Comparative Analysis of Online and Traditional Classroom Instruction in Higher Education

Abstract

This study compares the online classroom education with the traditional classroom education of post-secondary education. Online learning is a recent trend in recent years, particularly at the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, which boosted the introduction of remote learning. Even though online learning is more convenient and accessible, some concern still exists regarding the issue of student engagement, interaction, and academic outcomes compared to those of the traditional classroom. This study will have a comparative discussion of online and traditional learning platforms systematically in the context of academic performance, student participation, and satisfaction. It was a mixed-methods study, which included quantitative (study of academic performance data (grades, test scores, completion rates, etc.) and qualitative surveys and interviews to determine the level of student engagement and satisfaction. The sample was comprised of 200 students of the university pursuing online and traditional courses. Statistical analysis, such as T-tests and ANOVA, was performed, and significant variation in academic performance was found, with the traditional classroom students having high performance in comparison to the online learners. Besides, online learners also reported that there was less interaction and engagement, even though they valued asynchronous learning. The study has found that online education is flexible, but classroom education is superior regarding offering student engagement as well as academic performance.