11 answers
maggie
Student
Buffalo Grove, Illinois
1
Question
Asked
670 views
what are the pros and cons of doing online college?
there’s a program that really interests me but i’m having some reservations because it’s online.
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11 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1622
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Maggie there are probably many more advantages to internet-based courses than the examples I've outlined below, the real point is that we live in an ever-changing world that is ripe with new possibilities. The ability to learn new information or new skills whenever we want and wherever we want offers us far more greater opportunities for education than ever before I feel.
FLEXIBILITY - In the debate of online classes vs. traditional classes, online classes win with flexibility. The flexible format of online schooling often suits various learning styles. This format also offers a range of options and resources within the online platform that can be personalized in many ways. That means as a online students you'll have more control over how and when you learn in a web-based environment versus a lecture hall.
AFFORDABILITY - Cost is also an essential factor when we compare the pros and cons of online schooling. In most cases, online learning is cheaper and offers lower tuition costs. Tuition and fees are often cheaper for most online colleges, but more than that, you do not have to spend extra dollars on room and board, food, or commuting. Online platforms have reduced these expenses and, in the process, made higher education more affordable.
DURATION - Time may play an important factor when we compare the pros and cons of online schooling. Online schools often function on a different schedule from traditional schools. You'll be able to spend a month on a class as opposed to 3 months in a traditional setting, plus online classes often allow you to take classes during months that you would be on a break as a traditional student, such as January and the summer months. Shorter time from beginning to degree completion means that you’ll be on your way to your end goal sooner and your career.
Maggie keep in mind an internet-based courses demands that you develop personal time-management skills. As with most things, if you don't manage your time properly, you'll find yourself buried beneath a seeming insurmountable mountain of coursework. Online courses require you have the self-discipline to set aside chunks of time to complete your studies. It also means you'll have to make online studying a priority and not let your other activities interfere.
Hope this was helpful Maggie
FLEXIBILITY - In the debate of online classes vs. traditional classes, online classes win with flexibility. The flexible format of online schooling often suits various learning styles. This format also offers a range of options and resources within the online platform that can be personalized in many ways. That means as a online students you'll have more control over how and when you learn in a web-based environment versus a lecture hall.
AFFORDABILITY - Cost is also an essential factor when we compare the pros and cons of online schooling. In most cases, online learning is cheaper and offers lower tuition costs. Tuition and fees are often cheaper for most online colleges, but more than that, you do not have to spend extra dollars on room and board, food, or commuting. Online platforms have reduced these expenses and, in the process, made higher education more affordable.
DURATION - Time may play an important factor when we compare the pros and cons of online schooling. Online schools often function on a different schedule from traditional schools. You'll be able to spend a month on a class as opposed to 3 months in a traditional setting, plus online classes often allow you to take classes during months that you would be on a break as a traditional student, such as January and the summer months. Shorter time from beginning to degree completion means that you’ll be on your way to your end goal sooner and your career.
Maggie keep in mind an internet-based courses demands that you develop personal time-management skills. As with most things, if you don't manage your time properly, you'll find yourself buried beneath a seeming insurmountable mountain of coursework. Online courses require you have the self-discipline to set aside chunks of time to complete your studies. It also means you'll have to make online studying a priority and not let your other activities interfere.
Hope this was helpful Maggie
Kyle Mowry
Property Manager
1
Answer
Albany, California
Updated
Kyle’s Answer
Hi there!
This is a great question and I'm glad you are considering further education!
Online schooling has picked up a lot of traction over the last few years. A few of my colleagues finished their masters online, only going to campus to sign off on their program and graduate. Overall, I would say online coursework offers a ton of flexibility and it's fully up to YOU as the student to drive your own success and complete coursework.
I'm listing some of the more generic pros/cons to help guide your research and considerations, and isn't all encompassing:
PROS:
-Flexibility: Having online courses allows you to create a schedule around the coursework, rather than your day being dictated by class times or lectures. If the courses are deadline based, you may see you have 1 week to watch 2-3 lectures, complete readings, and participate in some type of online forum with your classmates. It sounds like a lot of work, but through a WHOLE week, you can break it up however you like: Tuesday & Thursday 8hrs, MWF 6hrs, daily 2-3 hrs. Of course, be sure you're reading the course syllabus to understand when the professor expects certain milestones, tests, and readings are complete.
-On Demand Learning: Similar to flexibility, you likely will be able to access coursework from anywhere that has internet. You could save a lot on housing, commuting to campus, etc.
-Option of Anonymity: Some individuals excel at online courses because it adds a layer of "anonymity" where you're interacting with your classmates through mediums like chat rooms, forums, or virtual meetings. It provides a feeling of security, which may enable you to speak out and engage more if you're a bit socially anxious.
CONS:
-Online coursework is as valuable as you make it to be. I'm listing this as a con because only you can decide how much you value and prioritize learning.
-Procrastination: If you're not disciplined and on top of your coursework, you're susceptible to getting overwhelmed with deadlines. Do your work early and often, and make the flexibility work for you, not against you.
-Social Connections: Creating strong, lasting relationships may be a little harder through a computer screen. Are these important to you? It's not impossible through online coursework, it will just need a more dedicated effort if this is what you're seeking. For example, consider creating "after school" study rooms on zoom/teams or discord/slack channels to meet classmates outside of the course forums.
-Professional connections: I made this a separate point to really emphasize that social/professional connections are important as you get older. Depending on which field you choose the professional relationship with your professor or TAs will be invaluable. Need a reference, letter of recommendation, or mentor? They can be a resource if you prioritize the relationship.
-Accessibility of Mentoring/Course Help: If you're not living on campus, additional help/tutoring may be difficult to find. Some professors or TAs offer online "office hours" so be sure you are putting those on your calendar if you need additional help.
This is a great question and I'm glad you are considering further education!
Online schooling has picked up a lot of traction over the last few years. A few of my colleagues finished their masters online, only going to campus to sign off on their program and graduate. Overall, I would say online coursework offers a ton of flexibility and it's fully up to YOU as the student to drive your own success and complete coursework.
I'm listing some of the more generic pros/cons to help guide your research and considerations, and isn't all encompassing:
PROS:
-Flexibility: Having online courses allows you to create a schedule around the coursework, rather than your day being dictated by class times or lectures. If the courses are deadline based, you may see you have 1 week to watch 2-3 lectures, complete readings, and participate in some type of online forum with your classmates. It sounds like a lot of work, but through a WHOLE week, you can break it up however you like: Tuesday & Thursday 8hrs, MWF 6hrs, daily 2-3 hrs. Of course, be sure you're reading the course syllabus to understand when the professor expects certain milestones, tests, and readings are complete.
-On Demand Learning: Similar to flexibility, you likely will be able to access coursework from anywhere that has internet. You could save a lot on housing, commuting to campus, etc.
-Option of Anonymity: Some individuals excel at online courses because it adds a layer of "anonymity" where you're interacting with your classmates through mediums like chat rooms, forums, or virtual meetings. It provides a feeling of security, which may enable you to speak out and engage more if you're a bit socially anxious.
CONS:
-Online coursework is as valuable as you make it to be. I'm listing this as a con because only you can decide how much you value and prioritize learning.
-Procrastination: If you're not disciplined and on top of your coursework, you're susceptible to getting overwhelmed with deadlines. Do your work early and often, and make the flexibility work for you, not against you.
-Social Connections: Creating strong, lasting relationships may be a little harder through a computer screen. Are these important to you? It's not impossible through online coursework, it will just need a more dedicated effort if this is what you're seeking. For example, consider creating "after school" study rooms on zoom/teams or discord/slack channels to meet classmates outside of the course forums.
-Professional connections: I made this a separate point to really emphasize that social/professional connections are important as you get older. Depending on which field you choose the professional relationship with your professor or TAs will be invaluable. Need a reference, letter of recommendation, or mentor? They can be a resource if you prioritize the relationship.
-Accessibility of Mentoring/Course Help: If you're not living on campus, additional help/tutoring may be difficult to find. Some professors or TAs offer online "office hours" so be sure you are putting those on your calendar if you need additional help.
Pavan Sridhar
Software Engineer
4
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Pavan’s Answer
The following feedback represents the collective views of a team of volunteers at HPE.
Advantages:
Better time management - Remote learning provides the flexibility to select convenient time slots, enhancing your ability to manage your schedule effectively.
Improved learning pace - The pace of learning could potentially be faster than traditional methods, allowing you to complete your course more efficiently.
Cost-effective - Remote learning eliminates the need for international travel, significantly reducing costs such as travel expenses and currency conversion fees.
Disadvantages:
Lack of human interaction - Remote learning may limit the opportunity for direct human interaction.
Limited networking opportunities - The chances to build a network and spend time with classmates or professors could be reduced.
Restricted access to resources - Traditional institutions often offer a wealth of resources such as quality content, books, materials, and live projects in their libraries. These resources may not be available or as extensive in a remote learning setup.
Advantages:
Better time management - Remote learning provides the flexibility to select convenient time slots, enhancing your ability to manage your schedule effectively.
Improved learning pace - The pace of learning could potentially be faster than traditional methods, allowing you to complete your course more efficiently.
Cost-effective - Remote learning eliminates the need for international travel, significantly reducing costs such as travel expenses and currency conversion fees.
Disadvantages:
Lack of human interaction - Remote learning may limit the opportunity for direct human interaction.
Limited networking opportunities - The chances to build a network and spend time with classmates or professors could be reduced.
Restricted access to resources - Traditional institutions often offer a wealth of resources such as quality content, books, materials, and live projects in their libraries. These resources may not be available or as extensive in a remote learning setup.
lillie king
Manager
24
Answers
Omaha, Nebraska
Updated
lillie’s Answer
The benefits of doing college online are that you have more free time and you're able to, mostly, go at your own pace. However, for me, online classes have been difficult to understand and get interested in because I understand content when it is presented to me in person. Also staying engaged with online classes can be difficult as well because you're the only one, other than deadlines and grades, that can keep yourself accountable and study properly. I would suggest taking a few classes online just to get a feel for what it is like and then figure out whether or not you prefer them or not. Ultimately, the difficulty of online classes falls on how you learn best.
Mansi Tardeja
QA Engineer
1
Answer
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Mansi’s Answer
"written on behalf of a group of volunteers at HPE".
Pros :
1) It saves time and money since you are not suppose to travel 1000 kms and also stay away from home.
2) You can enroll any where in worls regardless of place where you are staying.
3) You can earn part time also since you are learning at your comfort zone.
Cons:
1) We tend to became more isolated since we are studying in one place only,
2) Social Networking is reduced.
3) It adversely affcets the physical and mental health.
4) We need strong self-control on the temptation of using mobile phones and social media
5)
Pros :
1) It saves time and money since you are not suppose to travel 1000 kms and also stay away from home.
2) You can enroll any where in worls regardless of place where you are staying.
3) You can earn part time also since you are learning at your comfort zone.
Cons:
1) We tend to became more isolated since we are studying in one place only,
2) Social Networking is reduced.
3) It adversely affcets the physical and mental health.
4) We need strong self-control on the temptation of using mobile phones and social media
5)
Megan Busey
Medical assistant and social worker
38
Answers
Canal Winchester, Ohio
Updated
Megan’s Answer
Pros: can do college work from anywhere (not just the classroom), and more cost effective.
Cons: do not get to live in the dorms, or fully engage in the "whole college experience" of living on campus.
Cons: do not get to live in the dorms, or fully engage in the "whole college experience" of living on campus.
Lydia le
Project Manager Internship
4
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Lydia’s Answer
Hi! I'm in the process of completing my bachelors online. These are the pros and cons from my experience:
pros:
- inexpensive, cost less compared to going in person
- flexibility to complete assignments/exams
- can travel/work full time if i want
cons:
- don't have many university friends
- can be isolating at times
- can fall behind if i'm not paying attention
Personally I think it's worth it just because I can travel and work full time (doing co-ops and internships) during the school year. When I went in person, I was paying close to 7k/semester as I didn't qualify for financial aid and didn't want to take out loans. I'm online and now I'm only paying 2.7k/semester for 5 classes.
pros:
- inexpensive, cost less compared to going in person
- flexibility to complete assignments/exams
- can travel/work full time if i want
cons:
- don't have many university friends
- can be isolating at times
- can fall behind if i'm not paying attention
Personally I think it's worth it just because I can travel and work full time (doing co-ops and internships) during the school year. When I went in person, I was paying close to 7k/semester as I didn't qualify for financial aid and didn't want to take out loans. I'm online and now I'm only paying 2.7k/semester for 5 classes.
Eirini Mirgianni
4
Answers
Updated
Eirini’s Answer
Pros:
You can have access in recorded lessons
Flexibility
Ability to choose a college - around the globe - not where you're located.
Ability to adjust your schedule as seen fit for class load
Cons:
online courses may create a sense of isolation
sometimes give more freedom , more than you can handle
In-person networking, connections & collaboration both with the students & professors
less face to face connection with peers
In-person may have easier access to in-person recruiting opportunities (fairs, interviews, etc.)
On behalf of HPE volunteers
You can have access in recorded lessons
Flexibility
Ability to choose a college - around the globe - not where you're located.
Ability to adjust your schedule as seen fit for class load
Cons:
online courses may create a sense of isolation
sometimes give more freedom , more than you can handle
In-person networking, connections & collaboration both with the students & professors
less face to face connection with peers
In-person may have easier access to in-person recruiting opportunities (fairs, interviews, etc.)
On behalf of HPE volunteers
Jeff Ball
Data Scientist
14
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Jeff’s Answer
The pros and cons of online college:
Pros
* Flexibility - you aren't stuck to a fixed schedule being at the university at a certain time and you can do the school work when you have time
* Can study and work at the same time
* Can experience college schedule in the comfort of our home (environment can be stressful)
* Opportunity to meet people from different countries; you aren't bound to meeting people in your locale
* Unlimited resources - you can find numerous resources online and not just limited to what is taught in the classroom
* Cost savings - cost like housing and transportation can be avoided
* Can progress at your own pace - pause and come back to the content
Cons
* Questions or doubts about the material can be more difficult because communication is asynchronous
* Connecting with other students isn't as easy as in a face-to-face environment
* Responsible for your own equipment (e.g. if the laptop breaks, you need a backup plan to resume quickly)
* Part of college experience is being on campus, learning social skills and interacting, gaining life experiences
Pros
* Flexibility - you aren't stuck to a fixed schedule being at the university at a certain time and you can do the school work when you have time
* Can study and work at the same time
* Can experience college schedule in the comfort of our home (environment can be stressful)
* Opportunity to meet people from different countries; you aren't bound to meeting people in your locale
* Unlimited resources - you can find numerous resources online and not just limited to what is taught in the classroom
* Cost savings - cost like housing and transportation can be avoided
* Can progress at your own pace - pause and come back to the content
Cons
* Questions or doubts about the material can be more difficult because communication is asynchronous
* Connecting with other students isn't as easy as in a face-to-face environment
* Responsible for your own equipment (e.g. if the laptop breaks, you need a backup plan to resume quickly)
* Part of college experience is being on campus, learning social skills and interacting, gaining life experiences
Keith Rodgers
Sales Director
108
Answers
Phoenix, Arizona
Updated
Keith’s Answer
Pros -
- likely more cost effective due to lower cost (i.e. housing, etc.)
- Flexibility - ability to complete work outside a classroom
- Access to all information - online resources
Cons-
- Can be very solitary online - missing the community can impact performance and morale
- Doesn't feel like college
- It is not for everyone. Structure of online courses and programs may look to recreate the on-campus experience, but it could be more limiting.
- likely more cost effective due to lower cost (i.e. housing, etc.)
- Flexibility - ability to complete work outside a classroom
- Access to all information - online resources
Cons-
- Can be very solitary online - missing the community can impact performance and morale
- Doesn't feel like college
- It is not for everyone. Structure of online courses and programs may look to recreate the on-campus experience, but it could be more limiting.
Greg Koprowski
Software Engineer
4
Answers
Madison, Alabama
Updated
Greg’s Answer
Dear Maggie,
Online college provides flexibility to manage personal or work demands to continue your professional growth. However, socialization is less, missed body language that could impact learning and less opportunities to build life skills to better interact in a group environment.
All the best!
written on behalf of a group of volunteers at HPE
Online college provides flexibility to manage personal or work demands to continue your professional growth. However, socialization is less, missed body language that could impact learning and less opportunities to build life skills to better interact in a group environment.
All the best!
written on behalf of a group of volunteers at HPE