An online school may lack the overall experience of traditional classes.
The debate between online classes or going to an actual brick and mortar school comes down to the type of scholar that you are. Some, who are more independent and learn better on their own, will find that an online school is best, while others, who prefer the social aspect and the variety of actually going to school, will prefer the brick and mortar option. Whatever type of scholar you are, carefully comparing the two types of classes can help you choose the one right for you.
Convenience
When it comes to the issue of time and schedule, online classes rule. That's because you can often read through the course material and submit your assignments on your own time, so long as it's done within a certain time period. Online classes often operate without an actual schedule, making it more convenient for you to finish your coursework whenever you have the time, such as before and after work, or around family duties.
Experience
The overall experience of going to a brick and mortar school could be lost should you opt for online classes. Going to a face-to-face class gives you an opportunity to interact with your teacher and other students, which can sometimes enhance your learning experience. If deciding on the right type of school for your college experience, you may choose to live on campus and make new friends, something that isn't available if you opt for an online course. However, some post-secondary schools offer online courses in conjunction with regular classes, allowing you to complete both concurrently for credits, while getting the full college experience.
Performance
If your decisions between online and traditional classes comes down to the overall results, a 2010 study by the United States Department of Education found that in general, those who attended online classes performed better than those who learned via face-to-face classes. Some of the reasons for the findings include the learning conditions of a brick and mortar school paired with the actual time spent on learning the course material.
Assignments
The type of assignments that you're asked to fulfill will differ for each type of class. For online classes, written assignments and online tests are the easiest to track and grade, so there's little room or capabilities for other types. In person, your teacher can use a variety of assignments, such as group projects, art projects and experience-based assignments that an online instructor cannot. If you're someone who thrives on variety in education, face-to-face classes may be a better fit.
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