3 Questions to Help You Choose Between Online & Traditional Education

Learn what online VS traditional on-campus classes offer. Find out what's right for you.

Technology is changing how we learn and teach. Increasingly more people are beginning to
learn online. On the other hand, traditional on-campus learning continues to attract large
numbers of students.

As in any decision, there are pros and cons to both online and on-campus classes. Let us focus
on a few important questions to help you decide what is right for you.

1. Flexible learning schedule

Firstly, how much do you value a flexible learning schedule? Are you trying to balance existing
work commitments? Do you have a family? Or would you rather fully immerse yourself in a
campus-based learning environment with fixed lecture schedules and assignments?

Online classes are a good fit if you need to learn at your own pace from the comfort of your
home. Online classes are especially a good fit if you already have work commitments or a
family. On the other hand, traditional classes would be a better fit if you are looking to get a full
college experience complete with extracurricular activities, late-night conversations, dorms,
associations, and fraternities.

2. Hands-on Training & Equipment

Secondly, how much hands-on training and equipment does your course demand? Courses
such as nursing and HVAC technical training need a high degree of hands-on instruction.
Courses in the fields of aviation, automobiles and biomedical engineering need access to high-
quality equipment and labs that cannot be easily found elsewhere. Traditional on-campus
classes are a good fit for such courses.

However, in-demand skills such as financial management, web design, computer

programming, and creative writing are all good examples of courses that do not need anything
more than a willing student, quality instruction material, a computer, and high-speed internet.
Online classes work better for such courses because often they are also able to attract better
teachers.

3. Other deciding factors

And lastly, how important are the following factors for you?

a. Tuition costs and living expenses

Tuition costs are typically lower for online courses compared to on-campus classes. In online
courses, you only pay for the course. As an on-campus student, a portion of your fee also goes
towards funding the college infrastructure and amenities. In the case of relocation, you will
also typically pay more for your living expenses. This is not the case for online classes that are
taken from the comfort of your home. So all in all if tuition and expenses are a big factor for
you, online classes might be a better option.

b. Extra-curricular activities and social life

As discussed earlier, life on a college campus comes with dorm rooms, lasting friendships,
memberships in various associations and fraternities. Traditional classes are a better fit if this
is important for you.

c. Use of technology
Online classes demand the use of computers and online software. While these are valuable
skills in today's digital economy, all students are not tech-savvy. Online classes are a better fit
for students who have strong self-motivation and are comfortable with using technology.

Summary
Online classes are better if you need more flexible learning schedules. Traditional classes are
better if your subject needs hands-on training and high-quality equipment. There are also other
factors such as costs, extra-curricular activities, and technology that could swing your decision
either way.

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