ONLINE LEARNING VS TRADITIONAL CLASSROOMS

Abstract

Online learning has become a transformative force in education, reshaping how knowledge is delivered, accessed, and experienced across diverse contexts. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of online learning, tracing its historical evolution from early computer-assisted instruction to the widespread adoption of digital platforms accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The development of digital learning platforms and technological advancements has spurred the expansion of online learning, hence challenging traditional styles. This comparison evaluates various aspects of both pedagogical styles, including student engagement, learning outcomes, accessibility, and pedagogical effectiveness. The research design includes a systematic review of the existing scholarly literature and student and instructor surveys. The findings reveal that both online and traditional learning have strengths and weaknesses, where online learning offers flexibility and accessibility and traditional learning allows more structured interaction.