Online Education vs. Traditional Education
The truth is that both online education and its traditional counterpart have pros and cons. One should understand what to expect before they take a plunge into any one of these education systems.
Drawing a Comparison Between Online Schools and Traditional Schools
In Terms of Flexibility
First and foremost, you need to consider the amount of time you have every day to dedicate to schoolwork. In case you have a hectic daily schedule, you certainly are seeking flexibility so that you can comfortably work around your busy schedule.
When it comes to online education, flexibility is what you can enjoy the most. This is a good option for those who already have time commitments with family and work. It does not take a lot to fit your online classes into your lifestyle, no matter how busy your schedule is. Online students can log into their online course at a time that works best for them. There is no need to attend a lecture at a specific time.
A majority of online courses usually follow a weekly format. As per this format, students are expected to log in, read course materials, contribute to online class discussions, and complete assignments prior to the beginning of the next week. You will actually have plenty to do for each class and more options for fitting this work around other commitments.
When it comes to a conventional classroom setting, students do have some flexibility in their scheduling. However, this flexibility is not sufficient for present-day students. Also, when you stay far away from the brick-and-mortar school, keep in mind that a long commute can certainly make schedules difficult to stick to. It is more difficult when you’re planning on working while in school.
In Terms of Self-Discipline & Self-Drive
At the time of weighing your school options, you need to analyze your level of self-discipline. Both traditional and online education require discipline to succeed. However, the structure of learning differs here. You need to look into these structural differences since these can have a vital effect on your ability to stay on track.
With online education, there is a heightened level of flexibility but also added responsibilities. You need to be serious about your virtual course, highly self-motivated, and build strategies for staying up to date on your coursework.
In traditional education, the schedule is structured. Routine face-to-face interactions with instructors can help keep students on task and remind them of upcoming assignments.
In Terms of Social Interaction
The level of social interaction you’re hoping to have is a major factor to consider. Interaction from your peers and instructors might be necessary for you to succeed and stay motivated.
In online education, social interaction with instructors and other students happens daily via video chat or online discussion posts. Video lectures can help you earn a deeper understanding of reading materials.
In traditional education, face-to-face communication plays a crucial role. Seeing instructors regularly can be motivating, while effective communication is important.
Before making your final decision, identify your own learning pattern and style. Self-evaluate before taking the plunge into the virtual learning world.
Check online programs to gain confidence in your choice of an online homeschool program.
Some Common Advantages of Online Learning
- Flexible scheduling
- Early completion
- Study anytime
- Login from anywhere
- No commute
- Potentially lower costs
- A wider set of options and opportunities
- Multiple advanced work-level and college-level courses
In the case of online education, you can do your coursework around your work schedule and family life. You can conveniently choose when you study. You just have to keep in mind that you will have to submit your work by the deadlines given.
There are many virtual schools that offer shorter semesters. Instead of having to attend classes for 16 weeks, you can enroll in 8-week online courses. Thus, you can spend half the time earning your credits in that subject.
In most of the schools, classes start every month or every other month. This gives you the opportunity to start classes now instead of waiting until the beginning of the traditional fall or spring semester.
Thanks to online classes, you can study whenever you wish. Online education also provides students with the chance to network with peers across nations. This leads to other opportunities in terms of collaboration with other individuals. It also makes them culturally sensitive.
The process of documentation is anything but messy in case of online schools. All the information are safely stored in an online database. This includes live discussion documents, training materials and emails. Thus, the student will be able to access these documents fast, saving a good deal of time. This is advantageous for students who need to carry out research for a project.
