Online College
Education Network
(OCEN)
Education : : Future : : Career : : Life : : Knowledge : : Experience
Traditional or Online: How do I Choose?
Online
education courses and traditional colleges
both have their respective advantages and disadvantages.
In a traditional classroom scenario the focus
is mainly on the instructor. The flow of information
from instructor to student may be passive if
the instructor does not successfully get the
attention of his audience.
Online College Courses
The online classroom technologies are suited
for a learner-focused environment. In this type
of environment, the focus is on the student
while the instructor becomes more of a guide
than a teacher. The student thereby takes a
more central role in the construction of his
or her learning while instructors provide resources
rather than delivering content.
Online education courses offer a wide range of technologies, media and forms of interaction that allows instructors to meet a broader range of students needs. While distance learning is not for everyone, many are enjoying the advantages such as flexible schedules, learning at your own pace, and the ability to study from anywhere in the world.
Distance Education Statistics
Online education courses are the wave of the
future! They range from short term training
workshops to undergraduate and graduate programs
for college credit. During the last decade the
use of online education courses has expanded
from twenty-two percent to sixty percent.
Many
wonder about student performance of distance
learning graduates as opposed to those who are
educated in a traditional classroom. The survey
respondents rated the performance of distance
education students about the same (54 percent)
or better (27 percent) than their classroom-based
students.
Traditional College Benefits
While many people are succeeding in taking online
education courses, it is not a perfect learning
environment for everyone. In order to be a successful
student taking online college courses you must
possess strong written communication skills
and an ability to work well independently.
You
may be better suited for a traditional education
if you possess the type of personal learning
style that relies heavily on visual and verbal
cues. A traditional education can offer you
the connection you may need between yourself,
your instructor and classmates. Understanding
your learning needs is the best way to determine
whether you belong in a traditional or online
college.