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Are online or in-person math classes better?

I'm toying around with the idea of getting my bachelor's in math. I prefer online school, and I'm really doing well in my online statistic class. However, my older brother took calculus via a online class and he really struggled (normally he does really well with online classes). Mathematicians of Career Village, which method did you do and which did you prefer? If you could go back, which classes would you take in-person/online?

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Molly’s Answer

I think to answer this you need to understand your own learning style, this question can vary depending on who answers it.

Some people are very hands on and like to engage with the professor and ask questions in person to get a better understanding while some people like to work at their own pace in their own environment. Being an any online course, no matter the subject, requires a lot of time management and self discipline.

Every online class is different too, some are 100% online with no virtual meetings while others have one or two calls a week to go over the material. No matter what, nothing is like an in person classroom setting.

I personally think I am rather good at math, but I tend to struggle with online courses. This is due to my learning style, I am a very engaged learning and prefer to talk things out and ask questions to understand a topic. This is not the case for everyone, so just try to learn your own learning styles to know if an online course is a good fit for you.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much, Molly! Genevieve
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Thomas’s Answer

There is no easy answer to this question as it depends on the individual student's learning style and preference. Some students thrive in a traditional classroom setting with face-to-face interaction, while others prefer the flexibility and convenience of online classes. There are pros and cons to both types of classes, so it really comes down to what works best for the student.

In general, online classes tend to be more self-paced and allow students to work at their own speed. This can be beneficial for visual learners or those who need extra time to process information. Online math classes also usually have a variety of multimedia resources available, such as videos, tutorials, and infographics, which can help students grasp concepts that may be confusing, where in physical questions you might get stuck on a concept and fall behind in a lecture.
Thank you comment icon Thank you!:-) Genevieve
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Connor’s Answer

Hello Genevieve,

My significant other just finished an online math course. She stated it was a beneficial process for her. Having the ability to work through math problems online while utilizing software that would show her exactly what she did wrong and right was helpful for her learning process. As stated in previous answers, having the mental fortitude to allot time to these online requirements may be more difficult than taking an in person class.

Warm Regards,
Connor
Thank you comment icon Thanks again!!! Genevieve
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Sikawayi’s Answer

Hello Geneieve, this is a great question. I had both on-line and in person and I can honestly say there are advantages to both. With me in person class I was able to speak to my teacher every day and what I was unable to understand in person I could go on-line and figure out the steps I was missing before I had to test out on the chapter. with on-line classes you can study day and night and most importantly you get to work at your own pace, best of luck.
Thank you comment icon Thank you! Genevieve
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Robert’s Answer

It's all about how YOU learn. Whichever environment you learn the best, go for it. I often feel lazier and procrastinate more in my online classes than in-person. It's just less engaging and there's less pressure to perform well. It's honestly more fun being able to meet people in your classes when in-person. You could make study-buddies with them. I value this over anything else, so I would choose to do in-person classes. So it's definitely up to you to decide what you value in terms of learning.
Thank you comment icon Thank you! Genevieve
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Fred’s Answer

Every person learns differently. For some, the structure of an in-person class helps them stay on-task. You know you have a class in two days, so you have to do the homework before then so you don't fall behind. For others, the freedom of a self-paces class is better. They can burn through two weeks of class in a day, then take a vacation and not fall behind. Throw in the fact that some people cannot attend an in-person class for various reasons...and others may not have access to reliable high-speed internet...My real point is that there are a LOT of factors to consider, and everyone will weigh their importance differently, coming to a different opinion of what's "best".

And we've not even talked about the fact that often, the professor can make a bigger difference in student success than anything else...
Thank you comment icon Fred, your answer was really helpful. Thank you!! Genevieve
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Andrew’s Answer

I have been teaching online classes, mostly Calculus I & II, for the past 15 years, although I also taught some in-person and hybrid ones during the same period. This summer, I am teaching a Calculus III class online.

Based on my experience, it takes a lot more self-discipline for students to be successful in online classes. It also depends on the dedication of the instructors too. A conscientious instructor should provide plenty of additional educational resources for the students as supplement to the chosen textbook. Furthermore, constructive faculty-student interaction is also a key factor in students’ success.

In this internet age, I do not see any major difference in the quality of an in-person class and an online class.
Thank you comment icon Thank you!!! Genevieve
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Seema’s Answer

Agree with others above that it depends on what type of learner you are. It may also depend on each class. Some classes may work ok online while others would be better taken in a classroom. Either way, it is important to be able to access help as you need it whether this be from the professor, a TA or a tutor. As long as you are putting in the effort, you can succeed in any setting.
Thank you comment icon Thank you Seema! :) Genevieve
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