Getting a college degree is an important decision. Whether you’re fresh out of high school, or looking to go back to earn a degree after working, another important decision arises: Online schooling or traditional schooling? With the age of technology upon us, online schooling is becoming more prevalent than ever. Each student learns differently, so here are some advantages to both online and traditional classes.
Learning
In online courses, students are more responsible for teaching the information to themselves. This works best with students who self-motivate and are capable of thriving in an independent environment. It steers away from the old textbooks and mundane lectures, and is geared towards learning on your own time.
With online schooling, students tend to develop self-discipline skills as a result of meeting due dates on their own, and have the freedom to learn in their own personal environment.
Traditional schooling gives you the face-to-face experience that some people look for in a school setting. This helps the learning process by engaging with other students and teachers personally, something the online courses can’t offer. Traditional schooling can create valuable relationships and also allow one-on-one personal help. Students often are able to better retain the information being taught if it is being said directly to them versus on a discussion board or in an online format.
Flexibility
When it comes to flexibility, online classes are best suited for people with commitments to family or a profession. The classes mold around your schedule, making it easy to learn on your own time, not the school’s. You can take online courses wherever you please, as long as there is a computer and internet. This eliminates commuting back and forth to school as well as the cost of room and board if you were to live on campus. It also allows you to complete your schoolwork at a time that is convenient for you, especially important if you have a job or children.
Traditional courses are more suited for people with an open schedule.
Most on-campus courses offer both day and night classes, which allows you to build your schedule around whatever other commitments you have may
However, they are still scheduled and can only be held at certain times, so they do not offer the same amount of flexibility as online courses.
Credibility
Although they do not offer the same amount of flexibility, you cannot go wrong with a traditional degree. Employers have long accepted degrees from accredited universities and colleges, with no questions whatsoever.
While there may have been more stigmas in the past about the credibility of an online degree, there has been a huge shift in how people and employers view them.
With technology being a daily part of our lives, and the importance of job/family balance increasing, many employers recognize that for some adults, traditional college is not an option
. As long as the online college is an accredited institution, employers are treating degrees the same way as they do traditional degrees: a sign that you are highly motivated and determined to continue your education.
Whether you decide to pursue your degree online or within a traditional classroom setting, there are pros and cons to both. It is up to you to decide which course of option best fits your current situation and lifestyle.