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Online Education or Traditional College Learning
Advantages and Disadvantages of Distance Learning vs. Face-to-Face
Is it better to attend an online college or university, or to go the traditional route? Here are some of the pros and cons to consider of both educational options.
As online colleges and universities become more commonplace, many traditional and nontraditional students find themselves wondering if distance education is for them – or if the "brick and mortar," college classroom setting is a better fit. Of course, there's no easy answer to this question. For students making this decision, here are some advantages and disadvantages of online colleges – as well as the pros and cons of traditional education.
Interaction with Faculty and Peers: Online Education vs. Traditional Classrooms
Face-to-face contact with faculty is certainly one major advantage of a traditional college or university. For students who can't imagine learning without this level of direct interaction, the traditional route may be the best.
On the other hand, online students do interact with faculty members as well, albeit virtually. In a quality online class with well-constructed discussions and assignments, a student might actually get more interaction with a faculty member than in a traditional classroom. Moreover, online faculty are usually focused primarily on teaching, which is not always the case of faculty members at a research institution.
For interaction with peers, traditional schools allow students many more opportunities to meet and form a sense of community. On the other hand, online courses can be surprisingly interactive. Unlike traditional classrooms, where students have the option of sitting silently in the back row, most online students have to participate as part of their grade. This can lead to a surprisingly supportive and friendly atmosphere to write papers for students.
Time Flexibility: Online Education vs. Traditional Classrooms
When it comes to setting one's own schedule, online education certainly has its advantages. While students still have deadlines, they can schedule their courses around jobs, families, and other obligations. For nontraditional students, this may be the way to go.
On the other hand, students in search of flexibility need not rule out the traditional educational institution. While many colleges and universities cater to traditional aged, full time students, others are specifically geared to working adults. In addition, many large universities have programs for nontraditional students that offer night classes and other services.
One kind of flexibility where online schools can't be beat is geographical flexibility. Online students have the freedom to take courses from just about anywhere.
Quality of Education: Online Education vs. Traditional Classrooms
Both online courses and traditional courses vary immensely in quality, even within the same schools or programs. Students need to do their research to find the best teachers and programs.
One advantage that online courses have in terms of quality is that many of them are designed more carefully than traditional classes. An instructor at a traditional school can throw together a syllabus and wing it. In contrast, many online schools employ an instructional design model. Teams of subject matter experts, curriculum experts, course developers, editors, and media specialists work together to create courses with students' needs in mind.
On the other hand, even if online courses are of high quality, they still may carry a stigma. Some employers, graduate schools, and others look at online education as inferior. Although this perception is certainly changing, this is something to keep in mind.
Learning Styles: Online Education vs. Traditional Classrooms
How a student learns best is a personal question. For students who work well independently, enjoy technology, and enjoy interacting with others in a virtual environment, online learning many be ideal. For students who thrive on face-to-face contact and need a set schedule to keep them on track, a traditional classroom may be better.
Online Education or Traditional Education?
Not sure which choice is the better one? If at all possible, students should experiment with both kinds of classes to see what works best. Sometimes this isn't an "either or" choice, as more and more traditional schools are offering online courses too. Regardless of a student's final choice, there are more options out there than ever for taking college courses or earning a degree.