What Is a Live Online Class?

It’s hard to believe, but online learning has been around for more than 20 years. It’s more popular than ever, with more and more schools and programs offering online education. What’s more, it has made all kinds of knowledge accessible to millions of people worldwide who would not otherwise have access to it.

Live online classes are one of the many types of online learning available now, and it has only become more popular during the COVID-19 pandemic. Let’s look at what live online classes are and their benefits and potential pitfalls.

What Is a Live Online Class?

A live online class is the closest thing you can get to in-person instruction with distance learning. The instructor and students “meet” in an online classroom at regular, predetermined times in a live online class.

The students and instructor can see and speak with each other. This platform allows the instructor to explain complex concepts, respond to questions from students, and engage in a class-wide discussion.

On many platforms, instructors can also send groups of students into private “rooms” for group work. They can use the platform to meet one-on-one with students who are struggling with concepts or anything else.

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A live online class is the closest thing you can get to in-person instruction with distance learning.

How Are Live Online Classes Different From Traditional Online Learning Methods?

The most significant difference between other online learning methods and live online classes is also the most important. It lies in the level of interaction between the instructor and students and the students with each other.

As discussed above, live online classes have regular online meetings that the instructor and students attend together. Attendance in class is often mandatory, and part of the grade, and the instructor may also require participation.

Traditional online classes do not have these meetings, so the professor must structure the course very differently. They must carefully assign readings, and many post videos of themselves explaining complex concepts. Discussions usually take place on discussion boards where students post and respond to each other.

For many learners, live online classes are wonderful alternatives to traditional online learning methods. This is because students in live online classes have the opportunity to talk to their professor, ask questions, and get clarification on significant issues.

Think about it: with regular online classes, the instructor often doesn’t realize that the class is struggling with a concept until it’s time to grade their assignments. With live online courses, the instructor can seek feedback from the learners to see if they understand or need something explained differently.

What are the Downsides of Live Online Classes?

Live online learning isn’t best for everyone. The biggest downside to this style of education is that it is not self-paced. People who have inflexible or demanding schedules need to be able to sign on and work whenever they’re available. They can’t commit to meeting at regular times.

In addition, live online classes won’t work for people learning from far-away distances. If you live in Europe, a course that meets at 6 PM EST could meet at midnight or later, which doesn’t work for most people.

Finally, some people’s learning styles work better with independent work. They need to teach themselves to learn. That being said, it’s also important to note that all humans are social creatures by nature; this lack of interaction is more detrimental than helpful.

Give Live Online Classes a Try

If you’re curious about what live online classes are like, give them a try on a site like Amphy. Amphy offers free or low-coast live classes in a vast array of courses. They’re perfect for learning a new skill, trying out a hobby, or honing your talents.