Online vs. Offline Study Meghana Manay | PGPEM 2016

To answer the question on whether online or offline classes work better for a Master’s level programme, we need to go back to the fundamentals of communication. Each individual works differently and has differences in understanding and in learning. Finance may seem like a cakewalk for some while Operations may not be as simple. We take time observing and picking up the momentum. We have been taught and have understood the need to communicate important, sensitive information in person rather than over a phone call or an e-mail unless absolutely certain of the other person’s reaction. Why so?

The success of a Master’s level program is not just determined by the subject or the faculty, but it also depends on the ability of the students to learn. Great professors, some that I have had the privilege to learn from, will leave their mark on you even after the course ends. It is not a one-sided platform that established this bond. We left richer with in depth subject knowledge and the possibility to reach out to each other whenever needed.

I have also had the opportunity to take an online class hosted by a professor specialized in Entrepreneurship from an internationally renowned university. The session was hosted on a two-way platform, which made discussion possible. We could also interact and contribute on subjects that we had the knowledge and experience in.

I had my inhibitions before taking up the course but my skepticism was put to rest when I understood how the classes were conducted and the technology used. Even though the class enabled us to see each other virtually and commanded similar levels of seriousness that a contact-based classroom session needed, it had its drawbacks, which only offline sessions could solve. At times, there was a lack of discipline on both sides. It became easier for classes to be rescheduled as both sides only had to log on to take the course and sometimes it was easy to cheat the screen. Without face-to-face interaction among students, the relationships established were not strong enough to hold once the course was over. Moreover, very few participants were comfortable with their virtual image and the varying ambiance gave students mixed messages on the levels of discipline. In the end, was it worth it? I would say it was for a short, distance-learning class, which has no credits.

How do we compare online non-interactive videos with the lessons taught online? How impactful are the videos that we can access from Google to get more information on topics that are new? It always leaves one with unresolved queries. Why choose to have a strategic study plan when there is a plethora of information available online today; through free resources? Platforms like Ted, Tedx, Investopedia, Coursera, videos on YouTube and others can give answers to diverse queries. What will set the online classrooms apart from the others in that case?

The subject thus raises plenty of questions. It may even question the credibility of a course. The course I completed allowed me to develop a relationship with my classmates and the faculty. It gave structure to my learning and application was easy. The kind of discipline it demanded could only be attained through the classroom environment.

In the end, I guess, one would have to understand the nature of the subject, affordability, the kind of time that can be allotted, convenience and intention from study before choosing to part take in an online or offline or a hybrid program (a combination of the two).

To me the order goes as, classroom sessions with contact hours, followed by online interactive classroom sessions with offline study. To sum it up, only if absolutely necessary, would I resort to learning through online videos and pre-recoded tutorials.

Manay Manay

Meghana Manay is an IIMB-PGPEM graduate with an entrepreneurial background. She started my career at Ernst & Young before moving into the marketing domain. She has worked with a few companies in PR and Marketing Communications before joining the family business – S R Gopal Rao Opticians & Optometrists. She is now responsible for all activities related to marketing & expansion for the firm. She recently launched her own venture which is now incubated at IIMB’s NS Raghavan Centre for Entrepreneurial Learning.