Debate Tilts Toward Online Learning Versus Classroom Learning

Online education has come a long way since its inception. At first, the academic community believed the traditional classroom setting to be the only legitimate method of higher learning. Now, that perception has changed on the credibility of online classes and universities, and has become a popular choices for students with restrictive schedules, such as non-traditional students (24 and above) and college athletes.

After predicting a slowed growth in online enrollment last year, the Sloan Consortium admitted a miscalculation of the trend. In fact, recent studies have shown unprecedented growth in online enrollment, while also indicating a decline in traditional classroom participation.

There are many reasons for this shift in how we approach higher education. For starters, convenience has played a larger role to the experience of the college campus. Students that must maintain employment, practice schedule or a family life often find night classes to be difficult after a full day. Heading into a traditional classroom physically exhausted and mentally drained creates a counterproductive learning environment.

Another benefit of distance learning is being able to control the pace of learning and the completion of coursework. Online programs allow students to fit their schoolwork into their schedule in an environment conducive to their learning. The rigid requirements of a traditional classroom setting can work against many students learning strengths. Online education promotes a more personalized curriculum, making higher education a realistic option for every type of student.

Even niche educational programs, such as massage school, are now offering online class option in order to keep pace with the changing environment of education and the lifestyle of students.

Sites, like OnlineCollege.org, make researching the thousands of online programs less complicated. Here you can customize your search to ensure you find the right fit. Enrolling in the right program is critical, so utilizing tools like this is essential when considering the pursuit of an online degree.

Traditional classrooms are great for many students. However, not all students are able to participate in the conventional university experience. For those students, online programs have provided a unique opportunity to continue higher education. With many universities and colleges, even several Ivy League institutions, the perception of online learning has been permanently altered. Once considered a secondary method of academia, online education is now considered the future of higher learning.