FOR the last more than a year, the education system across the country is on a pendulum swing between physical and online classes. There is a huge difference between face-to-face and online classes. Taking classes in a physical classroom is more exciting and influencing compared to taking them online. Meeting teachers and students in a classroom environment facilitates comprehension with the help of the body language. It is said that an effective communication has a lot to do with understanding the body language. Nearly 55 per cent of the message is understood with the help of body language, 38pc with the tone of the voice, and just 7pc message is transmitted through words. In the physical classroom environment, teachers understand their students better through the feedback they receive, and then plan their lectures accordingly.

The traditional way of taking class, which is called the classroom environment, has become a lot easier to manage because many students learn best through face-to-face interaction or the hands-on approach that is provided by teachers and peers while attending physical classes. Online classes might be effective for some students, but many students learn by doing, seeing and being able to interact with the teacher.

Students in rural areas face many problems in online learning. Some of them lack the technological skills needed to take online classes, some cannot afford a smart-phone, computer and an internet connection, and some students are unable to study because of frequent power breakdowns. Despite these issues they have done their best during the pandemic.

In the physical classroom environment, group assignments are easier because of face-to-face interaction among the peers.

Taking tests in the physical classroom environment can be a little overwhelming, but it is also the best way since the students can ask questions about the test.

Everything changes as time passes by, and I have come to terms with teaching online, but I do miss the traditional classes as they facilitate better communication and provide a better chance of learning and providing feedback.

Muhammad Ali Soomro
Cadet College Petaro

Published in Dawn, August 10th, 2021