Currently online degree programs have been a significant increase in universities worldwide. This type of education can be effective such as traditional classes if academic staff of programs use online resources for learning in a positive way. Both online and traditional forms of teaching have some advantages and disadvantages that it is necessary to analyze.
Digital programs in universities have important advantages for the teaching-learning process. Not only do online programs allow students to study from any place that they are but do also they require a minimum of resources such as a notebook and an internet connection. Moreover, it not needed to spend time on transportation from one point to another. However, traditional lessons also have some advantages. This modality promotes more social interaction and strengthens relationships among classmates, fostering critical social skills so relevant for developing learning process.
The teaching-learning process is critical to develop key competencies and social skills. Therefore, the modality of teaching matters. Some people argue disadvantages for online programs and lessons in presence. Digital degree programs could have some risks such as significant isolation and lack of engagement in different tasks from students while traditional lessons could be a little boring for new students’ generations because they are born with digital transformation. Hence, institutions should analyze both positive and negative opportunities of online and traditional programs before implementing lessons.
All these arguments allow us to confirm that online education can be similarly effective to a traditional classroom. Nonetheless, each of them has some advantages and disadvantages, especially in terms of resources for its use and the acquisition of social abilities and relationships, that are key for the development and learning process of university students.