The Traditional Classroom versus Online Learning: What’s Best for Me?

With the growth of the Internet and social networks that convey vast amounts of information instantly, higher education and training opportunities are now accessible to increasing numbers of people. Do you need more training and education? Definitely! Studies show that those who pursue higher education and seek to update their skills through training are offered better jobs and more interesting career paths. They also benefit from long-term income security. Both traditional classroom study and online learning are utilized today to upgrade skills, but many want to know if one way is better than the other?


Actually, the short answer is neither . . . but both. What? Well, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s “Evaluation of Evidence Based Practices in Online Learning” 2009 report, a mixture of online and face-to-face learning may be the best way to acquire new skills. However, while the findings seems to indicate that such a combination is the most fruitful for many learners, there are numerous factors to consider in determining how you wish to pursue higher studies. These factors include your learner personality; how close a traditional campus is to you; your work schedule; and whether online or bricks-and-mortar providers offer your chosen field of study.

One of the key advantages of an on-campus program is being able to learn from others through direct interaction and feedback. On-campus students or in-class participants have the opportunity to interact with instructors, facilitators, colleagues, and others face-to-face. Students studying on a traditional campus also have the opportunity to participate in events and supplemental activities ranging from seminars to plays that are often organized on traditional campuses. Further, these students can develop more meaningful relationships when they are in face-to-face situations, and these relationships can help develop professional networks and opportunities.

On the other hand, distance learning programs or online training courses have advantages as well, particularly for people who are unable to travel easily. For individuals who are busy, have an erratic work schedule, or who are unable to or cannot afford to take time off or travel away from friends and family, online courses can prove both challenging and rewarding. Distance learning gives students more potential study options enabling them to take courses, subjects, or majors that may not be available in their country or near home. Another advantage is that online programs can be less expensive – there are no additional costs for commuting to campus or for campus room and board. Additionally, students can work full time and not have to give up that income while studying.

Distance learning has its challenges as well. It requires a unique set of personal characteristics. An individual has to be self motivated. Although motivation can come from knowing that one has colleagues in the program who share similar interests, ultimately signing in to your courses requires strong personal discipline. Distance learning often requires reliable Internet access—still a problem in some areas of the world. Some programs require that students conduct online projects cooperatively at the same time–such schedules may make the program difficult for international students. Other programs have a short on-campus or residency component. Thus for international students, it is important to understand and check all the options of online programs and their requirements before signing up.

A few years ago a working woman in Yemen asked me whether she should pursue a degree abroad at an institution that was not her first choice (it was not in the U.S. and did not offer courses in all her areas of interest), or to pursue an American distance learning program over the Internet. For this woman, it was a difficult decision (and certainly one I could not definitively answer). Travel to the U.S. was not an option for her, but at the time she also didn’t view distance learning programs as credible. Times have changed, however, and more universities, including well-known American institutions, are offering distance and even open access learning courses. See http://www.geteducated.com and www.onlinedegreeworld.com for more information on university programs. There’s also a great list of the “100 Best Websites for Free Adult Education” on a blog called Online Degree World: Education for Everyone (http://www.onlinedegreeworld.com/blog/2009/100-best-websites-for-free-adult-education/). To get a taste of distance learning, take a look. Then see what fits your interests and needs!