Online classes and offline classes for children have always been a part of this discussion, especially because of the rising popularity of online classes triggered by the pandemic outbreak in the current global scenario. Both have their special strengths and weaknesses. So, as a parent, you might be wondering what criteria you have to choose the best class type for your kid. We will discuss various differences, strengths, and weaknesses of online as well as offline classes in this blog post to assist you in taking a sensible and informed decision based on them.
1. Flexibility versus Structure
Online Classes
Flexibility to join an online class is one of the most significant benefits. The kids can join the class anywhere in the house because all one needs is either a desktop or a laptop computer, which spares one the trouble of wasting time and energy going to the institution of learning. Second, there are many online platforms that offer recorded lessons, and the kids can attend to the repeated lessons and also cover the ones they might have lost.
This would be greater convenience if your child has a busy schedule or if he has participated in any outside activities like sporting or musical pursuits. The online classes would make it easier for the child to deal with the challenge involved in balancing academic pursuits with other passions or pursuits in life.
Offline Classes
Offline classes, or traditional classes, are more time-dependent. The classes are held at fixed timings, and children must necessarily report to the classroom to join the classes. While this regime is so necessary for discipline in children, it should also enable children to study at their own pace.
In the case of the kids that function best by establishing an everyday routine within a structured environment while learning, offline classes help children establish the rhythm of the same activities every day.
2. Personalized Learning Compared to Group Interaction
Online classes
One of the biggest advantages offered by online classes is the fact that learning can be tailored according to the needs of the child. Some online learning systems involve the setting up of smaller classes or even 1:1 classes; therefore, the individual needs of the child are addressed. Learning according to the needs of the individual is ensured.
This tailored way of learning is ideal in case a child is having challenges in a classroom setting or has some needs to be met. Online classes, for example, can address different learning styles in consideration of whether a child is a visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learner.
Offline Classes
Although it is an usual offline class, there will not be much individual attention; however, in these classes, children get ample interaction facilities. Learning in a class allows interaction with other children, development of communication channels, and exposure to team-working either through projects or discussions.
This social aspect could be especially valuable for young children who are in the process of learning new abilities regarding interaction in social situations, making friends, and collaborating with other children.
3. Engaging and Focusing
Online Classes
Some parents may worry that online courses might be non-engaging, as kids may get distracted by things like toys, pets, or even siblings who might also be there in the room. The interactive learning tools used in a good online learning solution include things such as quizzes, games, or virtual whiteboards that keep learners engaged.
It is important, therefore, to establish the right environment for an online learning program. This would involve ensuring that the kids are provided with the right environment that would help them stay concentrated throughout the learning program by ensuring that the internet is available.
Offline Classes
The actual classroom setting makes it possible for the teacher to observe the behavior and disengagement of the kids to keep them on task. Sometimes, just the teacher and company in the room are good enough to encourage most kids to remain engaged.
At the same time, however, offline schooling may also involve a uniform rate of instruction, which may not actually benefit children who might need more time to grasp a particular subject or may be moving too quickly.
4. Access to Resources
Online Classes
A lot can be accessed online that may not even be accessed in the four corners of the traditional classroom. From online lessons, videos featuring learning, to virtual field trips, the ways how online learning sites make learning more engaging and fun are just countless.
Another major advantage of online classes is that they get to learn from experienced tutors all over the world. A kid in a small town will learn English from a teacher in the UK or Mathematics from a specialist in another country, thereby expanding learning beyond the confines of a simple local classroom.
Offline Classes
It also has material resources such as textbooks, scientific laboratory settings, and resource materials with which the children can work with. Hands-on experimentation, for instance, may be much more beneficial if it were conducted in a real laboratory setting under the guidance of a teacher compared to doing it on some computer screen. Arts and physical educ may also prove to be quite an engaging experience if it were to be conducted in a way that kids got to really ‘play around with hardware.’
5. Safety and Health
Online Classes
One of the most visible benefits that online education provides is that it is a healthy environment. As diseases are on the increase in populated areas, online education protects children from getting sick. Furthermore, online classes also play a significant role as it assists children to preserve their mental state, which helps them learn and understand concepts in a conducive atmosphere that they are normally used to. This could be all that children need to feel safe, especially those that normally feel stressed while taking classes in schools.
Offline Classes
However Offline classes offer an opportunity for physical activities if the offline classes are conducting physical education classes, among others. This is considering that the kid attending offline classes has the ability to interact with the environment in a more dynamic manner. This includes interacting with the outdoors, or even group activities at the moment. However, this closeness to other people also means that the kid has the highest probability of getting infected with the flu or any type of illness since the flu spreads quickly among children, which is one thing that worries most parents today.
6. Cost-Effectiveness
Online Classes
Offline classes are mostly more expensive than online classes. However, online classes are mostly offered at affordable prices by the parent. This means that the parent does not have to spend money on school fees, lunches, or even school materials. There are several online options offered using different platforms, meaning that the parent has an option depending on which one he or she feels most comfortable with.
Offline Classes
Offline classes are mostly expensive since the parent has to look for school fees, transport, among others. However, there are offline options that come along with various amenities that are not offered online. These include sports amenities, science laboratories, library, art studios, among many others.
Conclusion: Which One is Better?
At the end of the day, the parent has the freedom to choose either online or offline classes depending on the nature of the kid. This is considering that if the kid needs classes that are flexible, online classes are the best option. However, if the kid needs classes that are structured along with the ability to interact with others, offline classes are the best. However, today, there are learning programs that have incorporated the two programs in one. This allows the parent to enjoy the benefits offered by online or offline classes. However, the most important thing is ensuring that the kid is motivated.
