Online Learning and Online Classes: Pros and Cons

Going to college online has become a popular option, and it’s easy to see why. Online education can be a game changer for many, especially for those short on time and money to enroll in a traditional college. While the flexibility and accessibility of online learning draw many prospective students from all walks of life, it is not without its challenges. If you’re considering pursuing a college degree online, let’s look at the biggest pros and cons of online classes so you can decide if it’s a suitable option for you.

Pros of Online Learning

You can have a flexible schedule

One of the most appealing aspects of online learning is its flexibility. Many colleges provide online degree programs with asynchronous or synchronous classes. Synchronous classes involve real-time interaction between instructors and students, so you need to attend classes virtually at a scheduled time. Asynchronous classes are a more flexible option, allowing you to access and engage with course materials, lectures, and assignments at the time that is most convenient for you. You can create your own schedules, study, and complete tasks at your own pace to meet the set deadlines. This flexibility can be great for those juggling work, family, or other commitments.

You can study from anywhere

Online learning enables you to study from anywhere. You don’t have to move to a different city to go to college or commute through rush-hour traffic to get to campus. You only need a reliable internet connection and a laptop (or tablet) to transform any space into your virtual classroom. Online resources are at your fingertips, so you can read e-textbooks, watch lectures, or submit assignments from your cozy room, local coffee shop, or favorite spot in the nearby park. This freedom to choose your learning environment is a significant advantage of online education.

You can save money

The financial aspect of pursuing higher education is a significant consideration for many students. Traditional college can be expensive as it usually comes with hefty tuition fees, accommodation costs, commuting expenses, and pricey textbooks, which can add up quickly. On the other hand, online courses are often more affordable, and you can bypass costs like housing, commuting, and meal plans. Additionally, using e-textbooks, which are usually cheaper than print textbooks, can also contribute to reducing your overall expenses. This cost-efficiency makes college education more accessible to a broader demographic.

Cons of Online Learning

You may find it hard to make friends

One of the primary drawbacks of online classes is the lack of face-to-face interactions, which can lead to feelings of isolation and make meeting new people in college harder. You can chat with your instructors and other students online, but it's not the same as meeting face-to-face. Making friends and connecting is one of the fundamental aspects of the college experience that can contribute to your personal, academic, and professional growth. The absence of physical presence can make it challenging to build meaningful relationships with your classmates and professors and to create a sense of friendship that often flourishes in traditional campus settings.

You may struggle to stay on track

With great flexibility comes great responsibility. While it allows you to create your own schedules and study from the comfort of your home or any place you want, online learning also requires a high level of self-discipline, motivation, and time-management skills to make it work. Without the structure of traditional classes, staying on top of your assignments and deadlines becomes your responsibility. While comfortable, the home environment (or any other nontraditional classroom setting) can be full of distractions, and procrastination can sneak up, so you need to be good at staying organized and motivated.

You may face tech challenges

Technology is an essential component of online learning. Besides having a capable laptop (or tablet) and high-speed internet connection, you may need to familiarize yourself with the college's tech tools for learning and communicating. Also, technical issues such as poor internet connection, software glitches, or hardware malfunctions can disrupt the learning process. Knowing how to troubleshoot problems independently or seek assistance promptly can be crucial to a smooth learning experience. But, if you're not tech-savvy, you might find yourself more stressed about tech issues than the actual coursework.

You’re probably aware of your strengths and weaknesses, and now that you are familiar with the main benefits and drawbacks of online learning, you should have a clearer picture of whether this is a path you want to take.

Check out Porch.com's Guide to Thriving in eLearning.