind, a personal learning environment (PLE) has emerged as a new
concept for designing online courses. According to Downes (2006, p. 15), The PLE allows
students to engage in a distributed learning environment comprised of a network of people,
services, and resources, which gives them greater influence over their learning path. In
comparison with traditional classroom teaching, Samah et al. (2011) add that with this
approach, PLE meets the needs of online students by managing the process of learning more
effectively and promoting a personalized one-to-one relationship between teacher and
student.
Conclusion
Traditional classroom teaching has undoubtedly dominated many educational institutions for
decades. Nonetheless, with the emergence of information and communication technologies
(ICT), there are alternative modes of learning that provide significant benefits for the
institution, the teacher, and the students. As a progeny of ICT, online learning presents itself
as a viable replacement for traditional classroom teaching because of the flexibility and
convenience it offers. Several studies have indicated that, unlike the traditional mode of
learning, online learning is flexible and convenient. It is cost-effective and tailored to
facilitate the different learning styles of students. Importantly, online students can effectively
participate in classes and complete their studies regardless of their geographical location. It
has been proven with the passage of the COVID-19 pandemic that the environmental factors
which disrupt traditional classroom teaching typically do not affect online learning. Thus,
online courses are an effective replacement for traditional classroom teaching.

6. 5
References
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