As the trend towards online education grows, there is a growing debate on the overall efficacy of online courses versus classroom of USA University colleges. Teaching in the twentieth century is far more complex than it ever was. Today, as a result of technology, students are empowered and they can choose to study whatever they want and study the same at their own convenience, i.e. anytime and anywhere. This is a powerful option for students who are working in part time jobs. However, while flexibility in timings remains one of its strongest advantages, critics question the efficacy of online programs. Research comparing online versus face-to-face learning is mixed, with results ranging from online superiority to no difference between the two. Many results can be traced to sample or method differences.

Using the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) to estimating student efficiency in this investigation, a leading research firm has found sufficient evidence to indicate that students taking the online course format are more efficient than their offline counterparts. The results show a marked difference between online and offline formats. The research also points out an important fact that those who are employed in either full or part time roles, are familiar with the internet, making it easy for them to take online courses more than those who are not familiar with computer and internet usage. Since online programs provide flexibility, students seem to be more comfortable with this format.

There is the flexibility to do online research and this helps them further in their preparation for the final exams. However there is an issue with online courses and that is to do with discipline. Unlike a classroom atmosphere, online programs tend to handover reins of control to the student. The student, therefore, needs to be passionate about the program, highly committed and disciplined to be able to derive full justice from an online program.

Offline programs work

Offline programs work really well for students who like to learn from a mentor or teacher. These programs provides for interactivity and peer relationships which is lost in the online model. Offline courses are therefore excellent for students who like to learn from a knowledgeable person and these students really do very well in academics.

Comparison of online versus offline

Comparison of online versus offline learning is no doubt of substantial interest to educators and the focus of numerous studies. As preference for online learning increases, mostly due to the convenience and flexibility it offers students, universities in USA find themselves increasing the number of online format courses to meet the growing demand. However, the question remains whether the delivery format of a course, i.e. online versus offline, impacts student performance, their satisfaction and learning.