Asynchronous and Synchronous Learning and Teaching

Introduction

New methods for 21st-century education have provoked educational change. The emergence of online learning in the 1990s, driven by societal changes and technological advancements, has changed the importance of traditional education. Traditionally, acquiring academic skills is the primary motivation for learning; nevertheless, the practicality of knowledge is now the primary component that determines learning style (Wardani et al., 2018). Traditional and online education can be compared by examining their characteristics. In short, online education requires students to fully take on the responsibility for their learning, while in traditional education, this task is shared by both students and teachers (Vroeginday, 2005). Hence, related to the resources of learning, exams, tests, quizzes and assignments, the role of the teacher in both traditional and online education can be distinguished (Li, 2020). All curricula, including the assignments and quizzes for assessing students' comprehension of the content covered in class, and printed or electronic reference materials are supposed to be utilized by the students to the scope of their knowledge of various ideas. However, there are variations between the two systems in terms of capability, interaction, communication, cognitive experiences, and professional growth. While online learning is computer-based, traditional education involves a classroom arrangement (Sun & Chen, 2016). A new viewpoint on the effectiveness and utility of the two educational systems seems to have emerged because of the transition from a 19th century to a 21st century educational system. The rapid advancement of information technology, whose applications have spread from industrial production to practically every aspect of global life, is responsible for this transition (Li, 2020).

There has been a significant increase in the use of online education in recent years. Online education, also known as distance learning or e-learning, refers to delivering educational content and instruction via the Internet. On the other hand, traditional teaching refers to in-person education delivery in a classroom setting. Several advantages to online education make it an attractive option for students. Additionally, online learning is frequently more affordable than traditional learning. Students can save money on transportation and housing costs as they do not need to attend school (Cammarano et al., 2019) physically. Additionally, online courses and degree programs may have lower tuition fees than in-person ones.

Online education does, however, have some potential downsides. The lack of in-person connection with peers and instructors is one of the biggest problems with online learning. Because of this, it could be more challenging for students to stay motivated and seek the assistance they need. Another concern with online education is the quality of the instruction (Sun and Chen, 2016). While many high-quality online programs and courses are available, some are less rigorous or do not provide the same level of support as traditional programs. Traditional teaching and online education each have their own benefits and drawbacks. Traditional education gives face-to-face engagement but may be more expensive and inflexible (Parapi et al., 2020). Online education offers flexibility and cost savings but may lack personal interaction and support in the traditional mode. Ultimately, deciding which type of education to pursue will depend on the individual student's needs, preferences, and goals.