Pros and Cons

What are the benefits or disadvantages between an online degree and a regular college degree?

In a society where technology is advancing, it is no wonder that online degree programs are becoming so popular. However, the choice is not best for everyone as some individuals do better in a traditional classroom environment. There are benefits to both options and sorting through them is for those who are knowledgeable on what each offers.

The biggest advantage to attending school on the internet is that it’s convenient. There is no time limit on when someone can attend their classes as they are available around the clock. This works well for those individuals who are leading hectic lives and don’t have time to traditional institutions.

A drawback to this type of learning environment is that it doesn’t provide the social interaction that a traditional classroom offers. This means that there are no other students to study or compare answers with on a homework assignment. It also results in students having to teach themselves how to do things, unlike a regular learning environment where there is a professionally trained instructor on hand at all times.

However, students who learn on the internet are usually able to schedule virtual meeting with their teachers, who will provide them with individualized attention. There are also seminars and lectures that each person has an opportunity to listen to at any time of the day. This is the type of flexibility that can only be found on a computer.

The financial aspects vary when it comes to traditional versus online courses. A brick and mortar school is going to be cheaper, but internet classes will not result in transportation costs such as buying gasoline or putting new tires on the car. In addition, most individuals will not have to purchase any type of textbooks as they are generally available in the student portal.

One of the biggest drawbacks that student have when studying in a virtual classroom is lack of motivation. There is no teachers or other students around to provide encouragement and support during those tough times. In addition, it is easier to simply put off an assignment as the deadlines are not as strict as those in normal institutions. This is an especially difficult aspect for those students who have issues with time management.

People who are not very good with computers are also not very good candidates for internet courses. The classes are completely computer based and require some skill from the student. Not being able to navigate a course of study properly could have negative results or cause a person to fail their program.

For the most part, an online degree program is a wonderful options that many people find a lot of success with. However, people who go to college to meet new people, attend events or play sports are not going to find such things on the internet. The only choice for these individuals is to attend a traditional brick and mortar institution. It is also a better selection for anyone who has difficulty staying focused or motivated without a little nudge from their friends and instructors.