As our high-tech world continues to evolve, the virtual classroom has earned its place in many academic institutions. Virtual courses are now offered alongside traditional classroom-taught courses at many colleges, with some students choosing to complete their degrees exclusively online.

Whether you choose to take classes online or physically sit in a classroom setting really depends on your personal preference. To help you decide which option might be best for you, here are a few factors to consider with both types of learning.

Let’s start with some of the features associated with online classes:

• Take Class Whenever and Wherever: This is probably the most appealing feature about these virtual classrooms. For some people, it’s not possible to be physically on campus when classes are held. Having the ability to access classroom lectures online and complete work at a time that’s convenient for them makes this option a go-to for somebody who works full-time, is a caregiver, or even wants to attend a school that’s far from home.
• Requires the Ability to Study Independently: You still have to make time to read, watch videos and lectures, and turn in assignments by deadlines. 
• Limited Personal Contact: You will likely never meet your instructor or have limited contact with him or her, other than some exchanges via email or comments on your submitted work. You may or may not know who else is in class, or have a way to connect with classmates.

Traditional classrooms have some key features that differentiate them from online courses, such as the following:

• Live Instructional Experience: While online classes can be taken wherever, there’s something about participating in a live classroom where you can see the instructor’s body language, interacting with him or her along with other students. This means more opportunities for one-on-one exchanges and help if needed.
• Best for Hands-On Subjects: It might be easy for a Business major to complete a degree 100 percent online. However, other majors, such as those in the science or medical realm, require time on campus for practical exercises and labs.
• Requires Being Physically There: The downside to courses taught in a classroom is you need to be there at a certain time and place. Missing classes means not learning all that you need to know. Attendance and participation are part of the grade for some classes as well. Therefore, your commitment to traveling to and from class is a must.

Whether you choose to get your degree online or attend classes on campus is entirely up to you. You can achieve a strong education either way – as long as you put in the effort and are ready to learn.