How do online classes compare to traditional classes? Hundreds of independent studies have examined this topic, and the consensus is that there is no significant difference between the two in terms of academic quality. In fact, many studies indicate that online courses actually surpass traditional courses in at least three respects, including the following:
1. Online classes are more flexible. One of the most obvious advantages that online education offers over traditional education is its flexibility. Students with family or work responsibilities are often unable to enroll in traditional courses because of prior obligations with respect to time or place. Furthermore, even if a traditional class does fit, limited enrollment or caps on class sizes may present problems. Online education, on the other hand, allows students to complete coursework when and where they choose, and because the class is conducted online, there are few — if any — restrictions on class size.
2. Online classes focus on students, not instructors. Whether through lectures, discussions, role playing, or small group activities, traditional classes tend to focus on the instructor. Online classes, by contrast, force the instructor to play a supporting role, which in turn empowers and encourages more student participation. With online classes, students have more opportunities to explain, share, comment, and critique in a manner not possible in the traditional classroom.
3. Online classes are writing (and computer) intensive. Two skills that are in constant and increasing demand across all industries are the ability to write and the ability to use technology effectively. Online education by its very nature requires that assignments, discussions, group projects, and tests all be conducted in a form that necessitates both writing and technology. As such, online courses tend to prepare students for the modern workplace better than traditional classes.
In conclusion, despite the prejudices in favor of traditional classes, the fact is that online classes offer the same material and the same academic rigor and even offer several additional advantages. Admittedly, online courses are not the best fit for all students or for all faculties. Then again, neither are traditional courses. What students should keep in mind is that both have the potential to offer a high-quality educational experience.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kari Whitaker is a technical as well as creative writer. In addition to articles on education and careers, she also enjoys writing short stories, essays, and poetry.
Network monitoring, computer and employee monitoring software.
Invisible Keylogger – Stealth Advanced Keylogger
Computer Security – Protect your computer from online threats, including antivirus protection and computer systems security.
SoftWareBusters – Download free software from 1000s of titles, free software submissions and downloads.
Windows Server 2003 – We provide you the top quality products and service solutions to help our customers manage and increase their business. Trustprice, a name you can trust!
MLM Software
Looking for MLM software? As soon as posible for contact for MLM softawre, Multi-Level Marketing and MLM tracking Software for Binary, Matrix or any other custom MLM commission plan you need. A lots of years experiences in MLM consulting.
School Management Software School ERP Suite – On-Line / Off-Line Interactive School ERP System in India, Advanced School Management Software and Campus Automation System in India.
Don’t just give a gift…give an heirloom! Heirloom Children’s Books are Photo personalized children’s books with your child’s photo in every illustration.
Inventory Planning – Demand Solutions provides software for the full spectrum of inventory planning, supply chain management, sales & operations, forecast management, manufacturing planning and retail planning software.
Discount Computer Software – On-line store with great installation support for security software and other
system software.
Voip Call Recording Software
Dialog VOIP is a VOIP Call recorder and ip call recorder. It’s a software
based VOIP call recording software and ip call recording software for call
centers. It’s an innovative VOIP logger and Ip logger available in the
market today.
Software development in india
The arbertechnologies.com is website that relays the distict qualitative IT services being offered by Arbertechnologies Organisation. It Offers Services like Software development, Website Develoment, SEO Services, Web hosting, Bulk SMS and BPO.
Computer, PDA, Mobile Phone Accessories
Major online supplier of computer accessories, PDA accessories, mobile phone accessories. Customers include government, education, large and small businesses, as well as home and office users.
CiscoKits
Here at CiscoKits we are here to assist you with putting together the best Cisco certification lab for your hard-earned money.
Load Testing Load Testing, Oracle Performance Tuning, People Soft Performance – Our mission is to provide you with the most cost effective way to load test your People Soft application, and performance tune your People Soft Internet Architecture.
Tags: academics, Applications, classes, college, on campus, online classes, online courses, online education, schools, students, university
This article is wonderful and inspiring me to pursue a career in a online education… NOT!!!
I can certainly attest to the article’s comment that online classes are writing and computer intensive. It’s nothing for me to have to whip out three or four papers a week. I guess it just depends on your school (I attend Columbia College) and your course load (I take 9 hours per 8 weeks).
Can I use my Veterans status, and get payed while I learn??????
Good post. You make some great points that most people do not fully understand.
“Online classes are more flexible. One of the most obvious advantages that online education offers over traditional education is its flexibility. Students with family or work responsibilities are often unable to enroll in traditional courses because of prior obligations with respect to time or place. Furthermore, even if a traditional class does fit, limited enrollment or caps on class sizes may present problems. Online education, on the other hand, allows students to complete coursework when and where they choose, and because the class is conducted online, there are few — if any — restrictions on class size.”
I like how you explained that. Very helpful. Thanks.