Online Classes: Pros and Cons

1. Online Classes: Pros and Cons Before online classes were available students took distance classes, in which they got study materials in the mail and then did practical training at a designated study center. Not many employers liked that system. It wasn’tuntil the late 1990’s when the California Virtual University (CVU) was established that online courses really got some traction. Two decades later, online classes are everywhere. Not everyone loves the idea of online classes, though. There’s the feeling that online education diminishes the meaning of true education, and that the webpage cannot replace the classroom in terms of teaching. Considering this, here are some positive and negatives of online classes, which will be helpful before deciding whether or not you want to enroll in one. Pros: Convenient: A great majority of students pursuing online degrees are working part time and either looking for a career change or plan on strengthening their educational background. Online classes allow them to learn at their own convenience – while traveling to work, during lunch break, or at home. They allow you to work at your own pace. The work schedule is often yours to create. Less Expensive: It should be a no brainer that online education is chaper than in-person education. You don’t have to travel to a university or live on their grounds in order to accumulate exerience and eventually a degree. Student-led Instruction: Another thing that’s great about online education is that with online discussion boards, students get to take control of the class discussion and lead it in a place that clarifies the material for everyone. In ordinary in-person classes, the professor will lecture and if there are questions a student will raise his or her hand. We’re not saying this is bad, but there is a lot to virtual participation; it’s faster, more open, and less stress-inducing.

2. Cons: Requires Self-Discipline: It is not easy to resist hanging out on social media or procrastinating assignments until the last minute. Online course schedules are often rigorous; you will have to complete assignments every week, log in to post discussion comments, and do other work more than you might think. If you have a job on the side, this can be especially taxing. Should it become too much, you might find yourself asking a tutor: Can you do my online class? Can Get Lonely: With little face to face interaction, online classes can get very lonely. Conversations are usually restricted to email messages and chat room discussions. In that sense it is harder to make friends. Likewise, if you need to talk to the professor, you will have to send him or her an email and wait till they have the time to respond. Technological Handicaps: If you aren’t comfortable working on the computer, seemingly simple tasks like logging in to your video lecture and submitting assignments can be difficult. If you are enrolled in an online class and are finding the workload too difficult, contact us to see why it can be to your benefit to pay someone to take your online class.