Should You Consider Online College Courses?

Today, college students have more educational opportunities than students of past generations. College courses in the modern post-secondary educational setting can be taken either in the classroom or through online methods. These two types of classes can differ substantially in learning methods and hands-on training techniques, but both can still be effective and enjoyable.

On-campus courses allow students to physically learn in a classroom setting. A professor delivers live lectures that allow participants to ask questions, enjoy guest speakers, contribute to the discussion and debate topics amongst one another. For students who crave an "away from home" college experience, attending classroom lectures is ideal. Classroom lectures:

• Allow students to ask questions
• Give students ample opportunity to meet acquaintances and interact with one another
• Provide hands-on learning
• Allow you to establish a personal rapport with your instructor

Classroom courses are not ideal for everyone. Many adult learners prefer taking online classes that give them the freedom and flexibility to choose which days of the week and hours of the day to participate in lessons and lectures. For working parents or full-time employees, finding the time to attend classroom lectures can be extremely challenging. Online classes provide the convenience of being able to absorb knowledge in the comfort of your own home, on your own computer. You only need your computer, an Internet connection and a course textbook.

Many students also prefer online career training because it can be more affordable. The classes can often cost less per credit. You will also save money by not having to pay campus living expenses or the gas money it would cost you to drive back and forth to school.

If you are a parent or work full-time or part-time, taking online courses may be the ideal choice for you. Online education offers the convenience of choosing when you want to learn. You do not have to leave your home and you can work at your own pace. Online courses:

• Allow you to learn at your own, personal rate
• Let you set up your own schedule - you can complete your work in small time increments or in one longer period of time
• Allow you to acquire knowledge in your own home
• Offer convenience for working parents or full-time employees
• Let you choose when you want to participate in lessons

Many people dislike online courses solely because you cannot interact with other students or your professor. You can still engage in conversations with other class participants online, but you do not have the convenience of being able to ask your professor immediate questions. You can e-mail your instructor with any inquiries that you may have, but it may take some time for him or her to respond. However, there are often online classroom chats that allow you to speak with your fellow students about any material that may seem confusing to you.

Campus classroom training and online courses are both effective methods of learning. They are both substantially different from one another and can accommodate a variety of busy lifestyles. Potomac College offers online training courses that allow students to learn through interactive methods in the convenience of their own homes.