The Debate: Online Learning Versus Brick and Mortar Learning

Everyone has their own learning styles. Going to school online might not be cut out for a person that needs to be face to face with an instructor. Or a person that has to have on hands training might not want to attend an online campus. It’s a tough decision when you have to make this decision on how you want to continue with your education. An education is an education, so it’s better to have one than not to have one at all. So it all really boils down to you making that decision based on how you interpret your learning skills. For me, online is what fit in my current life style. It’s convenient, comfortable, and less expensive. The

It allows more focus on the quality of schoolwork while studying instead of the constant worry of not having enough time in the day to spend time with a spouse and children. These reasons make online learning an excellent alternative for students who need to modify their method of education because of work or family

One of the culprits hindering higher education for Americans is the tuition rates. A report by the Delta Cost Project indicates that if tuition had grown in pace with inflation, the average tuition at in-state public colleges would only have been $2,052 in 2010. The actual price of tuition was around $7,500, and it is increasing at around 5% per year, about twice as fast as the rate of inflation. Whereas everything else in the economy doubles in cost about every 32 years, college costs have been doubling around every 15 years. In a paper published by the National Bureau of Economic Research, titled How the Changing Market Structure of U.S. Higher Education Explains College, the author, Caroline Hoxby, states that universities have little incentive

During my senior year of high school, I began to worry about what my life would be after high school. I knew I wanted to pursue my dreams of furthering my education and obtaining a college degree, yet had no idea what I wanted to become. After researching several careers, I decided I’d attend community college, obtain my medical assistant certificate enabling me to work in the health care field, which would then help me determine exactly what it is that I wanted. Luckily, I took a variety of college courses in high school which allowed me to finish the medical assisting program in one year, instead of two years; which is typical of a community college. I received a job offer at the facility I did my externship and began working a month after graduation.

Many students have a difficult time choosing between online education and traditional education. Both styles of education offer advantages and disadvantages to the student. There are many things to consider when making this life altering decision, such as, cost, convenience, time, social interaction, and technology. This information is meant to inform prospective students looking to further their education of the pros and cons of both online education and traditional education. Taking the steps to further your education is a big decision and one that should not be taken lightly. One should weigh all of his/her options and be well informed and certain of their choice before taking that leap.

Graduating high school was an exciting time, but I felt lost. I wasn't sure of my career goals or what I wanted to accomplish at University. When I first decided to attend community college, I felt hesitant because I did not take the traditional route like my other classmates. However, community college was cheaper and would give me time to figure out the career path I wanted to take.

As a young girl, the idea of college was a distant dream that I knew was important. I was told every day for the past 12 years of my life that college is the threshold to a better life because with a college degree you can accomplish so much more. Now, as a high school graduate, College and everything that comes with it is my reality. From applying to accepting an offer to orientation and financial obligations is all too real. I am just starting to realize how difficult college is.

I found a job that I have been at for twenty years now. Ten years ago I met my current wife; she had put herself through college and was proud of her accomplishment. Throughout our marriage she would encourage me go back to school and complete a degree for myself. I would always tell her there just was not enough time in a day or money in the bank for college; this was my excuse so I wouldn’t fail.

Through many life obstacles I was not very fortunate or goal driven to attempt to go to college after high school. Grew up in a military family so my family was stricter about keeping their children

After graduating high school, I went straight into the work field for 2 and a half years. I never really appreciated school growing up and never gave a real effort in grade school. After 2 Years of not going to school, I began to notice and appreciate the value of receiving an education. At first i was hesitant of returning back to school because of my age, I was 21 years old. Most people my age were finishing college and I was just beginning. When I first attended NOVA my goal was to just receive my associates degree in business administration but after a year I realized that I shouldn't just settle for that when I could get my bachelors. I finished my last course at NOVA this past summer and it was a great feeling. I had always planned to

I made the decision to go back to school for many different reasons. I saw it as an opportunity to continue my education, potentially make more money in my career and prove to myself that I could accomplish this goal. Even after, placing this personal goal on hold for the past ten years, having three children and working. I knew this would definitely help me in the long run. It has always been dream of mine to graduate from college. To do what only two of my family members before me have done. Growing up in Compton, California. College wasn't an option for most, however I was fortunate enough to have parents who believed in me and my sisters and really pushed us to continue to further our education. I believe moving forward if I stay persistent

I must say I struggled with the idea of going back to college. I am 34 years old. What in the world was I thinking? College, now? How old will I be when I graduate? Well I went against my thoughts and self doubt and went for it. I am enrolled in college, community college, but it’s a start. Hopefully it will be amazing and will lead me to success. I am currently in my first quarter. I have a long way to go, but I am going to get there, no matter what.

Reading your comments brought back some memories for me like you after high school going to college was not in the cards for me so I joined the military and this lead to adventures in life such as marriage. Now going back to college can be challenging for the new normal known as non-traditional students, but we know what this degree means to us in getting a better position where we currently work at or it will open doors to unlimited possibilities.

Coming from a town where many people do not care about education or do not ever leave, college gave me a chance to further find myself. I have known since I was younger that I loved sports and wanted to work in the medical field. I loved watching and playing sports, and even discussing the statistics and records. As I was growing up, my mother instilled in me the idea that college is one of the utmost important goals that I should have. I have seen the struggle of not having a college degree in nearly every place I looked. I knew that that was not going to be me. I gave every ounce of effort possible all throughout elementary, middle, and high school to be able to get the needed materials to go to college. That is exactly what happened. I regret

Online education is a type of distance learning. The student is taking courses without attending a school or university. Instead, online students and teachers interact over the Internet. Online classes can teach students educational responsibility. By forcing them to access the online portal to participate in reading the textbooks/lectures and doing the assignments. Technical abilities is also learned with online classes. Students who lack the tech savvy knowledge can learn how to navigate through the online environment. Being able to access the online portal at any given time of the day is one other benefit to online education. Though online education may seem beneficial, there are more negatives than