On-Campus vs. Online Courses

One of the aspects of college/university that is different than high school, is that you have the option of taking courses on-campus or online. The opportunity of taking courses online, all depends on the program you are in and its requirements. As a student that has experienced both types of learning, I have decided to give you my own perspective on them. If you are considering taking online courses or are simply curious of them, keep reading!

I took an online course after my first year of university and two after my second year of university. I have continued to take online courses, as I am taking three online and two on-campus this semester. The few courses I have taken earlier in my college career were for the purpose of catching up on credits. However, this semester I am taking online courses simply because I enjoy working at my own pace! I have seen an improvement in my ability to stay motivated in school, which has made taking online courses easier. I believe that if you can be an independent learner... you can take on the responsibility that comes with keeping track of the work you need to do in order to thrive in the online environment.

Online courses are not for everyone, frankly because people have different learning styles! If you absorb information better through physical work (group projects, in-class assignments, etc.) or listening to a professor, then I suggest taking on-campus courses. If you enjoy making schedules, can stick to it, can handle freedom well, and want to challenge yourself... I suggest trying an online course.

I have experienced, as well as learned through observation, the pros and cons of both learning styles. Below I have provided bullet points of the advantages and disadvantages, which I hope will give you an idea of which style is best for you.

Online Courses

PROS

- Design your own schedule of what you need to get done by certain dates (flexibility!)

- Work at a pace that is perfect for you

CONS

- Harder to meet people and make new friends

- Cannot get questions answered by your professor as quickly as in a face-to-face setting

- Can be hard at times to stay motivated

On-Campus Courses

PROS

- Easy to make friends

- Easy to absorb information if you learn by physically doing or listening