IELTS Writing task 2

Please help me with this essay. Thank you very much!

Many people can now study at home through distance-learning programs via Internet or television. But some people say this kind of education cannot be compared to attending a college. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Write at least 250 words. Provide relevant examples if necessary.

It is believed that e-learning can stand a chance of thriving in this computer-based world. However, there are voices that online learning pales into insignificance compared to face-to-face interaction. In my opinion, while virtual classroom is on the rise, traditional education still can not be wholy supplanted.

On the one hand, online education saves an abundance of money spent on improving infrastructure and opens up more opportunity for everyone to access education. First and foremost, e-learning can be based on a virtual world without the limitation of the brick-and-mortal settings in traditional schools. That means the government and educators can allocate the money needed for improving the physical facilities to other aspects such as educator quality or rewarding potential students... Secondly, online education equals open education. In the past, only people who have access to college in terms of finance, geographical location or time can attend higher education. However, with the help of technology and the widely spread of information, learners of every age, with any financial background can receive tertiary education at any time and any where with their own paces.

On the other hand, the traditional method of learning provides students with hands-on experience and the interaction that they otherwise can not acquire through virtual learning. First of all, there are various disciplines, such as engineering or ones that involve laboratory experiments, require applying theory into reality. In this case, experiments and direct observation of the subject matter play a significant role in helping students put their knowledge into function and have a general view of how things work. Secondly, face-to-face interaction that can only occur in offline courses can offer learners with social skills and helping with the more efficient delivery of knowledge rather than an awkward connection via the Internet. For example, through a project done in a traditional classroom, students have more opportunity to co-operate and acquire the knowledge profoundly together. In contrast, online courses usually involve only one learner due to its flexibility, hence restricts one's skills mentioned above.

To sum up, although online learning is having its place in this ever-changing world, in-class courses can not be completely substituted.