Online Courses vs Book Reading

सा विद्या या विमुक्तये meaning “knowledge is one that liberates”

I usually gain knowledge from reading books. But Since 2016, I bought
many online courses. It is good amount of time spent going through
online courses and reading books. Here is my observation.

Though there are very good online courses made by excellent
instructors, professors but I have personally experienced that reading
books is better way to gain knowledge.

Indeed there are lot of benefits of online courses. Just to list few..

1. Flexible: Online education brings lot of flexibility in terms of
class timings, learning pace. It balances work and study.

2. Lots of programs: You can pick course of your interest. Unlike
physical classroom offers, You will find lots of online courses,
almost everything is learned. Also, certificates will be awarded upon
successful completion.

3. Accessibility: Online courses are available on fingertips. No need
to commute. Online education portals made it possible to access
education from anywhere if you ave internet connection, which has
become one of the fundamental need of the human.

4. Cost Effective Education: Unlike costly physical classrooms, online
education is very inexpensive and more affordable. Few online portals
let you pay fees in installments. Also, few online education portals
gives out good discounts.

5. Good for quick and fast learning.

But books have their own advantages.

1. Books give lots of details on the subject.
2. Does not need computer or any devices. It is distraction free.
3. They can be shared. Not advisable, but it is possible.
4. Not aware of science behind it but more content is understood and memorized.

These are personal opinions. I even tried mixing 60% online course and
40% book reading and found that it ineffective. I even tried vary
percentage of this mixture but found it unsatisfactory. One can try it
and if it works well, then it would be good.

I tried reading books on amazon kindle. It has its own advantages but
it will not parallel physical book reading experience.

So return to book reading and be happy. Happy reading.