With the rapid evolution of technology observed over the past couple of decades, the realm of education has been changed drastically, with innovative techniques, approaches, and tools being incorporated into the process. However, of all changes that the realm of education has experienced, the creation of online learning spaces is, perhaps, the most significant. Although the goals of online learning are precisely the same as those of offline one, the methods with the help of which teachers and students arrive at set goals are strikingly different. Due to the greater range of flexibility in online learning, it can offer better opportunities for time management and the creation of a personalized learning approach, whereas in-person learning provides a teacher with better control over the class.
Starting with the in-person learning as the most common type of education, one should address the opportunity to control the extent of students’ motivation and engagement carefully, adjusting the teaching approach accordingly. Since offline learning does not imply the same amount of control due to the restricted communication options and challenges in applying nonverbal communication techniques for spotting changes in learners’ attitudes, a teacher may have reduced control over the learners’ engagement in the offline setting. However, arguably, the extent of control over the learning process restricts the opportunities for building learners’ agency and implementing the guided discovery approach, where students take initiative in exploring the subject matter. Therefore, the level of control as an advantage is a rather contestable point.
In turn, the online learning setting has a range of advantages to offer both to students and to educators. The issue of time management is the most obvious one since, unlike the in-person learning process, students do not have to move from one room to another when switching from one class to another, which saves a significant amount of time. Additionally, learning in a familiar setting will imply a greater extent of comfort and, thus, will lead to increased motivation. One could argue that, unlike a classroom, which is always kept tidy and arranged in the way that allows maximizing its utility for learning, the home setting may be quite cluttered and not ergonomic enough to encourage learners to focus on studying. Therefore, online learning can also boast a more rational approach toward arranging the learning setting.
Given the range of characteristics mentioned above and the current focus on building independence, self-sufficiently, and agency in learners, the choice of the online setting appears to be more beneficial. Once a proper leadership approach to motivating students is developed, a teacher can utilize a broad range of tools and offer learning experiences that will be conducive to building academic curiosity in students. As a result, the online learning process needs to be considered as the next chapter in improving the current education system and promoting enhanced learning with additional opportunities for building critical skills.
Since offline learning does not require spatial arrangements, it offers greater flexibility both to students and to teachers, which improves time management; however, offline learning creates premises for better control over students. Thus, online learning can be considered more challenging in keeping learners motivated and engaged, which calls for the implementation of an appropriate leadership strategy and the development of interactive exercises that help students to remain proactive. Therefore, both types of learning have their advantages, yet online learning should be viewed as the course for the future development of the academic environment due to the potential that it offers for shared learning.