Online School vs. Traditional School

Online Schooling vs. Traditional Schooling

Kayla Kilburn

COM/155

10/8/2012
Charlotte Zavadil

Online Schooling vs. Traditional Schooling

A report done by SRI International for the Department of education came to the conclusion that on average students that take online classes perform better than students taking regular classes with face to face interaction. (United States Department Of Education, 2010). There are many similarities and differences to online schooling and traditional schooling. There is no right or wrong way to get an education it is all based on ones learning preferences. Looking at the benefits one can get from each type of schooling can help one decide which would best fit into their life and help them succeed in getting the degree they want. No matter what path one takes to getting a degree they still have to put in the same amount of work to get it. There is no “easier” way to get a degree. When one takes online classes they still have homework assignments that are due. They also still must participate to get a good grade in class. It is not like one can neglect their schoolwork and still expect to pass. If they are looking for the “quick and easy” way to succeed and get a degree they need to rethink things because there is not a quick and easy way to come about it. They need to put in substantial effort in either option for schooling they choose. One is required to take the same exams to obtain their degree or certifications. Whether they are choosing to go to a traditional school or online schooling both have instructors available whenever one may need them to help with work or any questions they may have. One would do this in online schooling by using their personal forum, or they can email their instructor directly. Where in traditional schooling it may be a little harder to find a time to talk to their teacher or have to go around their schedule for when they are available. Looking at flexibility online schooling by far has the most. With online schooling one is not required to attend their class at a certain time each day as one would be if they attended a traditional schooling with a campus education. With online schooling one is required to meet an attendance and participation requirement. For example one may be required to log into their classroom at least two days a week to fill their attendance but need to post at least four times a week to fill their participation requirement. This may be easier for someone to accomplish if they have a strict work schedule or have priorities at home that stop them from attending a class at a campus at a certain time each day. With online schooling one can log into their school portal 24/7 whenever it is best suited for them to work on their class work and participation. Also with attending online schooling one would not need to carry a bunch of different text books around with them since all of their materials needed to complete their work are all in their student portal when they log in to their school. All they would need is access to the Internet to complete their school work. There are many very important details about life one would need to take into consideration when choosing which style schooling is best for them. They would need to think about which type of educational experience they would prefer. If they want to get an education while experiencing a campus environment with peer interactions then online schooling would not be the best fit for them. Also if they are not very computer savvy picking online schooling would probably be a mistake since they would spend their entire college experience on the computer navigating their online classroom and different web pages. They also need to take in consideration what kind of learner they may be. If they get distracted by others easy maybe online schooling would be a good choice for them as long as they are comfortable being on their own. On the other hand if they are not a motivated person on their own and need someone to remind them when things are due a classroom environment would most likely be best. If they are a hands on kind of learner the best thing for them would probably not be online schooling since they would not get to experience things for themselves. As in a classroom setting of traditional schooling they probably would have assignments in class where one would be able to experience how things work for themselves. Mainly online one is reading about how things are done not experiencing them for one’s self. The final decision on which method of schooling would be best is based on ones individual unique life circumstances and what they are looking to get out of their college education and experience. There is no wrong way to earn a degree. What matters is they are earning a degree the way that is best fit for their individual lifestyle. And that they are trying to improve their future and give themselves a better opportunity to succeed in life. Technology such as the Internet has made it possible for people who need more flexibility to still earn the degree they want. While traditional schooling is still giving those that want to get the experience of a college campus atmosphere the education they want with the memories they want to remember forever.

References United States Department of Education. (2010). Retrieved from http://www2.ed.gov/rschstat/eval/tech/evidence-based-practices/finalreport.pdf

References: United States Department of Education. (2010). Retrieved from http://www2.ed.gov/rschstat/eval/tech/evidence-based-practices/finalreport.pdf