When it comes to understanding the arc of education as an industry, it is fair to say that there has been an incredible wealth of information and ongoing innovation in the field. Education has maintained its prominence as a traditionally-clad industry, a feat that is remarkable in a world that is growing increasingly digitally-inclined by the day. Despite its stubborn power, however, recent years have seen a gradual shift in education, as it struggles with now having to play catch up with the rest of the modern world. Finally, learners from all over the globe have the decision of how they want to access education. There have been many debates, even heated arguments, about which platform of education, which approach to learning, is better, so which is it? Well, the complicated truth is that neither is better. But why?

Traditional learning

The premise of traditional education is that it is centred around broad structure and strict learning approaches. This appeals to some learners because they thrive in a structured environment with key learning objectives and educational motives. Some students really love being in the same classroom, at the same time, learning at the same pace as everyone else in the room. There will always be learners who function best in this way, and so traditional education will always have a place in the world. But the fact of the matter is that not all students do thrive in this broadly set, strictly structured environment, so what happens to those learners?

Modern online education

Enter online learning. The introduction of online education gave way to a whole new choice for students, and it is a choice that has opened the doors to tens of thousands of eager individuals who, if traditional education remained the only option, would be unable to pursue further study. Today, e-learning platforms give students the opportunity to learn in the environment of their choosing (thus also eliminating geographical exclusivity…two birds with one stone), at the pace they are comfortable with, and on their own terms. Now, students who have other commitments that need to be on equal par, or even above, education, have the chance to finally, truly have it all.

The only real difference

While there are pros and cons to each format of education now available, the reality is that the only real difference, the only mark that sets the two apart, is the way that students access their education. Realistically, traditional education and online learning are two sides of the same coin. Traditional education is perfect for students who thrive in structured environments with broadly set learning objectives and paces. On the other hand, online learning gives students the flexibility to learn where, how, and when they want to. This is the age of globally inclusive education…all any student needs is a reliable device, an internet connection, and a passion for their chosen degree. If this is the current reality, the future of education is even brighter – and that is a beautiful thing to be able to say.

1. digital learning