Are Online Math Classes Easier or Harder? Find Out Now | Master Teaching Online (2023)

FAQs

Are online classes an effective method of teaching? ›

We say — yes, they are. If done correctly, online classes can be as effective as regular school classes, even more for some students. In our years-long experience, we concluded that distance learning is efficient with a quality curriculum in combination with the right method of education and pedagogical approach.

The online teaching challenge: Staying connected with students. One of the challenges of online classes is that much of the learning is completed asynchronously and students often feel disconnected from their instructor, as well as their peers.

Classrooms allow teachers more control over students. They get a chance to understand the needs of each student better. They can solve problems more effectively. Online learning can be a great opportunity in 2022 but it involves less control of teachers over students.

Just a few years back online learning was considered non-essential. Most of the parents and students who got online learning solutions considered it supplementary. However, the pandemic times showed the benefits of online schooling and how it is not just a supplementary source, but the future of education.

Aside from the mental and physical exhaustion, Bernardo said that many teachers are also struggling with lack of resources. “Our salaries are not enough and now, there are additional expenses for distance learning,” she added. Bernardo noted that like students, teachers need academic ease too.

Technical issues, such as unreliable wi-fi or poor audio quality, can greatly amplify these challenges of online learning by making it harder for teachers to understand and respond to their students' questions and concerns.

The majority of teachers (85.44%) preferred to give assignments or projects during online teaching (Figure 2).

How is teaching online different from face-to-face? ›

The course schedule is the most obvious difference. The typical face-to-face course is synchronous; both teacher and learner must be present at the same time and in the same place (or at least the same Zoom session). One of the reasons online courses have grown in popularity is that these courses are asynchronous.

Online education enables the teacher and the student to set their own learning pace, and there's the added flexibility of setting a schedule that fits everyone's agenda. As a result, using an online educational platform allows for a better balance of work and studies, so there's no need to give anything up.

There is no “best” method of teaching. However, many researchers today agree that including more student-centered learning approaches in the classroom can improve learning. Using only a teacher-centered approach leaves out many skills and learning opportunities for students.

Experiential learning is a great teaching method because it encourages creativity, helps students learn from mistakes, fosters reflective thinking, and prepares students for future experiences. It can be effective for several subjects, especially during science experiments, sports coaching, and group projects.

Is it harder to teach online? ›

As hard as distance teaching might be for us, it's likely even harder for our students. They've gone from classrooms explicitly designed to support learning, to bedrooms and kitchen tables where distractions are plentiful and expert support isn't always on hand.

While there may be certain social benefits to face-to-face education options, there really is no difference between online vs. classroom learning in terms of the quality of education. Both cover the same material and require the same exams.

Online courses can be wonderful educational opportunities for students whose schedules or situations do not permit them to attend classes in classrooms. However, they are generally not easier than in-person classes and are often more difficult.

In classroom learning, students can interact face-to-face with their teacher. In a physical classroom, students can ask questions and get the correct answers. It offers a dynamic learning experience. They even get a chance to share their experiences.

According to researchers, 65 percent of students preferred in-person instruction, compared to 18 percent who prefer a hybrid model and 9 percent who reported they'd rather learn remotely. However, the survey found significant differences between ethnic groups.

Face-to-face education is better than online education since it boosts interpersonal interaction between students and their instructors, encourages students to connect with others and learn how to socialize with different people, and there is less distraction.

“More than 90% teachers felt that no meaningful assessment of children's learning was possible during online classes. Parents have echoed this sentiment with almost 70% being of the opinion that online classes are not effective for the learning of their children,” the survey has claimed.

What are the negative effects of online learning? ›

The biggest advantage of online classes is their flexibility. It gives students the freedom to establish their own learning rate without feeling rushed. Students can simply attend courses whenever it is convenient for them because they have access to recorded videos and online reading material.

VAK Teaching: Visual, Audio and Kinesthetic (movement) teaching, or VAK teaching, is a latest teaching method where teachers identify the category in which a student falls—that is, whether they are visual learners, audio learners or kinesthetic learners.

Why is online learning more effective? ›

Online education enables the teacher and the student to set their own learning pace, and there's the added flexibility of setting a schedule that fits everyone's agenda. As a result, using an online educational platform allows for a better balance of work and studies, so there's no need to give anything up.

Some students do as well in online courses as in in-person courses, some may actually do better, but, on average, students do worse in the online setting, and this is particularly true for students with weaker academic backgrounds. Students who struggle in in-person classes are likely to struggle even more online.

It reduces nervousness among students, as many are able to communicate more through online education than regular classes. One can learn from merely anyplace as long as they have an available internet device. Online education normally provides a chance to study at our own speed as there is no rush.

“More than 90% teachers felt that no meaningful assessment of children's learning was possible during online classes. Parents have echoed this sentiment with almost 70% being of the opinion that online classes are not effective for the learning of their children,” the survey has claimed.

The Advantages of Face to Face Learning in the Classroom

You can access more information and richer understanding through teacher and other students' body language and voice. You have the opportunity to connect with, problem-solve, and network with other students from a wide range of backgrounds.

What are the benefits of online learning for teachers? ›

In conclusion, online learning is beneficial to the students, tutors and the institution offering these courses. I would therefore recommend that online learning be implemented on all learning institutions and research on how to improve this learning process should be carried out.

The amount of content learned with online methods exceeds that of traditional face-to-face methods. E-learning allows people to learn in their own style and at their own speed. Taken together with the increased engagement, these aspects of online learning benefit knowledge retention.