Online Classes or On Campus Classes

Deciding if an onlne class vs. a on campus class is right for you can be a very daunting decision. Hopefully this hub can help! First of all, you need to ask yourself a few question.

1. Am I motivated?

This is important because a lack of motivation in either setting will cause trouble, but in a online setting it is beyond detrimental. With online classes, there is not going to be anyone pressing you to be in class, or asking you why an assignment is late. If external motivation is important for you, stick to a campus class or find a motivated friend or coworker to be your classmate and study buddy.

2. How well am I organized?

All classes require organization, but to take an online class you will be studying alone, doing research alone, writing assignments alone, and being online when you need to be. If you can't outline a chapter on your own, or remember where you left your textbook, online classes probably won't be your cup of tea.

3. Is social interaction important?

Depending on your online classroom, social interaction may be very high or very low. In the online classes I've taken, there have been a broad range. If the idea of never hearing a word from anyone sounds too scary, or having to do group projects over an online chatroom is too nervewracking, I'd recommend e-mailing the potential teacher beforehand and asking how the online classroom is set up.

4. Can I market myself well with this class format?

Some classes just shouldn't be taken online, unless there is a really good reason that you can't be there in person. Classes like Acting 101 or classes that require extensive interaction to gain experiance probably won't look very good to an employer or admissions to higher education. But if you can't take the class on campus, you need to know how to explain that just because this education was online, you still learned just as much if not more than your Brick-and-mortar going peers.

There are other factors that can be a decision maker too. The cost of classes, the distance to the school, and the time you have available for a class. If you still need more help, talk to your employer or a guidance counselor at the school you are looking for, and above all else : check for proper accreditation!