Online Classes vs. Traditional Classroom Learning

A lot of students prefer the comfort of learning on their own, rather than with their peers, which is one of the biggest benefits of online education. Due to the fact that all teacher are not the same, different teaching methods and speeds, onlines classes gives the student the advantage to go at their own pace and time to digest the material. Chapters and assignments are emailed to the student, for which are given a guideline to be completed. Most will agree that having to not fight traffic and look for parking spots are two less stressors you don't have to deal while taking online courses. Online education has a plethora of subjects that students can enroll in to further their education that some colleges or universities might not

Contrary, to what others have stated about online college classes, I found that there are many advantages and disadvantages for those who choose to advance in their career. Online college courses have become worldwide allowing individuals like me to make their own decisions on how to manage their college courses. Before I made a decision to take college courses online I had to be sure I was up for the challenge. Online college classes require the same amount of commitment as the traditional colleges. As I made the decision to attend online college courses I also explore every element of life factors and different skill techniques to help me succeed in my college classes.

Online classes are best for people who feel they can produce better work in an isolated environment with no instructor or classmates directly in front of them. This also benefits more for people with full time jobs or other commitments that would prevent them from going to the classroom. Now the downside to this is that you have more temptation to be distracted from doing your work. Since you do practically all your assignments online, it's real easy to go right onto social media sites such as Facebook and see what everyone else is doing. If you plan on doing an online based program, you have to have a lot of self-control and will power to keep from going onto other sites not related to your

- College instructors spend time online with students. Chances are good that you will have as much personal interaction with your online instructor as you would in one of those big lecture halls on campus.

The first distinction between learning in an online classroom versus that of a traditional brick and mortar classroom is that of time. Students log into their virtual classroom at times of their choosing to learn and complete assignments. The virtual campus that we use has click functions that are set up like a regular classroom. These functions mimic interactions between course facilitators and students in traditional settings.

Although online classes do offer options to those that choose to continue their education, there are a number of fundamental downfalls that prevent it from truly becoming a new standard of learning. I fully agree with what Kiefer points out with regards to the major deficits within her essay. Based on my personal experiences, I only classes becoming more and more difficult as I get older with other responsibilities and the pressures to take care of myself and my family.

The topic I have chosen to focus on for my final project is Online Learning vs Traditional Learning

With face-to-face schooling, students get the full college experience from meeting new people, going to special events on campus, and being able to go and talk to a professor or tutor in person. Students who chose to learn by online schooling may feel alone and isolated. Traditional schools provide students with the ability to

Online courses increase students’ access to education. They can work remotely with top professors and take courses on their own schedule. Flexibility is key because so many of today’s students need to juggle coursework with jobs and family obligations.

For some starting college is tough decision to make. The difficult decision is not whether to go to college, it is what class one should take, either online or an on-site class. This was a question I debated for a long time, until I finally chose between the two and decided to take an online class. Since I was enlisted in the military and about to transition to the civilian sector, I decided that online class would suite my need and give me the opportunity to take a college class since a class room setting was not available. After enrolling I realized that although online learning is beneficial, fast paced, and convenient it is not meant for some students including myself and on-site learning is a better fit for my situation.

Many students have a difficult time choosing between online education and traditional education. Both styles of education offer advantages and disadvantages to the student. There are many things to consider when making this life altering decision, such as, cost, convenience, time, social interaction, and technology. This information is meant to inform prospective students looking to further their education of the pros and cons of both online education and traditional education. Taking the steps to further your education is a big decision and one that should not be taken lightly. One should weigh all of his/her options and be well informed and certain of their choice before taking that leap.

Unlike traditional classes, online classes allow for more flexibility. For instance, the student talked about in paragraph two that works from 9am to 5pm Monday through Friday and has to take care of children, would still be able to go to work and not loose quite as much precious family time if the student chooses online classes. This student could make the decision to study on lunch break or after the children are asleep. The lack of classmates can be just as much a blessing as having them sometimes. Every once in a while classmates can be a distraction and cause another student not to hear something that the instructor said. For this reason online classes are a great option since a student taking online classes can simply study away from other

Compared to classroom learning, the interaction occurring at online courses is more international. Learners can develop online conversations on forums and interview other students around the world by using web-conferencing technology (Kruger-Ross and Waters, 2013:182). However, it is reported that students prefer face to face contact directly with the tutor who was seen as the focal point of learning, a channel through all interaction that connects ideas, builds understanding, provides feedback and gives summary immediately (Sweeney et al, 2007:316). Additionally, establishing social relations may need classroom environment (Paechter & Maier, 2010:295). Classroom teaching and learning is a complex, multilayered, and social experience, which develops friendship, connection and satisfaction among students. Social community is considered to be relatively poorly experienced in online learning due to learners’ disconnection and could probably cause isolation (Baturay & Bay, 2010:44).

Technology is changing every aspect in our lives, even the way we learn. Online classes are a rapidly growing trend it today’s society. Online classes are a cost-effective substitute for traditional courses and more convenient for many, so more schools and universities are offering this option. Due to the increase in online course enrollment, people are questioning if students truly learn something from online classes because it’s not a traditional learning environment. Online classes are just, if not more, effective as traditional classes because grades have increased and online discussions provide students with the chance to interact through networking while earning a degree for less than what it would cost to enroll at the same university.

Andrew Simoncelli once said, “Students who take online classes must be motivated, independent learners.” This is relevant because independence and motivation is what it takes to succeed in an online course. Online learning will not only expand what students learn, but will also bring a number of positive changes in the way students are taught. Courses online have changed everyone’s look at learning all over the world. It allows more opportunities for observers to learn online rather than learning in class. Another affirmative of taking an online course is flexibility and convenience. Students who would like to experience some of these ideas should look into an online class!