Distance Learning vs. In-Person Learning: The Main Differences

The availability of distance learning courses is constantly increasing. Various segments of education are taking advantage of this modality, from technical education to postgraduate courses, in addition to numerous short and open courses.

Supplemented by completion certificates, courses like these become very attractive for those who want to boost their academic record.

Not only are the offerings growing, but so is the demand for this type of education. After all, with the emergence of increasingly user-friendly and intuitive LMS (learning management system) platforms, the process of developing autonomy in learning becomes simpler.

However, there are those who do not give up on traditional education, focused on the in-person modality. This modality is part of individuals' educational journey, especially because studies in basic education are still offered mandatorily in the in-person format, with the exception of the pandemic period.

Furthermore, certain courses with practical instruction, such as medicine, require greater attention from students, making it necessary to maintain in-person teaching.

There are ongoing discussions about these different modalities, and in today's text, we will address the main differences between distance education and in-person education, their quality, and the importance of each modality.

We'll help you understand what you need to consider before choosing which course to take. Here you'll find:

• In-person learning
• Distance learning
• Main differences between the modalities
• Skills development through distance learning

In-person learning

First of all, we need to make it clear that both modalities are recognized by the Ministry of Education (MEC), and there is no difference between a diploma from in-person education and distance learning. Regarding the workload, the Law of Guidelines and Bases of Education requires that both modalities have the same duration.

With that in mind, let's better understand how in-person teaching works.

It is the most traditional and oldest teaching method. All course content is presented in the classroom, whether at the school or another educational institution, where students and teachers meet in person for all classes.

The schedules follow the calendar and respect the shift, which can be morning, afternoon, or evening. Another point about in-person teaching is that the student needs to be at least... 75% attendance in classesIn order to pass, students must have a grade based on their attendance in class, in addition to having a grade at the institution's average.

Distance Learning

The main characteristic of Distance Learning (EAD) is flexibility, meaning that students can attend classes whenever and wherever they can, as long as they have a device compatible with the institution's system and are connected to the internet.

This is a very common option among people who have busy schedules but don't want to stop updating their skills for the job market.

Another advantage of distance learning is related to financial savings, as online courses tend to be cheaper than in-person courses.

In addition to the lower monthly tuition, the student saves on transportation and food expenses, since they don't need to be physically present at the institution.

Main differences between the modalities

As we mentioned earlier, the main difference between in-person and distance learning is in relation to class schedules, since in-person learning requires a greater commitment from the student to the schedule, while distance learning allows for more flexibility. time flexibility and provides space for the student, who can attend classes from anywhere and at any time.

Another much-discussed difference concerns assessments. In face-to-face classes, assessments are carried out in the traditional way, in a classroom and under the supervision of the teacher, with a set time for completing the test.

This format also includes activities established by the teacher, which can be done in groups or individually.

In distance learning, some institutions have a physical center for conducting assessments, where the student needs to go to the university on the date of the assessment to be able to take it.

However, most activities are conducted online, in the Institution's Virtual Learning Environment. The completion time for the activity is also predetermined.

In-person courses provide a greater interactivity and exchange of experiences with other students, due to the almost daily interaction with other classmates, causing them to form bonds.

This is something that rarely happens in distance learning, as the number of meetings with the rest of the students in the class is very limited.

Both options offer advantages and disadvantages for the student. To choose which modality to follow, it is necessary to analyze which one fits best.

It's a mistake to believe that teaching through virtual platforms is easier. A virtual class requires just as much effort as a face-to-face class.

Because in-person learning is established in most people's lives from early childhood, we are used to waiting for materials from the teacher, spending most of our time listening to explanations, through a passive, teacher-centered teaching method.

When students encounter platforms that demand effort, self-learning, and proactive initiative, they realize how much they need to improve.

It is necessary to develop skills and abilities in this educational process.

Skills development through distance learning

Many skills are required to use digital platforms for distance education. Students who wish to pursue this learning modality need to be willing to learn independently.

Believing in your potential, being flexible and reinventing yourself whenever necessary. Organization and discipline These are fundamental characteristics for anyone interested in this type of sport.

Both teaching methods are important and have their own characteristics. Each person needs to look at themselves and their routine, and analyze which is the best option. Both formats will continue to coexist and work together for a long time, aiming to improve education and reach more and more people.

Technology will increasingly offer alternatives to the traditional educational process as we know it, focusing on innovative solutions, especially in learning platforms.

Solutions that could even be used in face-to-face teaching as a complement.

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Nathalia Silva

Journalist, writer, and lover of words.

September 13, 2021