Traditional Learning vs Online Learning Statistics 2023: Which Is More Effective?

Affiliate disclosure: In full transparency – some of the links on our website are affiliate links, if you use them to make a purchase we will earn a commission at no additional cost for you (none whatsoever!).

In this article, We will discuss Traditional Learning vs Online Learning Statistics 2023

Attending university is no longer a binary choice. Previously, you could only adjust to an itinerary provided by institutions; however, now comes your chance to create your own lecture timetable.

As a result, there are currently two learning options that are proven to be effective, whether alone or in combination. However, no single strategy works for everyone.

When it comes to learning, the same principle applies when deciding on a strategy that works best for you.

So, let’s make a comparison of traditional vs online learning, including the advantages of both educational methods. Following that, you may be able to choose which one will help you progress in your career.

What Is a Brick-and-Mortar Education?

By its very name, you can pretty much grasp the framework of brick-and-mortar education. Students come to campus and attend classes in physical classrooms, which is the traditional approach to attending college.

Brick-and-mortar colleges, which are still the most popular way to get an education, allow students to engage with one another and have face-to-face discussions with teachers.

This is perhaps why this type of traditional learning is still so popular because students can interact with one another and ask questions directly to the speaker.

They take more responsibility for their examinations, for each and every deadline that falls their way, and for attending class on a regular basis.

However, some students’ mindsets are not compatible with this type of college lifestyle. Location, campus culture, lack of flexibility, and attendance are all factors that they find bothersome, thus they opt to withdraw.

They are well aware that being absent or late can be used against them in future exams. Or perhaps the lecture schedule conflicts with their part-time employment, making it hard for them to attend class.

Overall, campus life appears to be overwhelming, and the lack of flexibility may appear to be a danger to their desire to learn. Fortunately, technological advancements provided them with alternative possibilities.

What Exactly Is Online Education?

The word “online learning” pertains to education that happens digitally. The term “online learning,” also called “distance learning or “e-learning,” applies to any type of education that takes place outside of a traditional classroom.

Colleges now use Learning Management Systems (LMS) such as Blackboard, Moodle, or similar technologies to replace classrooms. Assignments are uploaded to a site, comments are made in a discussion board, and teachers are notified immediately.

Accessibility, adaptability, and convenience are all advantages of this wonderful learning method. Lessons can be completed on your own timetable, eliminating the necessity to leave the apartment or relocate due to bad weather conditions.

Even the expenditures are lower, as most online programs are less expensive than traditional programs.

This is due to the fact that housing & board, books, parking & attendance fees are not required. Nonetheless, you reap the very same benefits and get the same amount of information as you would in a regular classroom. 

Lack of commitment, low retention levels, and less social connection are some of the disadvantages of online programs.

This is most probably why online learning offers fewer degree options than traditional schooling. But don’t be disheartened if you have the desire and dedication to succeed.

Online vs Traditional Learning Statistics 

Traditional Learning vs Online Learning Statistics

Image credits: potomac.edu

 

Quick Stats

Traditional and online learning institutions both have advantages and disadvantages. However one thing is for sure: virtual education is here to stay, and its popularity is growing.

These numbers on how e-learning compares to traditional learning were gathered in early 2014. The number of learners enrolled in online universities continues to rise year after year.

But, how would these programs compare to traditional classroom instruction?

The Benefits and Drawbacks of Online Learning 

Advantages:

  • Lower costs – One of the most appealing aspects of virtual education is its relatively inexpensive. Enlisting in an online school eliminates the need to travel to class daily or even relocate to another state. You automatically conserve a lot of money on meals, textbooks, and school supplies by avoiding travel or moving fees.
  • Time savings — Given the lack of a commute, this is a given. You can save time by just switching on your laptop and enrolling in an online programme instead of physically getting ready and going to class.
  • Using technology – Taking online classes allows you to use tech more frequently, allowing you to become more tech-savvy.
  • More opportunities for interaction – Although it may seem counterintuitive, e-learning can be a terrific way to increase class interaction. Even pupils who are hesitant in traditional classrooms can participate in an online class since it creates an atmosphere where they can be themselves.

Disadvantages:

  • Isolation — While online classes may be beneficial for more reserved individuals, they can be isolating for those who depend on actual interaction with their peers.
  • Lack of discipline – For pupils who lack self-control and demand frequent guidance from their peers or teachers, remote learning might be counterproductive.
  • Instructor training is essential – In order for an online course to run well and achieve its goals, the professor must be educated in how to utilize the technology needed to teach. Furthermore, educators must figure out how to get the most out of their learners even when they are not physically present.
  • Lastly, there are other possibilities in online learning where anything could go wrong owing to technical issues such as loss of voice, video, or even total connectivity.

Traditional Learning’s Benefits and Drawbacks

Advantages:

  • Increased interaction — It suffices to say that professors who are physically present in class receive more communication from their students than those who learn remotely.
  • Hands-on learning — Because students are present, traditional learning gives them a sense of security & control over their learning.
  • Experience campus life – Being able to engage with all of the students on campus is an important aspect of learning in college. While this is doable online, traditional classes provide many more options.
  • Increased communication with other pupils means you’ll be able to build a larger network that will aid you in the future once you join the workplace, which is a bonus to the last benefit.

Disadvantages:

  • Expensive — Enrolling in a regular program means you’ll have to pay more for transportation, food, supplies, and other expenses.
  • No flexibility – If you work and study at the same time, in-person classes offer very little flexibility in terms of class attendance.
  • Time-consuming — Attending classes in person will occupy more of your time than attending sessions online. This involves getting ready for class and potentially commuting.

The percentage of people who enroll in online classes.

  • A total of 6,700,000 students are enrolled in online courses.
  • There are currently 275+ approved online institutions.
  • The proportion of university students who have taken at least a single online course is 30 percent.
  • 67 percent of college professors believe blogs, videos, podcasts, as well as other digital media are essential teaching tools, whether they teach virtually or in a traditional setup.

What are the subjects that students are studying?

Traditional Learning’s Most Prominent Bachelor’s Degrees

  • Business
  • Accounting
  • Psychology 
  • Nursing
  •  Elementary Education

Online Learning’s Most Prominent Bachelor’s Degrees

  • Business
  • Health Administration
  • Nursing
  • Psychology
  • Elementary Education

Students’ perspectives on online learning

  • 77 percent of educators feel that e-learning is as good as, if not better than, traditional schooling.
  • Roughly 70 percent of students believe that online learning is on par with or better than traditional classroom instruction. 
  • 26 percent of online students confess that they learn better online rather than in a classroom.

Why is it that online learning is more efficient?

Although there are some small drawbacks to online learning, the demand for it, particularly during the epidemic, has resulted in significant advancements. Online classes are unquestionably more inclusive, as they allow even individuals who aren’t particularly well-off monetarily or who have other responsibilities to participate.

The results of standardized assessments taken by online students

  • Classroom students’ average score is in the 50th percentile.
  • The average online learner’s score is in the 59th percentile.
  • The ratio of learners who differ is 5:1.
  • When learners differ by a 5:1 ratio, the slowest learner takes 5 times longer to learn than the fastest student.
  • 90 percent of these students will succeed in reaching higher levels, albeit only if they are given adequate attention.
  • Face-to-face education is the most effective way to achieve these levels of focus.
  • Thankfully, 97 percent of online colleges’ courses have a student-to-faculty ratio of 25:1.

Costs of online learning compared to traditional learning

  • Online degrees are up to 80 times less expensive than traditional degrees.
  • Traditional degrees cost on average $85,000.
  • The average price of an online degree is $30,000.

Quick Links:

Conclusion: Traditional Learning vs Online Learning Statistics 2023

Hope these stats provide you some clarity regarding traditional vs online learning. Which type of learning would you prefer and what is your experience of the same? Let us know in the comments below.

Alisia Emerson

With over 15 years of expertise in personal branding, self-development, and financial literacy under her belt, Alisa has earned a reputation as an accomplished keynote speaker. She is also an expert on topics ranging from self-development, Business News to investment and gladly shares this knowledge with audiences through keynote speaking engagements as well as writing craft workshops for local writers' groups and book conferences. Out of her deep knowledge of writing craftsmanship, Alisa also offers online fiction courses to guide aspiring authors to reach success through story composition excellence.

Leave a Comment