While online classes have been available through colleges and universities for quite some time, the idea of earning a degree without stepping foot in a traditional classroom is still fairly new. However, online schooling is gaining popularity as more and more people want to pursue higher education without having to quit full-time employment or drop their household responsibilities. Still, there are pros and cons to online schooling. To help you discover whether it’s the right educational route for you, here’s a list of the good and the bad of online schooling:
The Good
No Commuting: One of the best aspects of online schooling is that is saves time on traveling. The online classroom is located anywhere with an internet connection, such as your bedroom, living room, or the coffee shop down the street. This means that you don’t have to get in your car or ride the bus to class. You also don’t have to get ready in the morning. You can learn the course from the comfort of your own home.
Flexible Schedule: Online schooling provides students an opportunity to learn on their own time. Students can create their own schedules and still make time for work and obligations around the home, including raising children. For example, a stay-at-home mother can study online while their baby is taking a nap.
The Bad
No Accreditation: With so many online schools to choose from, it can be difficult to find one with a good reputation and a valid accreditation. Watch out for scams. Online schools without proper accreditation will harm your resume, and the credits will not transfer to traditional schools.
Requires Extra Discipline: Online schooling might seem like the perfect life for a student, but it can also be challenging. Some students don’t have the discipline it takes to study at home, especially when there are many distractions, such as a long to-do list, family obligations, cleaning, and other responsibilities. For these students, the traditional classroom setting might be a better place for them to learn.