Online vs Traditional Education: A Comparison

Online vs Traditional Education: Key Differences

The process of selecting a university can be frustrating and overwhelming for students, especially when assessing the variables and searching through the extent of attainable information. Before choosing a university to attend, students must first consider an online or traditional university. With the rising costs of education, more students are choosing an online university. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, “In 2007–08, about 4.3 million undergraduate students, or 20 percent of all undergraduates, took at least one distance education course. About 0.8 million, or 4 percent of all undergraduates, took their entire program through distance education.”

Advantages of Traditional Education

One of the primary benefits of traditional, face-to-face courses is the opportunity for direct interaction. Students receive prompt feedback during classes, and office hours and meeting times are easier to arrange. Students are also able to contact professors by e-mail and phone. Furthermore, students can create hands-on study groups with other classmates to help aid in collaborating on ideas for projects and studying for exams. Students have an on-campus financial aid advisor as well as academic counseling, although students may have a harder time meeting with financial aid and academic counselors due to the student/faculty ratio. Whether a student attends an online or traditional university, students and professors must have an efficient line of communication to avoid misunderstandings and to ensure proper guidance along with ample feedback.

Flexibility in Online and Traditional Education

Flexibility is a key component when choosing a university. Many students have jobs to help with the cost of living as well as student loans. With online education, students work at their own pace, at a time and place of their choice. Obtaining an online education is best for students with families and a full-time job. Reading and writing are a major part of an online education; students must create a schedule for each class, which will help delegate their time properly. Many online universities have a minimum number of posts required per day or week. All assignments have time frames; if a student’s assignment is late, points will be deducted. However, traditional universities are also becoming more flexible with time. Some traditional universities…

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are numerous merits and demerits for both online and face-to-face courses. Both courses have advantages and disadvantages. Online courses have brought a pragmatic change in learning. In spite of their shortfalls, face-to-face and online courses provide a chance to read and learn. Although face-to-face courses provide more human interaction that enhances effective learning than online courses, online courses are keen to produce an autonomous individual keen to balance study and other activities like work.