Perception of Youths about Online and Traditional Learning

A few decades back when technology had not crept into our daily lives, life was simple and uncomplicated. It was then that students went to traditional brick and motor institutions and accessed courses through long hours of class attendance. Today, it is a reverse scenario where the world has culminated into a stage of information, technology and speed wherein students are seeking fast and easiest ways of sharing information for upgrading their knowledge. Herein, the concept of online education has taken a center stage with prominence.

Though a debate prevails whether online is better or traditional mode of learning; youths of today have their own perceived notion. To draw a general perception, both traditional and online have its pros and cons but it depends upon individuals which they would prefer as the circumstance demand. Personally, I feel online education is boon in this fast-paced world while traditional learning is attributed with values and principles of classroom learning. However, a boy in my neighbor helped me understand what the youths of today think of this very idea and whether their perception matches mine.

Sebastian’s View on Traditional and Online Learning

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Though, two years younger to me, Sebastian, my next door nephew shared the same view just like me. I was amazed to find how he completed his electrical engineering course through a hybrid module where traditional classes and online learning existed side by side. It wasn't just him but his friends accessed the same learning methodology that proved beneficial in all aspect.

Sebastian and his friends are real life examples of how youths of today perceive traditional and online learning. Though the trend is to seek online education for most youths, Sebastian feels that lack of direct interaction with lecturers and professors in online learning can bring major setbacks during the course. When I asked why he did not opt for absolute traditional methods, he said that his part time job with an organisation had limited his day timing that encouraged him to seek online learning.

Sebastian narrated how he handled studies and job with flexibility without hampering either. He collaborated with his group of friends and initiated the course through internet. The platform helped him seek study materials and massive information on diverse subjects in electrical engineering whenever he felt it feasible. Though the challenges of online education like being able to stay focused and self-directed diverted his concentration at times, he was blessed being able to attend traditional on-site campus.

On campus training on critical subjects like Math, Science and English assisted him sort queries through face to face teaching methods from instructors. Sebastian strongly felt that having face to face interaction and being able to seek practical training really added in making a difference. Not that he was totally in favour of online learning, nor did he believe in spending the major part of the day on campus, so he sought to this blended method of learning. Not just him, but his friends sought the same mode and they benefited immensely.

After talking to Sebastian I realised how youths of today feel about online education and the opinion they hold regarding traditional learning. Self-directed online learning mode combined with social interaction in colleges serve influential role of enriching and engaging students into pursuing courses.

From what Sebastian had experienced, youths of today have a holistic approach towards learning and so according to them both online and traditional learning have essential significance in today’s context.