49950_HSP Fall College Issue

Online Versus
Campus Colleges
Too Many Choices
If you’re studying something popular – like business or computer
science – you may find that dozens of schools offer a degree in
your major. That’s good and bad news. It’s always nice to have
options, but more choices equal more research. In order to choose
the best option among them, you’ll need to weigh a handful of
considerations, including student support services, class schedule
flexibility, quality of the schools’ instructors, average graduation
rates, career placement services, and of course – cost.
An Obvious Choice
If you’re pursuing a very specific or unusual degree – like golf course turf
management – you may only find two or three colleges that teach the courses
you need, and you might not have a choice between an online school and a
campus school. In this case, you shouldn’t change your career goals just so
you can attend an online program. Remember: your dreams and ambitions
come first. Convenience should come second.
Deciding Between an Online College and a
Campus-Based College
If you do find yourself choosing between an online program and a campus
program, the following points can help you make your selection. Assuming
that the two programs are relatively comparable in terms of their costs and
other offerings, these advantages will isolate a clear front-runner, based on
the educational factors that are important to you.
Advantages of a Completely Online College
Convenience: Online courses are accessible whenever you want to study and
learn.
• Zero Hassle: You’ll never have to fight traffic or do your makeup in order to
attend class.
• Savings: Online classes require no costs for parking, fuel, or dorm living.
• More Opportunities to Participate: Through emails and discussion posts,
you’ll always be “heard” in an online class – even if you’re shy or lacking
academic confidence.
• More Time to Participate: In-person classes only last an hour or two. In
that time-frame, instructors need to deliver their lessons and assignments.
Students rarely have time to pose thoughtful comments and questions. And if
they do, only the loudest, most aggressive students receive attention.
• Everyone Is Welcome: No one feels “out of place” because of age,
appearance, or abilities.
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• Technology Skills: Even though e-learning isn’t
technologically complicated, you will learn a lot of terms and
skills that you might not encounter in a traditional classroom.
Getting comfortable with online exercises is an important part
of 21st century career preparation.
Advantages of a Campus-Based College
• No Self-Policing: Class is always underway at a specific
time. You either show up or you don’t. It’s impossible to
procrastinate.
• Immediate Answers: If you don’t like waiting for emails
or reading lessons on your own, you’ll prefer to see your
instructor in person.
• Classmate Connection: Some students enjoy forming study
groups at the local college library, or going out for coffee with
classmates. The connection makes them feel more involved in
their education.
• Career Networking Potential: It is possible to network with
online classmates/instructors, but campus-based classmates
are much more likely to live in your area and interact with
professionals who can influence your career.
• Extracurricular Events: Your local college probably hosts
exhibits, readings, career fairs, and sporting events that can
round out your college experience.
Advantages of a Hybrid Program
(Partially Online, Partially on Campus)
• More Degree Options: Certain degrees must involve an inperson
component. Nursing programs, for example, usually
involve clinical training in a medical facility. Teaching degrees
often require student teaching at a local school. If you’re
willing to study partially online and partially in person, you
may have more career options.
• Your College Will Facilitate Local Placement: If your
hybrid degree does require training hours at a local school,
hospital, or social services setting, your college advisor will
help you find a facility that is in your area. Local placement
opportunities often evolve into full-time jobs, once you
graduate.
• Medium Travel: Depending on your program requirements,
you may have to be present for orientation, proctored exams,
annual symposiums, or other events. You’ll enjoy meeting your
instructors in person, but you probably won’t have to travel on
a weekly basis.
• More “Name Brand” College Selection: If you want an online
degree, but you’re concerned about attending a school that
is only known for its online programs, you can often find a
hybrid alternative from a more “traditional” college. Hundreds
of small colleges and state universities are implementing
online programs, though most are not 100% online. If you’re
willing to try a hybrid college, you can often get the best of
both worlds.
To find out more about specific online programs, visit
www.elearners.com