The differences, pros and cons of learning Offline Vs Online and which learning style is more suited to your personality? having taught both Online and Offline classes for multiple years now, Inchin Closer helps you decide which way of learning would work best for you.

As the world has clearly moved on from covid and traffic and travel have increased exponentially, we again find ourselves with little time to manage our passions. The things that we enjoyed doing in our spare time, skills that we would love to learn one day are pushed aside as daily tasks take over. We once again find ourselves busy with chores, completing homework, micromanaging others and finally socialising with friends.

It’s tough to eek out time to learn something new and learning online saves a lot of time in commuting to class and back. However the advantage of being in a class, meeting fellow classmates, interacting with the teacher are far more engaging and invigorating for many learners too. So what are the advantages and disadvantages of learning Online Vs Offline?

Advantages of learning online:

Multimedia: Learning online can include learning through multiple media such as videos, podcasts and social media which makes the learning process so much more exciting and interesting for learners. Many students learn concepts in different ways, for teachers, being able to select resources for a large pool helps create different teaching techniques. This can help learners of different strengths learn in a way that is more applicable to them.

Flexible: Online classes can be consumed at anytime from anywhere. Whether you are travelling for work or prefer to learn in the middle of the might once the kids are asleep, online classes can be consumed at ones own pace. Additionally, If you miss a class, theres an advantage of recording it to watch it later and catch up. Learning is no longer restricted to the pace of the class or teacher.

Repetition: Exercises to be completed online, can be repeated multiple times until students get the answers correct. Being able to repeatedly look at and better understand a concept directly benefits introverted learners who often feel shy to stand out and ask a question in class. This is a fantastic tool especially when learning a new skill. Remember, practice makes perfect!

Learn from the best: logging on and having access to the best courses from around the world, without having to travel is a major advantage of learning online. Being able to interact remotely with students from around the world and being exposed to new ideas without having to shell out too much money helped many people gain new skills online.

Accurate measurement of performance: Many skills development courses are able to track a students performance and accurately measure their performance on various micro skill levels. This in turn helps the teacher plan her class to suit the specific strengths and weaknesses of each student.

No traffic: No longer do students have to commute for a long time, wait in traffic or do their homework on the bus or train home. This time-saving technique has opened up opportunities to do so much more!

Advantages of learning offline:

Interpersonal: The lockdowns around the world taught us how badly we lacked being able to see our close friends, meet and greet colleagues in the office. Humans are made for interpersonal relationships, we thrive on it, therefore being able to interact with others augments learning in a classroom environment.

Tactile and therefore Engaging: The feel of a textbook in front of you, the desk, the chair, a pen and paper in your hands and the sir spiced with knowledge auger a climate that helps students remain disciplined and focused on only the subject thats being taught.

Concentration: Sitting in a classroom thats silent, with others that are as intent on listening to the teacher creates a space thats highly conducive to learning. It’s easier to soak in information without myriad distractions that we might have at home.

Discussion: Ever stayed back after class to discuss a problem with the teacher? or do you learn better through group discussions and interactive role plays where you can display multiple personality traits in your learning? Offline learning aids largely extroverted students who enjoy learning with others.

Invigorating: Leading most of our lives online, in a web created a sense of fatigue for many who felt that they were constantly “ON”. Time zones got blurred and meetings would be held for the smallest things that could’ve easily been solved with a simple in-person conversation. This created a sense of being burnt out and not wanting to do anything online anymore. Interacting with friends and colleges in a classroom invigorated a sense of learning for many.

Unreliable internet speeds: We are highly dependant on the juice that feeds all our computers and enables us to learn from multiple sources and myriad locations. However, if the internet is slow, or non-existent where you are, then access to online courses is limited or restricted automatically. Being so dependant on one factor isn’t conducive to learning.

In conclusion, whether you decide to learn offline or in person, gaining a new skill depends on various factors. Whats convenient to you in your particular situation, your level of motivation, dedication and time constraints. While we got used to learning online during the lockdowns, many people feel a sense of fatigue learning online. At the same time, there are others who prefer having access to the best courses worldwide. The option is yours.

Inchin Closer has conducted offline, in person classes for the past 10 of our 13 years. We have ample experience in teaching both offline and online. Our students have found it equally convenient to learn online with us as they found learning at our physical centers. Inchin Closers classes have endeavoured to remain as engaging online as they were offline. All our classes continued to have native Chinese teachers, and maintain the same level of camaraderie, interactivity and fun – whether offline or online.

As some of Inchin Closers classes move offline again, we will continue to offer students the option of learning either online or offline. The choice is yours, based on your preferences. Inchin Closers dedication to teaching each individual equally and with as much care and passion will remain unabated.