This article reviews the differences and the pros and cons of online versus traditional education.
Online education is a growing force in the field of higher education. It is probable that in the near future online education will be the global standard.
Gone is the world where only traditional, campus-based education existed and you only had to choose the university or college you wanted to study in (and hope to get accepted there).
Someday, online education may become part of traditional campus based institutions. At least, many degree programs will combine the on-campus courses with online classes as a standard educational approach.
But for now, some students have to make a decision whether to study online or at a campus. Considering the differences between these two methodologies of education can provide you the basic knowledge, some of which may even surprise you.
Differences between Online Education and Traditional Education
Let us discuss the differences between these two options – the traditional degree programs to the new online degree programs.
1. Convenience
One of the most striking, innovative, and unprecedented features of online education is its convenience for almost anyone. Persons busy with careers or families will be able to compose their schedules so that they fit their individual time constraints. This is possible because courses are delivered in the form of electronic-based modules online.
It is also convenient because it requires no commuting, saving a great deal of time and money. It allows one to study from home, with the only requirement being the possession of an adequate computer and internet connection. Only basic computer skills are required to acquire higher education online.
2. Flexibility
Traditional education means predetermined schedules and the need to attend classes only during the day. Online institutions provide classes in the form of online modules and allow students to schedule them for whenever suits them. This makes it possible for people to combine full time work and family life with higher education because attending traditional classes may be impossible for full-time employees. Quitting the job may not be an option for them. Online education provides the solution: flexible schedules (see above) which allow adjusting study time and work time even for the busiest businessman.
3. Expenses
Tuition costs less for most online institutions. Online education also eliminates the additional expenses usually entailed by traditional campus life, such as commuting and purchasing study materials.
4. Feedback – No face-to-face human interaction
Feedback is somewhat better in traditional education. Students can interact directly with both classmates and teachers, which makes feedback easier and quicker.
Online degree programs and online courses lack human interaction. These prevent the normal interactions between students and teachers, relegating any queries to message boards and forums.
Some online institutions do offer chat rooms and video/audio meetings, which provide a certain level of human interaction. Video interaction is only possible with online degree programs and its exact use and frequency vary from institution to institution, while the actual classes are given via archived modules.
For those who prefer direct human interaction, an online degree program may not be the best option.
5. Ecology
Online education has obvious positive effects on the environment.
It may not be measurable now, but if online education largely replaces traditional institutions in the near future, it will mean that less paper will be used for books and writing material and fewer campuses will be built while the number of students and employed teachers will only increase radically.
6. Attendance
Traditional institutions require physical presence and participation in classrooms. This entails extensive travel and expenses. For many people, this on its own makes higher education impossible.
Online education does not necessitate traveling at all, saving time, money, and energy. Busy people will therefore be able to combine extensive studies with work and family. Education is available to sailors on submarines and to astronauts in space!
7. Virtual classrooms vs. real classrooms
There are two camps regarding this issue – those who love attending campus-based lectures and those would rather stay at home.
Virtual education means no campuses and no classrooms. For those who prefer to be at home and are comfortable with cyber-space, this is a virtual paradise.
For those who are technophobic, get confused by online multi-media and who prefer direct human contact, this option may be pure torture.
But the amount of people who are uncomfortable with technology and the internet is decreasing exponentially. Most people are addicted to the internet. And video communication is becoming standard nowadays, allowing top-quality group video communication online.
8. Schedules
Online institutions deliver many or all courses via modules. These modules can be scheduled by the student him or herself to be taken at any time of day or night. This is obviously impossible with traditional classes. However, it requires a high degree of self-motivation and the need to meet deadlines while simultaneously enjoying greater freedom.
9. The value of the degree
When it comes to quality, online classes have proven to be as universally accepted as traditional college classes.
Just like one is able to choose between campus-based colleges and universities, today one can select from a growing number of online institutions, each with varying qualities of degrees.
10. Academic material
Online institutions eliminate the need to buy textbooks (unless you want to). Most or all of the material is readily available online, in the form of web-pages and e-books. There are extensive academic research archives online, used by both online and offline institutions.
11. Time to Degree
Online degrees allow one to reduce time to get the degree – to compress what is traditionally a four year degree into three years or less.
12. Education Enhancement
For professionals who are employed full time but who wish to enhance their knowledge, learn new skills, add intellectual variety or challenge to their life, or even to change their career entirely by studying a new profession – online education provides unprecedented opportunities.
13. Independent study isn’t good for all
Online degree study may require better comprehensive skills than traditional education.
In a traditional classroom environment, it may be easier to understand instructional material because of the human proximity and the option to ask questions and get immediate answers.
In addition, studying from home may sound great, but not everyone has the right environment at home for academic study. For some people, specially designed campuses are ideal to get away from the distractions of the home and to immerse themselves in study.
14. Credits and Accreditation
Remember that not all online institutions are accredited or have the required accreditation. Some online degree credits are transferable and some are not. There are online institutions which are considered to be on a par with established traditional education systems. It is important to find the level of accreditation that the online institution provides – regional or national accreditation.
15. Employer’s Perspective
The value of online education depends on its purpose and context. If you only have online degrees and are just trying to find work, employers may prefer traditionally educated candidates.
If you are already employed and are a valuable professional, online learning will be seen favorable as a way to improve your skills, expand your professional knowledge, and thus contribute more at work.