Online Learning: Advantages and Disadvantages

The idea of online learning is to allow the learner to take a class, course, or an entire degree program from the convenience of their own computer. It involves a personal computer, good internet service, an e-mail account, and other various computer software, such as Microsoft Office.

To be successful at online learning, one must know how to manage their time well. With online learning, you still have deadlines, but without the commitment of being in an actual classroom at a certain time.

My Master's degree was completed online, with an intern/correspondence component. I finished it in two years, taking one class a quarter. I have also taken several graduate level classes online to keep my teaching license current. In addition, I have taught a beginners online college class for a university.

Before considering if an online class and/or a degree is right for you, read up on the following advantages and disadvantages first!

• Convenience is the first thing that we think of when we take an online class or degree program. We are able to access our class anywhere, as long as we have a computer and internet. We can work our classroom hours around our own schedule and our family.
• Independence and freedom from the traditional classroom. Many people want to break away from the desk and chalkboard style of learning. They want a little freedom to learn at a pace that's comfortable for them. They also like the idea of working on their own and coming up with their own ideas.
• Comfort with communicating. There are many people who are intimidated with sharing their ideas and talking in front of a large group of people. In an online class, we can gather our thoughts first and put them in writing. It allows for ease of a conversation, and a much more detailed learning experience.
• One on one with the instructor. In a traditional school, instructors have office hours. This is generally the same with online learning; however, with online learning, you get more one on one feedback with assignments, as well as frequent e-mail communication. Typically, the online classroom can range anywhere from 2-20 students, so it is much more manageable for the instructor to work with students directly.
• Long distance friendships. Although making friends isn't usually at the top of a person's list when it comes to online schooling, it IS possible to create great relationships with the people in your classroom. Because they are from all over the world, you gain a lot more diverse knowledge and a more enriched learning experience.

• Poor internet service can hinder the online learning experience considerably. One should have access to a high speed or broadband internet before beginning a class. I actually completed my Master's degree with Dial-up and I ran into challenges frequently.
• Losing power or a hit and miss satellite can cause frustrations. If you have a computer that uses electricity and you lose power for a period of time, access to your classes can become difficult. You would have to have a Plan B, and the ability to get to another computer in a timely fashion. If your satellite internet has frequent interruptions, again, you would have to make sure a Plan B is in place.
• Lack of direct social contact. Sometimes, this can be a problem for people because you can learn a vast number of social skills through the social contact in a traditional school. Although online learning can utilize "group" work too, it is less frequent, and you are more on your own. Sometimes, this causes students to feel isolated.
• Feeling like your class/program is not "good enough." I've run into this on several occasions and students will feel like they are not feeling like their online education is worth as much as a traditional one. In addition, people fear that employers will look down on them if they have an online degree. Online education is becoming more of the norm. From personal experience, I have never had a negative experience with my Master's degree being an online program.
• Inability to successfully manage your time. Online education takes self-discipline. One must be able to set aside periods of time during their week to work on the classwork. They must still meet deadlines for assignments. Since online education is more independent, some students feel it is easier to procrastinate.

It is important to know that both traditional classes and online ones are generally the same in cost. There is financial aid available for both traditional and online degree programs as well.

For online classes, your textbooks are usually electronic.

Finally, when thinking about pursuing an online education, one should look into the various schools and colleges available. Some are branches of major universities, while others are entirely online schools. You should be able to request information for free, as well as openly talk to a representative by phone or e-mail. Stay away from programs that don't answer your questions completely, or tell you the price of the classes upfront.

Overall, I have found online learning to be a rewarding experience, from a student and teacher perspective. I hope this information has been helpful to you in making your decision.