If you’re enrolling in college classes, you likely have a variety of class types to choose from when selecting your courses. Some will be fully in-person, some fully online, and some a mix of the two. These choices are diversifying all the time, in order to accommodate student need, teaching capacity, and the nature of the course subject.
Regardless of these factors, it can be helpful to understand the differences between types of class environments, so that if it comes down to a choice you can make it with confidence, based on what makes sense for your goals and learning style. We’ll also cover the advantages and disadvantages of your main options: online and in-person.
The Top 6 Differences Between Online and Traditional Classes
1. Social & Physical Interaction
A major difference between online classes and traditional learning is the type of interaction you have with your fellow students and teachers.
One of the disadvantages of online classes is the lack of in-person interaction, and with it the opportunity to meet new people. That said, you can still interact with classmates over video chat and through discussion boards to accomplish tasks.
In a traditional classroom environment, the conversation may flow more naturally than it can in an online class, allowing more of the material to be discussed. The traditional setting can also make it easier to get assistance with a question since it can be asked in real-time and have dialogue go back and forth. Still, online teachers often prioritize being accessible through email and other forms of communication and may offer online “office hours” as they would for in-person classes.
2. Learning Flexibility
One of the advantages of online classes is the amount of flexibility they may provide in the learning environment. Many online classes will allow you to work at your own pace, while still having real-time or recorded lectures and assignments or tests due at certain intervals.
Although this means you still have to keep up with the work regularly, the flexibility allows you to carry out your day how you need rather than fitting it around a class schedule. This can be helpful if you are working, are busy with kids, or would just like to have more control over your schedule.
3. Time & Place
In a traditional learning setting, you have to be in class at a certain time and place, which means taking the time to commute to college—not to mention across campus. You will have to schedule your day and week around classes, and your instructor will likely have firm rules about the number of absences they’ll allow before they may impact your grade. For residential students, this is easier to accommodate, and an in-person classroom of people can offer a level of accountability to making progress through the course.
With online classes, you may not be required to log in at a certain time, so that it’s up to you to complete the work on your schedule. If you are required to attend online lectures, you have the flexibility to log in from home, the library, or anywhere!
4. Delivery of Educational Material & Testing
Knowing how you learn best can be helpful to determine which class method is right for you. For instance, if you are a visual learner or have trouble paying attention in an in-person environment, an online class may suit you better. You can more easily use learning aids to help you pace yourself through the material and take notes more dynamically.
In a traditional class setting, the professor may lecture on the material without using any visual aids or physical resources, or they may offer a variety of learning aids. Regardless, you are expected to learn the material from what’s provided and then be tested on it in a more rigid environment. However, some learners prefer to attend in-person classes because they can more easily engage with classmates and the course instructor and ask questions, leading to better memory retention.
5. Self-Discipline
If you decide to take online classes, you’ll need to be self-disciplined. Taking a traditional, in-person class requires you to show up to class and, to a certain extent, stay involved in the course and other classmates. Taking an online class requires you to set more of your own learning schedule to ensure you have time to work through required reading and assignments at a reasonable pace. You don’t want to fall behind and have to race to catch up, which may put you at risk for poorer grades.
6. Cost
When weighing the pros and cons of online learning, cost may or may not be a factor to consider. Depending on your institution, the tuition for both may cost the same, or online classes may be relatively less costly. Some institutions can offer less expensive online classes because they don’t require a classroom, lab materials, or other physical assets that can be reserved for in-person classes.
The cost may differ for fees or books, however. Online classes may be able to offer fully digital learning materials, while in-person may require physical books or workbooks. Some courses have a flat fee associated with using certain materials or software. Depending on the type of course you’re considering, ask your advisor about any extra costs that may be related to your options.
Ready to Choose the Right Course for You?
Deciding whether it is better to take classes online or in-person is ultimately up to you. Determine your learning style and consider all the benefits and drawbacks to find the best fit. If both options seem appealing, see if blended or hybrid learning is available. Blending learning and hybrid learning education models are alternative options that are a middle ground between full online or face-to-face learning.
Blended learning is an education model where all students attend class in person, but they engage in nonparallel, online learning methods outside of the classroom. For instance, students may meet in a classroom for discussion but watch instructional videos or submit all of their assignments online.
Hybrid learning is an education model where students attend class in person and through online platforms. In essence, this method uses nonparallel teaching methods to supplement face-to-face learning.
Once you and your advisor determine which learning environment you prefer, the next step is ensuring that you can meet the cost of your course load. Don’t let college tuition costs hold you back from your preferred learning environment. If you need some help paying for school, consider applying for private student loans with ELFI.
