Effectiveness of traditional and online learning: comparative analysis from the student perspective

Abstract

The article discusses challenges of effective learning in classroom and online environments from the student perspective. The aim of the study is to analyse university students’ perception of advantages and disadvantages of digital education. The article presents comparative analysis of traditional classroom and online academic environments as viewed by first- and second-year Russian students majoring in management and economics. The study is a questionnaire-based research. Quantitative and qualitative research methods were applied to achieve study’s objectives. Special attention was paid to the analysis of students’ perception of a modern university teacher role in the classroom and online settings. The findings prove positive attitude of the respondents to digital learning and showed students’ awareness of the barriers to effective distance learning, including their laziness and inability to concentrate. The research results can help practitioners and educators better understand students’ learning needs and assist them in achieving academic success.