Online College Degrees vs. Traditional - Know the Differences
Each student learns in a different way. Some are visual learners that need to see their learning in action. Some students are fine with long passages of text to read. Still others learn better under pressure of a deadline. Online study programs are competing with colleges and universities to win over students. There are pros and cons on both sides when deciding which type of learning environment to choose.
The classroom is the traditional arena for academics. Being present in a physical sense validates the existence of the program and your right to participate in it. The instructor faces the class and begins an hour long lecture about a particular subject of study. Questions can be asked at the end of class or during a pause in the instructor’s monologue. This is not all similar to a pure online college degree setting — which could be your bedroom or a local coffee shop!
The traditional college setting offers something that is hard to beatsocial interaction. College campuses are always teeming with life. There are several extracurricular activities to enjoy. For younger students, these interactions shape the person that they will be later on in life.
Community colleges and some universities have developed degree programs for older students. They have class in the evening so that they can work during the day. Instead of feeling ancient sitting in a class of twenty-something kids, students are among other older working professionals who want to complete their education.
While the classroom is the "way it has always been done" that doesn’t mean that it is the best for all students. Part time students more than likely live off campus. Some are single, but many are married with or without families.
This brings up the issue of travel. The campus could be around the corner or twenty minutes away. After a long day at work, that is a bit of a distance to drive. After a long night at school, it is an even longer way to drive home. With the price of gas, driving back and forth to school is getting expensive especially if you have classes several days a week.
Even with night classes, schedules have to be juggled to make it to the classroom on time. If a child is sick or the car breaks down, class will be missed. Some programs only allow a certain number of absences from that class before the student is dropped and has to retake the class. The worst part is that the class has already been paid for and they are not giving the money back.
Distance learning has its advantages as well. There is no room and board fee like on a college campus. Private colleges and universities raise their rates each year. Pretty soon students will have to take out a mortgage on the house to afford the cost. Without this cost the prices are manageable, but vary according to area of study. Payment plans can be arranged with the business office so that you don’t go broke trying to fund your education.
Distance learning in the virtual classroom lets students design their own schedule. If you have to work late tonight, you don’t have to miss class and risk getting dropped. Course work can be done in the middle of the night if you desire. When kids are sick, you may need to miss work, but you can still make class since it convenes on your computer.
Students are not limited by their location when applying to distance learning programs. You can apply and get accepted at that school in Washington State that offers an online engineering degree. No matter where you live, all online degree programs are accessible if you have a computer and Internet access. This aspect is appealing.
There is a down side. Some online schools sound too good to be true. Accreditation can be an issue with the institution you have chosen. Without accreditation, employers won’t accept the degree as legitimate. You could lose your job if the degree you’ve earned is not from a recognized school.
Sitting at the computer all day can be lonely. With no one to talk to, some students can get bored easily. There previous enthusiasm wanes and all sorts of distractions steal their attention. Procrastination among distance learning students is not a good habit. You can work at your own pace, but if you take too long, that distance learning degree will cost you more money than you thought. Discipline and commitment are strong keys for success.
When deciding between the traditional classroom and the online classroom, you must weigh the benefits of distance learning for yourself. Knowing your personality is the best way to determine which one will bring you the best chance of success.
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