Today’s students have far more opportunities than ever before to get a great education, whether or not they ever step foot on campus. Getting a quality college degree begs the question: what is the best college experience for you? It really comes down to your personality, learning style, and schedule. Let’s take a closer look at the online vs. campus learning worlds, and who might benefit from which.
Online courses, also known as distance learning, have actually been around for a long time. Before the dawn of the Internet, they were referred to as correspondence schools, where a student would receive a lesson via the mail, complete it, and return it to the instructor. Today, online education is much closer to real-time learning. The courses vary depending on the teachers’ style and course topic. They might post chapters for students to read then complete a quiz or an assignment based on that reading. Some instructors might post written or recorded lectures as well. Students communicate with instructors via email or online chats. Sometimes instructors might create forums for students to exchange information and discuss topics with each other. For students who are on-the-go, or otherwise unable to travel to the school, this is a viable way in which to study and earn a degree regardless of location. If studying from the comfort of your home (or on the road) works for you, and you don’t mind not seeing people face-to-face, this might be the way to go.
While online classes are convenient, there is something to be said for campus life when it comes to the full college experience. Even if you’re a commuter, there are activities you can take part in with classmates and others. Think bonfires, sporting events, theater performances, trivia nights in the student center, or even access to facilities like gyms. Another plus to being on campus is activities based around your major. Academic societies are awesome for meeting others in the same field and networking with grads who might have tips on where to apply post-graduation. If you’re someone who craves social interactions live and in person, you might find that being able to physically go on campus is right for you.
There’s also a best-of-both-worlds option that many students are discovering. Some universities offer both on-campus and online classes. You could try a mix of both while working toward your degree, depending on the subject. This is ideal for students who have a schedule that might not allow them to be on campus every day, but they still want that taste of college life. Consider your options and know what’s important to you.
