speech on pros and cons of online classes

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Are Online Classes Worth It? 12 Pros & Cons

12 Sep 2019

A third of all students now take online courses . Although the reasons why vary, there are several key benefits to learning virtually—from increased flexibility to lower costs.

But online courses aren’t for everyone. Some individuals want to engage with faculty face-to-face or need the in-person touchpoints to stay on track and motivated.

If you’re mulling over the decision to take an online class, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons against your career goals and preferred learning style. To help you decide, here are some advantages and disadvantages to learning online.

Pros of Online Learning

1. you can learn on your time.

Online courses offer unparalleled flexibility, particularly for undergraduate students trying to learn a new skill outside of their major or working professionals already juggling a full-time job . You can complete coursework when it’s convenient for you, whether that’s after work or during your lunch break.

You can also schedule your learning around when you’re most likely to retain new information. Whether you’re an early riser or a night owl, you can log in whenever is the optimal time for you.

2. You Can Learn at Your Speed

Some students don’t feel comfortable raising their hand in class and asking the professor to reexplain a topic their peers already seem to grasp. In an online learning environment, you can pause videos or return to concepts covered in previous modules. You can dive deeper into a particular topic instead of skimming over it.

3. You Can Save Money

While there are many free online courses, even those that aren’t still typically cost less than their on-campus counterparts. By learning virtually, you eliminate room and board fees, as well as any commuting costs. And because there’s greater flexibility, you can simultaneously earn a paycheck and an education.

Related: Should You Take an Online Course? 9 Things to Consider

4. You Can Break Down Geographic Barriers

When choosing an online program, you’re not limited by location. You can register for a program abroad without needing to board a plane.

The lack of geographical constraints extends to your peers, too. Online courses offer the opportunity for you to engage with fellow learners from around the world. Through that interaction, you can gain a global perspective and learn how to work collaboratively with people from different backgrounds and countries— skills employers say they look for in candidates .

A Guide to Advancing Your Career with Essentials Business Skills | Access Your Free E-Book | Download Now

5. You Can Gain Practical Tech Skills

Completing an online course proves you’re comfortable with technology, which could positively impact your resume as more companies embrace remote work. Showing you’re familiar with digital tools, know how to communicate effectively, and can stay organized are all traits employers look for. And those are the same traits you’ll pick up in an online class.

6. You Can Achieve Similar Career Outcomes

There are several misconceptions about online learning—particularly that you won’t achieve the same outcomes or respect from employers that you would by attending an on-campus program. But that’s not always the case.

In a recent survey by City Square Associates , 50 percent of learners reported receiving more attention from recruiters after completing a Harvard Business School Online course, while one in four said they received a promotion or title change. An online certificate from a reputable institution can have the same, or even better, impact on your resume than a more traditional degree.

Related: 6 Networking Tips for Online Learners

Cons of Online Learning

1. you might have limited, if any, interaction with faculty.

Depending on the type of online program you choose, you could have limited, if any, interaction with the professors. Your peers may be able to fill that void and answer your questions, but you should consider the level of faculty engagement you need to feel like you’re making progress.

2. You Can't Be Disorganized

Completing an online course requires time management and self-discipline. Because you’re not required to be in class on certain days each week, it’s your responsibility to set aside time to study and work through assignments. If you’re highly organized and can commit to a schedule, then you should succeed in an online environment.

Related: 3 Time Management Tips for Online Learners

3. You Might Have Potentially Fewer Networking Opportunities

Depending on the course you choose, there could be fewer opportunities to network with peers. If the social element is crucial to you, choose an online learning platform built around peer interaction and active participation , or perhaps even offers events .

For example, at Harvard Business School Online, more than 60 percent of surveyed past participants say they feel part of a community with similar aspirations.

4. You Really Need to Do Your Research

With more than 11,400 free massive open online courses available alone, the options can be overwhelming.

As you’re compiling research, jot down the qualities you want in an online education to help whittle down the list. Is earning a credential vital to you? Do you want a more immersive, interactive experience instead of engaging solely with videos? By knowing your preferences, it will be easier to spot and eliminate programs that aren’t the right fit.

5. You Can't Always Find Industry-Specific Online Training

Despite the abundance of online courses, there are still limited opportunities for more specialized industries. But if you’re committed to advancing your career, there are business skills that can help you no matter your profession and online courses that can fill gaps in your skillset .

6. You Might Need to Fight Against Misconceptions

Although online learning is growing in popularity, there’s still some lingering skepticism. That’s changing, though; in a survey of executives, 83 percent said that an online degree is just as credible as one earned through a traditional campus-based program. According to employers, if the online program was from a reputable institution with high-quality learners, it was deemed more credible.

Weighing the Pros and Cons of Online Learning

Only you can decide if online classes are for you, based on your unique personal and professional goals and preferred learning style. For many working professionals interested in advancing their careers, online courses offer the flexibility and convenience they need to balance developing new skills with their current life stage and job responsibilities.

Do you want to take your career to the next level? Download our free Guide to Advancing Your Career with Essential Business Skills to learn how enhancing your business knowledge can help you make an impact on your organization and be competitive in the job market.

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Weighing the Pros and Cons of Online vs. In-Person Learning

Whether you’re an undergraduate, graduate, or transfer student, you have multiple options when it comes to pursuing your degree. Not only are there hundreds of majors, minors, and concentrations to choose from — there are also different ways to pursue your degree, like going to class in person vs. taking courses online. So what are the pros and cons of online learning, and how do traditional, on-campus programs stack up?

We’ll compare the advantages and drawbacks of both options in this guide so that you can make a more confident decision about which type of program is right for you. We’ll also share some statistics about online learning that might surprise you, along with a list of the top seven degrees to earn online in 2022. If you’re applying to colleges (or thinking about it), keep reading to learn why you should consider choosing an online degree or certificate program.

Should I Go to College Online or On Campus?

What are the benefits of online education.

What Are the Benefits of Taking Courses in Person?

What Are Some Potential Considerations of Attending College Online?

What are some potential considerations of attending college on-campus.

What Degrees Can You Get Online?
Earn Your Degree Online or On-Campus at National University

Is it better to go to college online or on campus? It depends on what you’re looking for in a program and what criteria are most important to you. For example, online programs simultaneously make it more convenient and more affordable to attend classes and earn your degree — especially if you’re already busy working full-time or raising a family. Additionally, an online program may enable you to earn your degree faster than a traditional program, so that you can become qualified for your dream career sooner. Learn more about how the four-week course structure at National University can help you graduate earlier, or read about how to qualify for our accelerated study option .

Ultimately, it’s up to you to determine whether an online or in-person program is the right choice — but you don’t have to make your decision without help. Our friendly enrollment counselors are here to answer all of your questions and provide you with detailed information about our online, on-campus, and hybrid programs. Contact our admissions office to request program information, or continue reading to learn more about the pros and cons of earning your degree online.

Distance education is becoming more popular among college students across the U.S., with 11.8 million undergraduates enrolled in online classes in 2020 compared to just 6 million — only about half as many — in 2019. Here are just a few of the reasons why so many students prefer online coursework.

1. Scheduling Flexibility

In a hectic, busy world, online courses offer unmatched convenience and flexibility. Whether you’re a night owl or a morning person, online classes allow you to log in and complete your work anywhere, anytime — all in your favorite pair of pajamas. Study on your schedule, without the need for a stressful, time-wasting commute.

2. Lower Tuition and Boarding Costs

Online students don’t have to pay for student housing, gas for commuting, or on-campus meal programs. That can translate to substantial savings, which is a major perk for cost-conscious students. Just think of what you could do with the money you’ll save on transit, food, and dorm living.

3. Increased Networking Opportunities

Online courses let you interact with students in remote locations all over the world. That could lead to professional opportunities you might not be exposed to in a traditional classroom setting. Online courses make it easy to be a passive participant, but for the investment you’re making, it’s much more fulfilling to take advantage of your networking opportunities.

4. Perfect for Busy Parents and Workers

Going to work or raising a family? Online courses let you build an education around your routine so that you don’t have to give up family time, hire expensive babysitters, or cut your hours at work. Distance education is ideal for anyone with a hectic or unpredictable calendar, from stay-at-home parents to busy freelancers. For example, many students attend online college while working full-time.

5. More Equitable, Accessible Learning

Another advantage of online classes is that they can open up more learning opportunities for students with disabilities, making postsecondary education more accessible and inclusive. Online courses allow students to learn at their own pace on their own schedule, which is an approach to studying known as asynchronous learning . This format empowers students to take notes, review lectures, and go over other course materials in a way that works best for them.

What Are the Benefits of Taking Courses in Person?

We’ve just discussed how the benefits of online learning include lower tuition costs, more flexible scheduling, and enhanced accessibility for students with disabilities. So what are some of the advantages that traditional classrooms or other in-person learning environments might offer?

1. Distraction-Free Environment

A successful education demands focus and concentration. Classrooms, laboratories, and lecture halls create tightly focused, distraction-free learning environments with all the tools and space you need, so that you can dedicate yourself to the lesson — not to that annoying car alarm, barking dog, or ringing phone in the background.

2. Hands-On Learning

Not every student learns the same way. Some people are visual learners, some people like to take detailed notes, and some people learn best from first-hand experience. Additionally, there are some disciplines that require hands-on experience, such as learning how to repair a machine or perform a medical procedure. If direct, hands-on learning opportunities are important to you, an on-campus degree program might make the better fit.

If you’re thinking about attending college online, it’s important to be aware of some potential considerations to online learning, which will enable you to make a more informed decision about your educational path. Here are a few challenges and considerations to prepare for if you’re pursuing an online degree, credential, or certificate program.

1. Tougher Technical Requirements

If you consider yourself more tech-challenged than tech-savvy, online learning might pose a few obstacles due to its heavy reliance on computer programs, which can be expensive to purchase and tough to navigate. Fortunately, there are countless resources to help you master the software you’ll need to succeed. In fact, many schools have dedicated IT departments and help desk services for students who may have issues with online learning portals, as well as troubleshooting guides.

2. Greater Need for Self-Motivation

For self-paced programs, you’ll need to employ some serious self-discipline to ensure you complete your work in a timely fashion. Without a rigid class schedule to push you to attend a class at a designated time and place every week, it may be harder to reap the full benefits that distance education has to offer if you tend to procrastinate.

3. Possible Distractions at Home

Unfortunately, not everyone is lucky enough to have a serene home office or local park they can escape to. If your home environment is chaotic and full of distractions — such as screaming children, rowdy roommates, or the ever-present allure of having Netflix and video games in your direct line of sight — it might be a challenge to stay focused on your coursework.

4. Less Cooperation and Interaction with Peers

Write a new section about how in-person classes make it easy to collaborate in group projects, discussions, and small talk before and after class, but you have to work at communicating and building relationships with peers when taking an online program.

Now that we’ve examined both the pros and cons of online classes — along with some of the advantages of in-person learning — let’s complete our comparison by reviewing three potential drawbacks to earning your degree in a traditional, campus-based setting. You’ll need to factor higher costs into your academic budget, along with a daily or weekly commute — so why else might online learning be a better option for you?

1. Less Control Over Scheduling

In a traditional, on-campus degree program, you have much less control over when and where you attend classes than you would in an online program. If you have a crammed calendar, or if your availability tends to fluctuate — for instance, if you’re an independent contractor who goes through slow periods and busy periods — you might want to opt for an online program. This can grant you a greater degree of control over your class schedule.

2. Commuting to Classes

If you attend your classes in person, you’ll need to commute to and from campus. Depending on your living arrangements, that can guzzle up gas, time, and money — not to mention put you through stressful traffic jams every day. If you plan to enroll in an on-campus program, be sure to think carefully about the logistics around your daily commute.

3. Higher Tuition Expenses

Traditional students tend to have higher expenses due to factors such as student housing, on-campus meal programs, and public transit or gas for commuting.

What Degrees Can You Get Online?

If there’s one trait that online and in-person programs both share in common, it’s the sheer number of degrees that are available to students in either setting. For example, National University offers more than 45 accredited degree programs that are available 100% online, including graduate and undergraduate programs in marketing, nursing, engineering, law, computer science, psychology, and more. Use our program finder to explore the possibilities.

Top 7 Degrees to Earn Online

1. accounting.

National University offers graduate and undergraduate accounting programs, including the Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Master of Accounting (MAcc). Learn more about how to become an accountant by earning your degree online.

2. Business Administration

A Master of Business Administration (MBA) can increase your earning power substantially. According to MBA.com , reporting on a survey conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council, “[I]n 2021, the average starting salary for MBAs was between 22% and 40% higher than for bachelor graduates.” Earn your MBA online at National University, or build the foundation for a career in business by earning your Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA).

3. Computer Science

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), computer and information research scientists earned a median salary of more than $131,000 in 2021. Additionally, these fields are expected to grow by 21% from 2020 through 2030 — a rate that is considered “much faster than average” by the BLS — suggesting that there will be plentiful job opportunities for CS graduates in the coming years. Our programs allow students to earn a Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) or Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSCS) 100% online.

4. Education

Educators are in high demand , especially in science, mathematics, and special education. The demand is particularly great in states like California, which is grappling with pronounced teacher shortages . NU offers numerous teaching credentials and certificate programs 100% online, along with education degrees that prepare students to become academic leaders and administrators. Earn your Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education (BAECE), pursue your Master of Arts in Education (MAE), advance your teaching career with single-subject and multiple-subject credentials, or explore our other accredited program offerings.

5. Engineering

As an engineer, you have opportunities to explore interests that range from computing, mining, and nuclear energy to aerospace, chemistry, workplace safety, and the environment. According to BLS data , certain types of engineers — including nuclear, aerospace, and petroleum engineers — earn a median salary of over $120,000. Launch or advance your career in engineering through accredited online programs at NU, like our Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering (BSECE) or Master of Science in Engineering Management (MSEM).

6. Marketing

A marketing degree, such as the Bachelor of Arts in Integrated Marketing Communications , equips students with the foundational skills for a broad range of careers, ranging from fundraising and event management to sales and public relations. According to the BLS , the median salary for professionals in the marketing, promotions, and management field was over $133,000 as of 2021, with “faster than average” (10%) job growth expected from 2020 to 2030.

Between a national nursing shortage and an aging population, nursing is one of the hottest careers you can kickstart online. The question is, which type of nurse will you train to become? NU offers a wide range of healthcare and nursing programs to help you advance academically and professionally, no matter what field you specialize in or where you’re looking to take your career. Explore our accredited programs in areas like healthcare administration , public health , nursing , and more.

Curious about these or other online and hybrid programs that might be a good fit for you? Explore the most in-demand bachelor’s degrees you can earn online — or, if you’re ready to apply to graduate programs, discover the best master’s degrees for the future .

Earn Your Degree Online or On-Campus at National University

Online degree programs have exploded in popularity since 2020. COVID-19 unquestionably accelerated these trends — but even with the pandemic now ebbing, online learning is here to stay. In fact, the demand for online education is growing, according to research from the global management consulting firm McKinsey & Company, which reports that there’s been an “11% increase in total enrollment for [the] largest online universities” — and at the same time, a 3% decrease in enrollment overall. In other words, even with fewer students enrolling in colleges, online enrollment is still creeping upward, highlighting a steady cultural shift toward web-based or virtual models of learning.

Even though social distancing is now less of a concern, there are still clear benefits to choosing an online program, from saving money on board and tuition to gaining more control over your schedule. With all the practical, financial, and academic advantages that virtual learning has to offer, it’s no wonder why so many students are enrolling in online degree programs — or why Yahoo Finance has called online learning “the future of education,” while U.S. News has written that “online learning is reshaping higher education.”

Whether you pursue your degree online or on-campus, you’ll find dozens of fast-paced, accredited program options at National University. An early pioneer in distance education, we’ve been offering online programs for over 20 years. And with our commitment to making higher education affordable — a commitment we honor through scholarships , grants, and discounts for military students — it’s never been easier to jumpstart your future.

Find out what an education from National University can do for your career. Contact our admissions office to speak with an enrollment counselor, or start your application today.

Additional Sources

https://educationdata.org/online-education-statistics/

https://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=80

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The pros and cons of online learning

What to look for in an online course.

By: MIT xPRO

If you’re at a point in your life where you’re considering continuing your education, you may wonder if online learning is the right path for you.

Taking an online course requires a notable investment of time, effort, and money, so it’s important to feel confident about your decision before moving forward. While online learning works incredibly well for some people, it’s not for everyone.

We recently sat down with MIT xPRO Senior Instructional Designer and Program Manager Luke Hobson to explore the pros and cons of online learning and what to look for in an online course. If you’re waiting for a sign about whether or not to enroll in that course you’ve been eying, you just might find it here.

Pros of Online Learning

First, let’s take a look at the true value of online learning by examining some of the benefits:

1. Flexibility

Online learning’s most significant advantage is its flexibility. It’s the reason millions of adults have chosen to continue their education and pursue certificates and degrees.

Asynchronous courses allow learners to complete work at their own pace, empowering them to find the optimal time to consume the content and submit assignments.

Some people are more attentive, focused, and creative in the mornings compared to the evenings and vice versa. Whatever works best for the learners should be the priority of the learning experience.

2. Community

When Luke asks people about their main reason for enrolling in a course, a common answer is networking and community.

Learners crave finding like-minded individuals who are going through the same experiences and have the same questions. They want to find a place where they belong. Being in the company of others who understand what they’re going through can help online learners who are looking for support and motivation during challenging times and times that are worth celebrating.

Some learners have created study groups and book clubs that have carried on far beyond the end of the course-it’s amazing what can grow from a single post on a discussion board!

3. Latest information

“Speed is a massive benefit of online learning,” and according to Luke, it often doesn’t get the attention it deserves.

“When we say speed, we don’t mean being quick with learning. We mean actual speed to market. There are so many new ideas evolving within technical spaces that it’s impossible to keep courses the way they were originally designed for a long period of time.”

Luke notes that a program on Additive Manufacturing , Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality , or Nanotechnology must be checked and updated frequently. More formal learning modalities have difficulty changing content at this rapid pace. But within the online space, it’s expected that the course content will change as quickly as the world itself does.

Cons of Online Learning

Now that we’ve looked at some of the biggest pros of online learning, let’s examine a few of the drawbacks:

1. Learning environment

While many learners thrive in an asynchronous learning environment, others struggle. Some learners prefer live lessons and an instructor they can connect with multiple times a week. They need these interactions to feel supported and to persist.

Most learners within the online space identify themselves as self-directed learners, meaning they can learn on their own with the right environment, guidance, materials, and assignments. Learners should know themselves first and understand their preferences when it comes to what kind of environment will help them thrive.

2. Repetition

One drawback of online courses is that the structure can be repetitive: do a reading, respond to two discussion posts, submit an essay, repeat. After a while, some learners may feel disengaged from the learning experience.

There are online courses that break the mold and offer multiple kinds of learning activities, assessments, and content to make the learning experience come alive, but it may take some research to find them-more on what to look for in an online course later in this article! Luke and his colleagues at MIT xPRO are mindful of designing courses that genuinely engage learners from beginning to end.

3. Underestimation

Luke has noticed that some learners underestimate how much work is required in an online course. They may mistakenly believe that online learning is somehow “easier” compared to in-person learning.

For those learners who miscalculate how long they will need to spend online or how challenging the assignments can be, changing that mindset is a difficult process. It’s essential to set aside the right amount of time per week to contribute to the content, activities, and assignments. Creating personal deadlines and building a study routine are two best practices that successful online learners follow to hold themselves accountable.

Experience the Value of Online Learning: What to Look For in an Online Course

You’ve probably gathered by now that not all online courses are created equal. On one end of the spectrum, there are methods of online learning that leave learners stunned by what a great experience they had. On the other end of the spectrum, some online learning courses are so disappointing that learners regret their decision to enroll.

If you want to experience the value of online learning, it’s essential to pick the right course. Here’s a quick list of what to look for:

Feedback and connection to peers within the course platform. Interacting regularly with other learners makes a big difference. Luke and the MIT xPRO team use peer-reviewed feedback to give learners the opportunity to engage with each other’s work.
Proof of hard work. In the online learning space, proof of hard work often comes in the form of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) or specific certifications. MIT xPRO course participants who successfully complete one or more courses are eligible to receive CEUs , which many employers, licensing agencies, and professional associations accept as evidence of a participant’s serious commitment to their professional development.

Online learning isn’t for everyone, but with the right approach, it can be a valuable experience for many people. Now that you know what to look for in an online course, see what Luke and the MIT xPRO instructional design team have to offer by checking out the latest MIT xPRO courses and programs .

Originally published at http://curve.mit.edu on August 8th, 2022.

The pros and cons of online learning was originally published in MIT Open Learning on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

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The Pros and Cons of Online Learning and Online Classes

Going to college is a big decision—and it has become more accessible than ever before. Whether you’re attending a university for the first time or returning to finish your degree, you have the opportunity to choose online vs. in-person classes.

Extended closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic forced most institutions to migrate to online learning in 2020. Though campuses have reopened, many students are opting to continue their studies online. According to the BestColleges 2022 Online Education Trends Report , 60 percent of remote learners are choosing to enroll in online courses regardless of whether their campuses maintain normal operations.

Upon reviewing the advantages of online education, it’s easy to see why. Universities like Concordia University Texas (CTX) give you the ability to earn a high-quality degree completely online, without sacrificing the student support services you’ve come to expect from in-person learning.

Still, you’ll have to weigh the pros and cons of online learning for yourself to determine if it’s the best decision for you. Keep reading to learn about some important considerations.

The Pros of Online Learning

When you partner with a university that is well-versed in serving online students, you’ll have the opportunity to develop personally and professionally in a format that works in tandem with the responsibilities of your busy life. Consider the following benefits to online learning:

1. Flexibility

Online programs like the ones at CTX are designed to allow busy students to continue their education without interrupting personal commitments outside of school. Accessible from almost anywhere, as long as you have internet access and can commit to meeting weekly deadlines, you’ll be able to complete your assignments in the morning, at night, or any time between.

The flexibility that online learning provides is key if you’re balancing multiple responsibilities at once. Today’s students don’t necessarily have the ability to drop everything when pursuing their degree. The freedom to complete your school schedule around the other priorities in your life can help you maintain much-needed balance as you tend to family and work needs in addition to advancing your education.

3. No Commute

The fuller your plate gets, the more you find yourself doing the mental gymnastics required to ensure you make it to each appointment, meeting, class, sporting event, or recital on time. Factoring in the commute needed to get from place to place only adds to the endless cycle of “busyness.” One of the major advantages of online learning is that it eliminates the need to commute to campus. With the time you save, you can finish your coursework sooner and allocate more time toward the other priorities in your life.

4. Strong Time-Management Skills

One primary difference of online vs. in person classes is that online students are responsible for managing their time. You may be provided with a list of due dates for assignments, asynchronous class discussions, quizzes, and exams. It will be up to you to ensure you keep up with the course load and hit those deadlines.

As an online student, you’ll need to develop a study routine that’s right for you. This will help provide you with a strong sense of independence and initiative, while developing and refining your time management skills—all of which can be directly applied to your career, improving your efficiency and productivity at work.

5. Options for every Learning Style

People learn differently. Some are visual learners, while others are avid note-takers. There are also individuals who need to hear the material to absorb it. And for many, some combination of all three is needed to retain the material. One of the undeniable advantages of online learning is that it enables you to employ the learning methods that work best for you.

At CTX, for example, students have the option to download online course content into a variety of file formats, such as ePub (e-book file format), electronic braille, audio, BeeLine Reader (which adds color gradient to text to help you read more efficiently), and translated versions. Online learners have the unique benefit of tailoring their experience to fit their needs.

6. Immediate Accessibility

Another pro of online learning is the immediate accessibility students have to their faculty, peers, and class documents. While those taking on-campus classes are typically regulated to specific class times and office hours, online students at CTX can instantly reach out to their professors with questions, connect with their peers on a project, and view all of their class documents online.

Each of our online classes has a Microsoft Teams channel where students can message faculty and classmates, share files for group work, and schedule meetings.

7. Increased Affordability

Typically, online programs have lower tuition costs than in-person programs. This is due to a number of different factors. For starters, because you don’t have to pay for transportation (e.g., gas, public transportation, etc.), meal plans, and other costs often associated with in-person learning, you’re likely to experience fewer out-of-pocket costs.

Some institutions offer a lower price-per-credit for online courses, as well. For example, the tuition per credit hour for online undergraduate students at CTX is about half the cost for in-person undergraduate students.

8. Access to Academic Support Resources

One element that often keeps people from enrolling in online programs is the preconceived notion that you’ll be largely left to fend for yourself as an online student. This couldn’t be further from the truth for online students at CTX.

It’s important to seek out an institution that offers the same quality of comprehensive student support services to online learners as it does to those attending courses onsite. At CTX, online students have access to the same robust suite of supportive resources. Some examples include tutoring opportunities, counseling services, technology help, assistance with financial aid, and accommodations for students with disabilities, such as extra time to take tests.

The Cons of Online Learning

While the benefits are clearly numerous, it’s helpful to keep in mind that there are both pros and cons of online learning, depending on what you’re looking for in your education. In examining some of the potential drawbacks, consider how the online programs at Concordia University Texas address them.

1. Less In-Person Interaction

When learning online, you can see your professors face-to-face virtually, but you don’t typically interact with them in person. Some wonder if this could act as a barrier to high-quality, interactive education.

The CTX solution:

Our online classes do not require students to sacrifice that important element of person-to-person interaction. Because everyone in an online class is required to participate, the discussions actually become much more engaging. The online environment provides a format for everyone to contribute, from the most introverted to the most extroverted students.

Many find this to be a distinct advantage, as it allows them to sort through their thoughts before engaging in the group discussion. “Online discussions provide ‘wait times’ for everyone to reflect and think of questions, which creates amazing dialogue,” says Dr. Alex Herron, the associate vice president of digital operations at CTX.

2. You're Limited to Certain Majors

Not every major is eligible for online learning, so the degrees you can choose from are limited. Some programs, especially the disciplines that require hands-on experience, simply cannot be translated into an online format.

For example, the Music major at CTX requires in-person classes. Students need one-on-one interaction with their professors to receive immediate feedback and help with playing an instrument or mastering a solo.

While not all programs can be offered online, the University does offer online degrees in a wide range of disciplines. Additionally, CTX offers all its graduate programs online—although in some cases, a brief on-campus residency may be required.

3. Increased Autonomy

Classes on campus require students to meet in person multiple times per week and finish coursework within specific deadlines. These factors work together to create a daily routine for students. While online learning also has regular deadlines, students aren’t held to the same regimented course schedule that requires them to meet at a specific time each day.

As highlighted above, this flexibility affords some undeniable perks. But it’s also true that with more freedom comes more responsibility. Online students must develop a personal routine to ensure they complete coursework on time while balancing their other priorities.

The professors in CTX online programs make themselves easily accessible and encourage students to attend optional virtual meetings. Regular check-ins of this nature help faculty gain a clearer understanding of whether their students might be struggling. “I always tell my students, ‘I don’t know how you are doing unless you tell me,’” Dr. Herron explains.

4. Technological Requirements

Success as an online student is dependent on access to a computer and reliable internet. Some students find they have to spend more money on devices, like a faster computer or one with more memory. And since everything you do for online classes is on the computer, you’ll likely encounter more technological issues that may be difficult to overcome from afar (e.g., connection problems, server errors, etc.).

To minimize technological obstacles, all of our online courses are web-based. This means all you’ll need is access to an internet browser, eliminating any requirement to download various programs and/or applications to your computer.

The University also gives online students access to the entire Microsoft Office 365 Suite (including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Teams) so that you don’t have to purchase the programs independently. Finally, for any issues that do arise, the Personal Support Center is available 24/7 via phone, chat, or email to help students with technological issues.

5. You Might Experience Distractions

Physical classrooms help to minimize distractions and allow professors to see if you’re paying attention. When you take online classes, you’re responsible for finding a workspace that provides an environment where you can learn effectively and without unnecessary interruption.

Online students who live locally are always welcome to come to campus. Set on 440 beautiful acres in Northwest Austin, there are plenty of quiet places to study, such as the CTX Library, outdoor areas, or empty classrooms.

If you do find it difficult to concentrate, make sure to let your online professors know. The more they know, the better they can support you.

6. Fewer Networking Opportunities

Students taking virtual classes have plenty of chances to connect with their peers through discussion boards and other online tools. But one of the obvious cons of online learning is that it doesn’t provide as many opportunities to network with the entire campus community.

Our Career Services Center , regularly posts events on Blackboard (the University’s online learning platform), allowing online students to see and sign up for both in-person and online networking events.

Experience the best of online learning at Concordia University Texas

While there are both pros and cons of online learning, the online classes at CTX maximize the advantages while providing innovative solutions for any potential challenges. Our online learning programs deliver the same impactful experience that in-person students enjoy.

Learn more in our article 3 Reasons Students Love Concordia University Texas Online Programs

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Create Your Course

The advantages and disadvantages of learning in online classes in 2024, share this article.

Whether you’re taking a school class remotely or trying to learn a new skill just for fun – online classes can be a great option. They work well for people that can’t always commute, those who work better independently, or simply if you can’t or don’t want to be around a group of people all day. But, it’s not to say that online classes are designed for everyone either. In this blog, we’ll explore the advantages and disadvantages of online classes, as well as help you decide if online learning is the best choice for you.

Advantages of online classes
Disadvantages of online classes

Are online classes for you?

Read more: Top Challenges with Online Learning For Students (and Solutions)

8 advantages of online classes

The explosion of online learning has been a fantastic shift for many people. Students who may have had to waste hours commuting to class can now attend right from their homes. And anyone struggling to take in content at the same speed as a class can now go at their own pace – in a way that works best for their learning requirements. The pros of online classes make learning a positive experience for countless students. Let’s take a look at some of the advantages here !

1. Accessible to anyone with an Internet connection

More than 20 million new users signed up to a Coursera course in 2021, for a total of 92 million users on the platform! Since online courses are accessible to nearly anyone with an Internet connection, it’s helped to close the global education gap significantly.

Online classes make learning accessible to those with disabilities and cognitive delays. For example, deaf students can simply turn on closed captioning (CC) to read the conversation and participate in class online. Many video conferencing platforms and learning management systems (LMS) support accessible hardware technology to further increase engagement in online classes.

Students with cognitive or motor skill disabilities have the option to work at their own pace or take lessons when it is convenient for them. For example, if a student with dyslexia is having a difficult time reading assigned textbook chapters, they can choose to listen to it instead with an option like audio textbook versions.

2. Flexible scheduling

A major benefit of online learning is the ability for students to attend classes from anywhere. This means students in rural areas no longer waste time driving long distances or riding the bus to get to school. Or , students who need to work to support themselves through school also have an easier time fitting both class and work schedules into their lives.

This also applies to adult learners that may be juggling responsibilities such as children, work, home management, and more. With busy schedules, it might not be possible to make time for an in-person class. Beyond the time to commute, busy adults might need to be on standby for their children – something that is much harder to do when they’re in a physical classroom.

The flexibility of online classes has a huge benefit for mental health. It’s been proven that job autonomy leads to mental well-being in employees . For full-time students, schooling is much like a job that takes at least 40 hours of the week. Having the autonomy to choose when and where they attend class can help mitigate common mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and stress. Better mental health leads to happier students – which is definitely something teachers, parents, and students alike should all strive for!

3. More affordable than in-person classes

Online learning makes higher education like university much more accessible to the wider population. University degrees offered online are an average of $10 to 11,000 cheaper than in-person equivalents . This number does not take costs like on-campus food or housing into account – it only reflects tuition differences. So you can imagine how significant that difference would become with all expenses accounted for!

Learning management systems like Thinkific and Udemy are great places to look for affordable (and sometimes free) classes. Industry experts, entrepreneurs, and coaches all offer their knowledge through self-created courses, meaning these courses are often more accessible in terms of pricing while also providing super relevant and realistic course lessons. Students can go directly to the source of knowledge, rather than having to pay expensive tuition fees to big institutions .

There is also a huge amount of free knowledge on websites like YouTube. Channels such as Crash Course and Khan Academy provide high quality content at no cost!

4. Ability to connect globally

It’s possible to connect with teachers and learners all around the world with online courses. Before online learning was widely accessible , you would have had to travel to Hawaii to learn about Hawaiian traditions and cultures, for example . Now, you can join Ka hale Hoaka online school and learn right from your home.

Even if you’re learning something that isn’t necessarily culture or country-specific, learning with people from different backgrounds can lend fascinating perspectives and discussion to the topic. With so many courses implementing learning communities, it’s easier than ever to connect with fellow students and hear different points of view.

Read more: 10 Different Types of Online Learning Communities

5. Facilitated peer and teacher interaction

At first , it might seem like students don’t get a lot of interaction in an online course as compared to in-person classes. This can definitely happen – but there are many online courses that prioritize student interaction with each other, and with the instructor.

For some students, it is easier to communicate through virtual mediums such as forums, discussion boards, or direct messaging than it is to speak up in an in-person class. Through these channels, they still get the benefits of group discussion without having to sacrifice the flexibility of online learning. Dr. Michelle Gottlieb, a psychologist and owner of EMDR Professional Training , also engages with her students by frequently commenting in her course’s online communities and providing advice to students as needed. Many instructors even offer 1-1 coaching sessions for students that are looking for additional learning support !

6. Encourages independence and self-pacing

Many online courses offer students the option to take the course at their own pace. This can take away worries that the student might not have time in their hectic life to fit multiple hours of coursework in each week consistently . Self-paced courses are extremely adaptable to busy schedules. However, it does take a fair amount of self-discipline to actually complete self-paced courses.

If students find they are lacking discipline and are unable to complete courses that are self-paced, there are online courses that put students into cohorts with set deadlines. This is a great option for students and teachers that benefit from a more traditional class structure. Instructors that follow this model will often use the drip method, a microlearning approach , to release content at a slower pace.

Read more : 2023 e-Learning Trends Report

7. Improved tracking and facilitation

If you’re easily disorganized or have trouble remembering what you learned last week, online classes can help you in this area. Most online classroom systems will keep track of which topics and resources you’ve already read, and will point you to which ones you need to do next. It will also automatically file your assignments, keep track of your grades, and calculate your total GPA to date. In comparison, learning through a physical classroom would require you to manage a lot of papers, heavy textbooks, and physical equipment.

Online classrooms also have the ability to launch virtual labs, which makes it easier to facilitate interactive learning sessions. Quizzes and feedback surveys can also be launched through the learning management system by the teacher, and you can see your results almost instantly. Overall, it’s much faster to see information and results in virtual classrooms.

8. Adaptive to multiple learning styles

Everyone has a slightly different preference when it comes to how they interpret information. There are generally three types of learning styles:

Auditory learners – who prefer to learn by hearing. This includes listening to podcasts, lectures, and audiobooks. Any verbal explanation goes a long way for this learner!
Visual learners – who prefer to learn by seeing. Animations, movies, hand movements, drawing, and writing are useful tools for this type of learner.
Kinesthetic learners – who prefer to learn by doing, or using their hands. Any opportunity to touch, feel, build, and see something in 3D will help this learner interpret information well.

Most people have some combination of learning style, making them hybrid learners. With online classes, there are a lot of ways that students can choose to take in information. For example, a course may offer a video (appealing to visual learners) with a voiceover (for auditory learners) and instructions on how to do the science experiment with home materials (for kinesthetic learners).

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6 disadvantages of online classes

While there are many advantages to online learning, it’s important to also consider the disadvantages. Some people may find that online learning isn’t for them, so let’s explore some of the reasons why.

Often requires a lot of screen time

Staring at digital screens all day long has a myriad of negative effects for both adults and children. These effects include eye strain, disrupted circadian rhythm, headaches, and neck and back pain. Learners taking online classes need to take measures to avoid symptoms of too much screen time, especially if they are already working remotely , in addition to taking classes. Some ways to prevent the negative effects of screen time include:

Using blue-light glasses
Taking a break every 20 minutes to look at something different
Change up your working environment every few hours
Avoid turning up your screen too bright
Lower the contrast on your screen

2. Less opportunity to connect with peers

While online classes can actually be quite social in nature, the fact is that you’re still usually completing them on your own most of the time . This can be a major disadvantage – especially for students that already spend a lot of time by themselves at home. Students can combat this feeling of isolation by working on their online classes in coffee shops or libraries where there is a more lively environment . Additionally, they can sign up for classes that have thriving online communities to connect virtually with other students.

It’s important to keep in mind that many people enroll in university, college, or even community classes as a way to meet friends. Proximity to the same people is a leading indicator that you will befriend those people – just because you see them a lot! If you’re taking classes online, you’ll miss that natural proximity and connection with your peers. It will take more effort to form real-life friendships with online peers (but it is still possible). One way to get a similar level of social interaction in online courses is by opting for a class that has a lot of group project work.

3. Harder to access technical equipment

At a minimum, students need a device with an internet connection to take online classes. Realistically, students will need a device they can also type assignments on such as a laptop or tablet with a keyboard. It’s costly to purchase these devices upfront , especially if you have multiple children in online classes who each need their own devices to complete school work.

More often than not , in-person classes have a responsibility to provide equipment so students can participate. This keeps class accessible for lower-income students. To circumvent this issue with online learning environments, some school districts provide laptops or tablets so that students can participate even if they can’t afford to purchase devices themselves. Unfortunately, this is in no way a global solution as many school districts don’t have the funds to provide devices. This problem is even more true for students with learning disabilities who require specialized accessibility hardware.

4. Creates extra work for teachers

Teachers become teachers because they love to teach – not necessarily because they have an affinity for technology. This became extremely clear when teachers were first tasked with moving entire courses and curriculums into online formats . For many teachers, this meant lots of extra work recording lectures, moving tests and assignments online, and organizing video call live lessons and homework submission portals. However, once the courses are built, there is only a small time requirement to maintain the content with up-to-date material.

Teachers might also run into issues with students not participating as much online and not having as much opportunity to collaborate. While there are online solutions to both of these issues, it is a learning curve for teachers to adapt to online teaching. It may take extra time to collect feedback from students in these early learning stages, but this time commitment should decrease over time.

5. Requires more self-control and harder to focus

Online learning can certainly make focusing for long periods of time a challenge. Students are no longer in an environment dedicated to learning and are surrounded by distractions like phones, delivery people , or chores like doing some laundry or walking the dog. The lack of structure means students need to be good at their own time management. This is an added challenge on top of learning that students don’t need to think about during in-person classes.

Students may also find they run into challenges or don’t understand the material when learning online. Hopefully, the instructor has set up a way to contact them to answer questions, but if not, this will become frustrating for students and will likely cause them to lose motivation for learning.

6. Lack of hands-on learning

Certain information lends itself better to online learning than others. For example, learning math or biology online will be relatively easier online since it involves a lot of visual or auditory explanations. However, learning things like medical examination, dental work, or even pottery or another trade might be tough because of the hands-on components. For kinesthetic learners, it might be more practical to learn in-person or purchase the training equipment you would need to practice your new skill hands-on at home.

After reading through the advantages and disadvantages of online classes you probably have a good idea if online learning is for you. If you’re disciplined, self-motivated, want to learn something that doesn’t need hands-on practice, or if you need flexibility, online learning is right for you! However, if you need lots of structure, want to learn a hands-on concept, and want to meet people face-to-face , you would probably benefit more from in-person classes.

This article was originally published in 2022, it has since been updated in March 2023 to include the newest info.

Maddie is a content marketer at Thinkific. When she isn't zealously writing about all things online learning, you can find her glued to a good book or exploring the great outdoors.

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The Pros and Cons of Online Learning—and What to Look For in an Online Course

By: MIT xPRO on August 8th, 2022 5 Minute Read

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The Pros and Cons of Online Learning—and What to Look For in an Online Course

Online Education | Professional Development

If you’re at a point in your life where you’re considering continuing your education, you may wonder if online learning is the right path for you.

Pros of Online Learning

First, let’s take a look at the true value of online learning by examining some of the benefits:

1. Flexibility

Online learning’s most significant advantage is its flexibility. It’s the reason millions of adults have chosen to continue their education and pursue certificates and degrees.

Asynchronous courses allow learners to complete work at their own pace, empowering them to find the optimal time to consume the content and submit assignments.

Some people are more attentive, focused, and creative in the mornings compared to the evenings and vice versa. Whatever works best for the learners should be the priority of the learning experience.

2. Community

When Luke asks people about their main reason for enrolling in a course, a common answer is networking and community.

Some learners have created study groups and book clubs that have carried on far beyond the end of the course—it’s amazing what can grow from a single post on a discussion board!

3. Latest information

“Speed is a massive benefit of online learning,” and according to Luke, it often doesn't get the attention it deserves. “When we say speed, we don’t mean being quick with learning. We mean actual speed to market. There are so many new ideas evolving within technical spaces that it's impossible to keep courses the way they were originally designed for a long period of time.”

Cons of Online Learning

Now that we’ve looked at some of the biggest pros of online learning, let’s examine a few of the drawbacks:

1. Learning environment

2. Repetition

There are online courses that break the mold and offer multiple kinds of learning activities, assessments, and content to make the learning experience come alive, but it may take some research to find them—more on what to look for in an online course later in this article ! Luke and his colleagues at MIT xPRO are mindful of designing courses that genuinely engage learners from beginning to end.

3. Underestimation

Experience the Value of Online Learning: What to Look For in an Online Course

If you want to experience the value of online learning, it’s essential to pick the right course. Here’s a quick list of what to look for:

Reputation and expertise. With so many online courses available these days, an easy way to narrow down your options is to consider courses offered by reputable institutions. Next, learn more about the instructors teaching a course of interest. Are they well-respected experts in their field of study?
Engaging curriculum. It takes a variety of learning methods to keep people engaged and interested in learning. Many online courses stick to a standard selection of readings, videos, and quizzes. Look for courses that include practice questions, reflection questions, group-based work, simulations, polls, discussions, and other interactive or hands-on activities.
Flexibility in content delivery and deadlines. Whether an online course is fully asynchronous or not, flexibility is a green flag. In practice, this could look like having all the assignments due at the end of the course so that learners can create their own schedules or providing suggested deadlines that aren’t set in stone.
Feedback and connection to peers within the course platform. Interacting regularly with other learners makes a big difference. Luke and the MIT xPRO team use peer-reviewed feedback to give learners the opportunity to engage with each other’s work.
Proof of hard work . In the online learning space, proof of hard work often comes in the form of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) or specific certifications. MIT xPRO course participants who successfully complete one or more courses are eligible to receive CEUs , which many employers, licensing agencies, and professional associations accept as evidence of a participant’s serious commitment to their professional development.

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Speech on Online Classes

Even a few years ago, the concept of online classes wasn’t much heard about, but due to the COVID19 pandemic, every educational institution started online classes to make sure students don’t miss out on their studies. So what would you talk about if you were asked to give a speech on online classes for 1 minute? This article will cover all the key points that you can incorporate into your speech. Let’s have a look at them.

What do online classes mean.

Present and Future of Online Classes

Advantages of Online Classes

Disadvantages of online classes.

FAQs on Online Classes Speech

Today, almost every person has heard about online classes. Previously, only very few educational institutions offered online classes for a few courses. Online classes is a term used to refer to those classes which are made accessible over the internet. These classes do not require any individual to be physically present at a particular place (a school or a college); it rather lets students attend classes from wherever they are.

Present and Future of Online Classes?

With the present scenario, online classes hold a promising future in the days to come. With the widespread of COVID19, online classes acted as the best way to continue education without breaking the COVID protocols. The online classes have made sure that no students miss their education. It might so happen that in the future, we all end up attending online classes as well as attending classes in school too.

There are many advantages of online classes. Let us have a look at those.

One of the advantages of online classes that prove to be beneficial for schools is that a large number of costs that were previously incurred on electricity or keeping the school premises clean gets saved.
A large amount of transportation costs gets saved due to the online classes. Teachers or students who stay away in far off places easily attend online classes just with a press of a button and a stable internet connection.
Students who can’t afford high education costs can continue their education via online classes and get the resources they need.
Online classes allow students to have access to a large plethora of information as well as great teachers. They can choose their desired course and attend online classes and get to learn as well as obtain certifications for the same.

Even though online classes have a lot of benefits, they have a few disadvantages too. Let’s take a look at those.

One of the most common issues that are faced while conducting or attending online classes is network problems. Not all places have an ample number of towers, so people living in interior regions might face connectivity issues.
Since students now have much more access to smartphones than usual, they end up spending more time on the phone. A common complaint among most parents is that students have ended up spending hours on their phones.
With the facility of attending classes just by sitting at their homes, students have ended up having back and eye problems as a result of sitting in a bad posture and staring at the screen for too long.
With the introduction of online classes, students have almost forgotten what it was like in a physical classroom.

Also explore: English Language │ Speech topics

Frequently Asked Questions on Online Classes Speech

What does an online class require.

A stable internet connection and a smartphone or laptop are required for online classes.

Are online classes good or bad?

Online classes have both advantages and disadvantages. On the one hand, online classes allow students and teachers to follow the COVID protocols. On the other hand, spending hours on the phone is increasing the chance of students getting hooked to their phones scrolling through various social media applications.

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20 Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Classes

Online learning has become more accessible in the past decade as potential students discover that they can find ways to obtain a preferred degree while handling their daily obligations. It is a way that encourages post-graduate learning while staying within life and career schedules. Most accredited colleges and universities are now offering programs that make it possible to take some, if not all, of the required courses on the Internet.

Public and private institutions offer online classes more today than ever before in history. This education format is a way to reach students who may have social or economic situations that don’t allow them to enjoy the traditional on-campus learning lifestyle.

As more people have access to high-speed Internet connections, online education opportunities have continued expanding. It has become acceptable in most circles to earn a degree at any level with these opportunities, allowing students to have legitimacy and more accessibility with what they earned.

The advantages and disadvantages of online classes continue to evolve, but these are the current key points to consider if you’re thinking about becoming a student.

List of the Advantages of Online Classes

1. Online classes provide more flexibility to incorporate multiple learning styles. Although you can earn a healthy salary without going to college in some trades, many employment opportunities require an undergraduate degree or higher to obtain a position. That means it can be challenging to get through classes when your learning style might be different than what a local institution offers. Taking an online class allows you to have more control over how you retain the available information.

You can listen to music while you are writing a paper. Online classes let you interact in forums while watching television. Instead of being stuck in a stuffy classroom listening to a lecture, you have the flexibility to learn using the style that works best for your needs.

2. Your classes can fit better into your schedule. Online classes are the perfect solution for anyone who works a full-time job, has a family to raise, is housebound for some reason, or lives in a rural area. These obstacles can make it challenging to enroll in a traditional institution. As long as you have an Internet or data connection, then you can access your study materials whenever you need them. Many professors are even uploading lectures or providing texts that supplement the learning process.

If you have a busy lifestyle and want to get ahead in your career, then learning at your own pace with an online class is an intelligent way to obtain your next college or university degree.

3. It takes advantage of technology innovations. Online classes at many institutions take advantage of the technological innovations that occur every year. These changes get applied in convenient and practical ways, such as the implementation of a rolling semester. Some colleges and universities make their courses dominant from an independent standpoint, making it possible for students to complete their curriculum based on a schedule they said instead of what the professor requires.

As more degree programs become 100% online opportunities, many colleges and universities are finding that the independent and innovative approach makes it easier for modern students to achieve their goals.

4. Online classes are typically cheaper than traditional enrollment. Students that take online classes find that the cost of their college degree is usually less expensive than it would be if they took courses on campus. There are usually fewer textbook purchases to consider, travel cost reductions, and room and board considerations that can cut the cost of a college or university degree by 50% or more. That means each person who uses this opportunity can start their career with lower debt levels.

5. It teaches students how to be disciplined and responsible. If you can access the Internet, then your online course work is immediately available. That means each student must have the discipline to maintain the continuity of their schedule while keeping themselves on track for a successful outcome. The freedom that comes with classes that you take online comes with the need to have higher levels of responsibility. Students must stay organized and adhere to a workable schedule.

Putting all of your time to the completion of an online degree can backfire if you neglect the other critical areas of your life. Take advantage of the flexibility that this option provides so that you can spend some time with your family members and friends.

6. You can receive a degree from an accredited institution. A degree that you earn online from an accredited institution has the same weight in today’s career marketplace as one earned from the traditional approach. That means your credentials and applications will get taken seriously when you are ready to pursue new career opportunities. This advantage also means that you can take the credits earned to other programs, pursue graduate-level courses, or go after that doctorate degree that you’ve always wanted.

7. Online classes offer location independence. Some students may not have access to the program that best fits their needs. It might be across town from them, in another state, or even on the other side of the world. The availability of online classes makes it possible for students to participate in and graduate from their preferred program with less difficulty. These programs do not generally have the same geographic restrictions that you’d find with a traditional institution.

Since moving isn’t an option for many of today’s students, especially adult learners who have career and family responsibilities, online classes allow each person to enroll in the program that’s right for them regardless of where they live.

8. It provides students with real-life career preparation opportunities. When students go to college, then it can feel like you’re living in a bubble. You receive the necessary and valuable information that will let you establish a career one day, but it is not always easy to start developing the practical skills necessary to become good at your future job. Online classes require the same skill sets that many people use every day when working, which means you can enter a job market better prepared for what to expect.

An online class is quite similar to a desk job at almost any company. You must stay in touch through email, manage software solutions, and keep track of your time to ensure that you’re fulfilling all of your obligations. You get tasked with remote work while still engaging with a team to complete projects before a deadline.

9. You form social connections with your classmates. Although it is more difficult to make social connections with an online class, it isn’t an impossible circumstance. Today’s technology makes it possible to form relationships that go beyond sitting behind a computer. Your digital classmates could organize a group video hangout, facilitate conversations, and even do icebreakers that help everyone get to know each other better.

It may not be exactly the same as a face-to-face connection, but technology makes it very close. Video calls and other tools can help you to see each other even if you live on the other side of the planet.

10. It eliminates the need for verbal expression in a classroom environment. Many online students find that it is easier for them to express their opinions in this structure because there isn’t a public speaking component to the education process. You don’t need to worry about a professor calling you up to the front of the classroom to explain a concept or create a diagram. You can express yourself through writing instead, which means if something can get fixed if it doesn’t sound right in the first draft.

This advantage often leads to high-quality dialogs where each learner can carefully reflect the quality of their thinking on each comment, chapter, or project. Then you can move on to the next one whenever you feel like you’re ready.

11. Online classes create more opportunities for a varied learning experience. An online course makes it easier to include guest experts or past students in the classroom environment. Even people from other institutions can get involved in the conversations that take place to facilitate the learning process. Students can receive exposure to a worldwide perspective in their preferred subject instead of being limited to the local point of view. That means the experience has more value to potential employers in the future.

List of the Disadvantages of Online Classes

1. It can take longer to earn a degree when using online classes. If a student is not thoroughly committed to earning their degree, then it can take several years for that person to complete their online classes. Everything that the course requires is up to you. That means you must complete your assignments, read the required materials, interact with your professor, talk with your peers, and take exams according to the rules presented upon enrollment. It can be tempting to ignore your obligations when there isn’t a direct line of accountability as there is when you attend a physical classroom.

2. Some of your required course work might require in-person activities. If you are taking online classes, then there may be some stipulations where you must attend classes or take tests in a proctored environment. If a third-party observer is necessary, then it is up to each student to find an organization that will monitor this process. That means the cost of your classes each semester will go up based on the number of exams you must take.

Some institutions will even require a specific amount of on-campus time before they will award a degree. This requirement can last anywhere from two weeks to two months for U.S.-based colleges and universities.

3. You still need to take the time to fulfill your classroom requirements. Online classes can help students save a lot of time on their learning obligations, but the structure will not eliminate the need to put in some work. If you do not have a lot of free time during the day, then it may be impossible to fulfill the obligations of your enrollment. That’s why the flexibility of this arrangement can be an advantage since you only need to take one class at a time – but that can still be problematic for some people.

It is possible to avoid some of this disadvantage by taking independent learning courses online. When you can complete the work at your own pace, then the pressure of deadlines can disappear. You must still have trust in the program and remain dedicated to a result to turn this education opportunity into a real investment for you.

4. Online classes don’t provide the same face-to-face connections. Colleges and universities provide numerous opportunities for in-person social networking. When you can have face-to-face conversations with your professors and peers, then it can enhance the educational foundations that you receive. Networking functions can serve as essential connections for future career opportunities. The structure of online classes negates many of those potential advantages.

Even though you might have an institution that focuses on small class sizes and curriculum requirements that mandate interaction, a forum conversation or online chat isn’t the same as sharing coffee or lunch with someone.

5. Some online institutions don’t have full accreditation. You must verify that the college or university providing the online classes you want has full accreditation. Many facilities are not accredited even with the expansion of Internet access. That means your degree and qualifications might not receive the recognition you expect from potential employers. It may not receive serious consideration from other professionals in your preferred industry. This disadvantage also means that any credits earned might not be transferable to another institution.

The outcome of this disadvantage can be a costly mistake in terms of time and money. You’ll want to make sure to verify the specific accreditation of any school you’re considering before you even turn in an application.

6. You must have access to the Internet to complete your work. Online classes require you to have access to the Internet so that you can complete your assignments on time. If you don’t have the equipment at home to do the work or a connection that is fast enough to handle your course work, then it may be challenging to have a successful experience with this learning option. You’ll need a computer or tablet PC, a home-based ISP, and any peripherals necessary for your degree program.

Some public libraries and other institutions may offer computer access, but it may come with limited time or additional costs. You would also need to access that equipment during their regular working hours, which may not be possible with your specific schedule.

7. Many online classes require students to complete more work. The average online course in the United States requires a greater amount of reading and student interaction than a traditional class. Students must prove remotely that they have mastery over the material in question, which means your curriculum will involve a lot of independent study and Internet-based group work. Although the average amount of time one needs to dedicate to their course work is about 10 hours per week for each class, it is not unusual for individual courses at accredited colleges and universities to require 15-20 hours per week of work.

8. Technology scheduling issues can limit learning opportunities. Students must ensure that their computer is updated frequently with the latest operating system and software components to facilitate their learning. Some people may need to learn new or enhanced troubleshooting skills to manage their boot-up time, Internet connection, or software platforms that a professor requires. If you are a person who considers themselves to be technically challenged, then the tasks of this disadvantage could be a significant barrier to your current and future learning opportunities.

9. Time variations could be problematic for some students. Students who take online classes must plan and adjust their schedules to meet the deadlines set by their professors. American institutions often base deadlines on the time zone of the institution, so a West Coast student would need to account for the three-hour difference for an East Coast deadline. If international students are taking online courses, then this disadvantage could be significant.

This issue becomes problematic for students with opposite schedules. If you study at night and your partner works during the day, then there will be significant lag time between each response.

If you have a hectic schedule or zero access to a college or university, then online classes are a way to pursue your academic goals. It only requires Internet access or a data connection, and then you can begin fulfilling the requirements of your course work. The modern structure of this learning opportunity does an excellent job of simulating the traditional classroom experience.

This option may not be a first-choice selection for someone who struggles with their organization or focus. If you’re already putting in 40 hours each week with your job, then it may be unreasonable to put in another 20-40 hours after you get home to fulfill your learning obligations.

These advantages and disadvantages of online classes must receive individualized consideration. If you live at home full-time and want a self-directed education, then this innovation can be a positive experience. When you prefer social interactions and a traditional classroom, then it may not be the best choice to pursue.

11 Big Pros and Cons of Online Classes

Posted on March 17, 2023

Whether you’re going to college for the first time or to finish your degree, you have plenty of options with campus and online learning.

For some students, the college experience includes in-person classes and interactions. For others, online learning is a more convenient and flexible option that helps them balance day-to-day life with school.

Though we’re (obviously) big fans of online learning, we want to give you an objective look at the pros and cons of online classes compared to in-person classes so you can make an informed decision.

Online Education Pros and Cons

There are several advantages with online learning, including:

1. Flexibility

One of the biggest advantages to online learning is that it offers more flexibility than in-person classes. Though campuses often have a few time slots for each course, you still need to follow a schedule. With asynchronous or self-paced online learning, you can complete your coursework at the time that works best for you.

For adult learners trying to balance a full- or part-time job, family life, and caring for children or family members, this flexibility is a game-changer. It also helps if you’re the type who’s most productive at odd times of the day, such as in the early morning or late at night.

2. Time Savings

Along with the flexibility of the schedule, online learning may save you a lot of time in the process. With on-campus classes, you have to spend time commuting to school. You may also end up with some “garbage time” between classes. You don’t have time to go home or get anything done, so you’re just wasting time waiting for your next class.

With online learning, your commute is to your home study space or the local library. Without a commute, you can spend your time knocking tasks off your to-do list, such as studying, completing quizzes, or doing a load of laundry.

3. Money Savings

The total cost of college isn’t just the tuition, textbooks, and fees. There are other costs that can add to your debt, such as campus meals, dorms, and travel expenses. When you take online classes, your living expenses and meals are on your own – and it’s money you’d spend anyway. You also save money on travel, since you don’t have a commute.

4. Self-Paced Learning

Some online courses offer self-paced programs, giving you the freedom to learn at the speed that works best for you. While these courses do have some hard deadlines, you can manage your time as you see fit.

For example, you can move through quickly if the concepts are familiar to you. If you’re struggling with a course or a module, you can take your time to ensure you really grasp the information.

5. Accessibility

One of the biggest pros of online learning is the immediate access you have to faculty, peers, and course information. You can connect with peers on your learning platform with a chat, email your professor, and view all your course documents and resources online.

With on-campus learning, you’re restricted to the available times to meet with groups or talk to your professor. Your course resources are typically given as you go, so beyond the syllabus, you can’t prepare for what’s ahead.

6. Transferability

Many institutions offer online courses, some of which you can transfer to your degree program at your chosen institution. This gives you control over your learning experience – you can choose the course structure that works best for you.

Some online courses are less expensive than on-campus equivalents – despite the same education quality – so you can save on your tuition with general education transfer credits. It’s important to speak with your advisor about your transfer credit options, however.

Online college isn’t perfect, however. Here are some disadvantages to online learning:

7. Lack of Individualized Attention

Online learning platforms are advanced, but they don’t provide the same in-person interaction and attention that you get with a professor at a campus class. If you need individual attention in your learning experience, online may be challenging.

That said, online learning does offer interaction through virtual class participation. Students are required to participate using discussions, forums, or other platforms – similar to engaging in discussions in class – to facilitate engagement.

8. Internet Connectivity

Though obvious, you need a strong internet connection for online classes. These courses use a variety of virtual resources to cover course material, including videos, interactive quizzes or exams, virtual labs, and learning software. If your internet is unreliable, you could face barriers to your learning experience.

Fortunately, there are solutions. Upgrading your internet service, replacing your router, or visiting the local library are options for connection problems. You should still expect other technology issues on occasion, such as server errors or computer glitches.

9. Distractions

On-campus classes are designed to eliminate distractions. Professors often require phones be shut off during class, the door is closed, and no one interrupts. At home, you may not have that kind of learning bubble.

Children, pets, and other members of your household can be disruptive to your learning, not to mention unexpected interruptions like mid-day deliveries. The responsibility falls on you to design a space free of distractions in your home.

10. Must Be a Self-Starter

When it comes to online school vs. in-person pros and cons, being self-motivated is important for any college experience. College students are adults (or close to it), so professors only go so far with encouragement and motivation.

Online learning requires more self-motivation, however. Your professor won’t be checking in frequently to see how you’re progressing. It’s your responsibility to reach out if you have problems or questions.

11. Fewer Networking Opportunities

Some institutions have a reputation for not only the quality of education but the networking opportunities. When you attend class in person, you have plenty of chances to connect with peers who may be an asset to your career future.

While online learning does offer some great networking opportunities, including virtual networking events and peer connections on social media like LinkedIn, it’s not quite as rich an opportunity as a campus community.

See the Online Learning Pros and Cons for Yourself

Whether you’re set on online learning or you’re on the fence, you can evaluate the pros and cons of online education for yourself on a trial basis with Sophia Learning. We offer a free trial with self-paced gen ed courses to get a jump on your degree. Start your free trial today!

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18 Pros & Cons of Online Education/Learning

Aditya Shukla | December 9, 2020 November 27, 2020 | Disclaimer: Links to some products earn us a commission

Home » Education » 18 Pros & Cons of Online Education/Learning

Over a decade ago, we saw an uptick in people learning over the internet. The very possibility of exchanging information and connecting with others over the internet created a wave of online learning. A consequence of that possibility was the wave of MOOCs – Massive Online Open Courseware like Coursera & Udemy. Online learning became a learning strategy, a way to flirt with different topics that are too expensive to try out in the material world, and mostly supplement “actual” learning… until 2020.

When the CoVID-19 pandemic hit the world , the promise of putting students on the internet for anything other than fun became a reality. There was no option to weigh the pros and cons of e-learning; online education became the necessary default. With 2020 ending, most students and teachers have had a beta test of teaching students via Zoom, Google Classroom, Moodle, or any other content delivery system. Consider 2020 as a test-drive for new changes in e-learning starting 2021.

What would be the possible strengths and weaknesses of learning online? In this post, I’ll outline the observed and expected advantages and disadvantages of digitizing education at the global level. Let’s look at online education from a psychological & brain-based perspective .

pros and cons of online learning thumbnail

1. Access to variety

2. more autonomy, flexibility, & control, 3. native digital habits, 4. extended brain, 5. easier relatability, 6. easier self-expression, 7. distribution of learning resources, 8. competition for quality, 9. educational business ecosystems, 1. gateway to procrastination, 2. online disinhibition & psychological distance, 3. merging of formal & informal environments, 4. opportunities for technological & human errors, 5. high cost of transition, 6. weak boundaries & monotony, 7. lack of social connections & collaboration, 8. lack of buffer activities and time gaps, 9. cyberbullying & threats, pros and cons of online education (summary), pros/advantages of learning online.

The biggest strength of online education is that various sources like YouTube, forums, blogs, wikis, video lectures, podcasts, etc., can create variety in how people learn. That variety helps the brain connect the dots, gain novel insights, and deepen the roots of learning in a literal web of information. Variety promotes creativity & problem-solving too. Variety promotes holistic and actionable learning. It can also add an element of fun and curiosity, which naturally promotes better learning.

Gen Z & Generation Alpha value autonomy and control over what they want to learn and how much influence they have on their routines. Online learning gives students some autonomy and some perceived autonomy/control over their options. Students can work with more flexibility and even request teachers to make accommodations. They can influence the pace of learning and even change priorities.

New generation students typically grow up with more advanced and streamlined technologies. Dial-up internet turned to 4g & free WiFi. Being born in a certain digital environment makes many things intuitive and natural. Learning to read comics on an iPad and toggling between all the settings at 6 years of age set children up for a familiar, intuitive understanding of technology, which older generations might not comprehend. These environments create new habits and lifestyle choices that accommodate online education better.

The internet can be considered as an external brain for a network of humans. Humans tend to remember where information is located better than the information itself. This is where the external brain, especially Google, comes into play. Google helps us locate information. The pathway from curiosity to knowledge is what we remember, more than knowledge. Keywords, websites, navigation through forums, search filters, etc., give us a location for knowledge that we can repeatedly navigate. We could then devalue learning information and instead learn how to find information. Knowing what someone else might know is called Transactive memory. If you are clueless but you know your teacher knows better means you possess knowledge in your “transactive memory.” We know what Google might know. We have this “transactive memory” with Google, and it even has a name – The Google Effect . Combining memory for the location of information and confidence in this transactive memory with Google or anyone via DMs is a powerful advantage. It promotes solving problems on the fly, fact-checking, and solidifies memory of information with a “search & find” context. A huge map of this search & find approach can help in unexpected ways.

Current school and undergraduate students are big on relatability. With students and teachers facing similar hardships, it is easier to discuss and brainstorm solutions with compassion. It is easier to be mindful and empathetic toward one another. The emotional & social comfort that comes with relatability is often an overlooked part of educational or learning-focused relationships.

With the slight invisibility & psychological distance that the internet provides, it is relatively easier to express oneself. These expressions could be relevant to learning such as personal interests, satisfaction & dissatisfaction with learning, etc. It enables quality feedback.

Learning resources are costly in the real world where books cost 10x their e-book version. It is also easier to share learning materials and keep track of quality resources. A teacher doesn’t necessarily have to reproduce what’s already published to distribute it offline. Common authority sources can be fact-checked, shared, explained, and summarized by many for many more.

One major advantage of moving classrooms online or presenting shared resources online is the competition it creates between different learning resources. For example, hundreds of teachers could try to put up their best teaching materials on the internet that could help students all over the world. Knowing that any student could access quality resources online, teachers & content creators are motivated to supply the best content they can for everyone’s benefit. That incentivizes kinship and extra effort in online learning on top of direct incentives like higher authority, visibility, audience reach, and social standing.

By recognizing the strengths and weaknesses of online education, businesses have innovated to help facilitate. Apps & products they create tend to solve particular problems. This educational innovation boom is a business opportunity because it caters to very real needs and challenges we face. Video streaming, virtual classrooms, and note-making apps are just the start.

Cons/Disadvantages of learning online

Procrastination is mainly a problem of poor emotional regulation where we can’t tolerate discomfort caused by the idea of doing a task and delay it for something more fun like Instagram. Procrastination is far easier on the phone than on a paper notepad. Discomfort or boredom caused by monotonous screen-lecture time or compulsory readings can push students to procrastinate with the phone. Simultaneously, anticipated and unexpected experiences via social media could pull students toward procrastinating studies.

Social profiles & the internet create a barrier that dilutes reality because there is more anonymity, lesser continuous feedback between facial expressions, less-amplified consequences, detachment from consequences, shrugging off responsibility, blame-shifting, etc. It weakens the perceived intensity of negative actions, which encourages impulsive, reckless, & irresponsible behavior. Online disinhibition is one reason why people can be meaner on the internet. It’s also why students can trivialize online learning and its necessity. Students may dismiss important aspects of learning because those learning activities could “feel” weaker than their material world counterparts. For example, open debates or classroom reviews may seem psychologically distant, and that distance can dilute the intensity of discussions. That could make them more distracted, detached, and even impulsive enough to rebel against online learning.

For most students, places to have fun and places to follow academics are separated either by time or space. That separation has become blurry because students now have a monotonous routine of using a screen to have fun & learn. This may promote contrasting behaviors like binging Netflix which is passive watching right after active concentrated reading. While the importance of off-screen time can’t be undervalued, given limited options due to the pandemic, online learning has merged with having fun by taking the same space (screen) and time (multitasking).

Even though newer students are likely to be more tech-savvy than the average student from 1990, the number of small technologies and dependencies like the internet, apps, batteries, cables, logins, earphones, etc. create an opportunity for something to go wrong. Students may pay lesser attention to these potential points of errors due to domestic demands, distractions, a lack of boundaries between fun time & learning time, etc. Not getting up & preparing exclusively for school or college could lead to neglecting parts of that preparation which could potentially bring one’s attention to human errors.

Not all educational institutions, teachers, students, or parents are in a position to pay for a digital transformation as and when needed. Many students & teachers can’t afford the time nor the money needed to make digital changes. Workflows may seem simple in theory but practical implementations come with hidden costs. For example, donating mobile phones to poor students is a great start to enable online learning for all but the hidden cost is to on-board teachers and students with the changes.

Students from rural areas lack adequate network/internet facilities placing them at a backfoot since lectures take place online. Pournima Gaikwad, Assistant Professor (History)

The same physical space gets used for dining, conversing, reading, and online learning. Weaker differentiation between types of activities and environments could create monotony, boredom, and numbness. It could even take a toll on mental health.

Social connections and collaborative work is a powerful context for learning. Online learning has reduced or changed many aspects of it. There are fewer interactions to exchange information in a shared space that allow free mental reflection or feedback between people. Offloading those to planned digital exchanges could benefit people but could also modify first impressions or neglect useful unstructured instantaneous feedback.

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It no longer takes more than a few minutes to attend an online learning session. There is no travel to reach a destination for lectures. The travel, which acts as a buffer between 2 or more routines in a day, is weaker. That creates fuzzy boundaries between events that take place in a day. It also reduces gaps between work sessions that potentially allowed people to refresh and counter fatigue.

Digital interactions open the doorway to many potential malicious or disruptive attacks from trained hackers or bullies. Some cyberattacks are targeted to harass learners; some are meant to disrupt events; some are unintended consequences of poor preventive measures. Knowing such possibilities can make students and teachers feel unsafe. And that could potentially lower learning/teaching efficacy even if there aren’t any recognizable vulnerabilities.

Pros	Cons
Access to a variety of informational content	Gateway to procrastination
The internet becomes an external brain	Online disinhibition & increased psychological distance
More control, flexibility, and autonomy	Merging of formal & informal environments
High competition for quality content	High cost of transition
Use native digital lifestyle habits	Technological & human errors
Educational business opportunities	Weaker lifestyle boundaries & monotony
Wider distribution of content	Fewer social connections & material collaboration
High self-expression	Lack of time gaps & buffer activities
High relatability between students & teachers	Cyberbullying & cyberthreats

Some of these cons affect mental health too. For example, cyberbullying, boredom, monotony, merging of environments, etc. can create frustrations and negative emotions. Those can strain a person’s ability to adapt & adjust in an already difficult environment.

These advantages & disadvantages of learning online have only typically manifested after the lockdowns began. They don’t necessarily apply to any specific type of education. Special education or inclusive education needs to consider many finer nuances that are beyond the scope of this article. It is best to consult a special educator to understand or improve online learning for people with special needs on a case-by-case basis.

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Hey! Thank you for reading; hope you enjoyed the article. I run Cognition Today to paint a holistic picture of psychology. My content here is referenced and featured in NY Times, Forbes, CNET, Entrepreneur, Lifehacker, about 15 books, academic courses, and 100s of research papers.

I’m a full-time psychology SME consultant and I work part-time with Myelin, an EdTech company. I’m also currently an overtime impostor in the AI industry. I’m attempting (mostly failing) to solve AI’s contextual awareness problem from the cognitive perspective.

I’ve studied at NIMHANS Bangalore (positive psychology), Savitribai Phule Pune University (clinical psychology), Fergusson College (BA psych), and affiliated with IIM Ahmedabad (marketing psychology).

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What Are the Pros and Cons of Online Learning?

Online education is trending. Massive open online courses , free virtual learning opportunities available to the public, reached more than 180 million learners in the first 10 months of the pandemic. In the fall of 2020, more than 5.8 million college students enrolled in distance education programs.

Companies have also embraced eLearning for employee training. By 2019, corporate eLearning had already driven income increases for 42% of organizations , and its popularity continues to surge.

What are the advantages of online learning?

Online classes aren’t second-rate alternatives to in-person learning. The virtual classroom offers its own benefits, many of which aren’t available in a traditional setting.

Better accessibility

For many students, in-person learning environments aren’t particularly accessible. It might be difficult for them to get to class, hear what others are saying, or read course material from a screen or whiteboard.

Online coursework can be more adaptable, flexible, and friendly. Students with and without disabilities can:

Use technologies like screen readers and voice-to-text software to access learning materials
Make digital text more readable by changing the font or size
View lectures and discussions with subtitles
Create a distraction-free and trigger-free environment

If you’re not sure what adaptive technologies could work for you, talk to your course provider.

Learn at your own pace

On-campus classes have specific times and places, and assignments have certain due dates, no matter what. If you fall behind or miss a few sessions, it’s hard to catch up.

That doesn’t work for everyone—and it doesn’t have to. With online courses, you view lectures and complete assignments at your convenience. You can:

Go back and review material you’re unsure about
Slow down or rewind lectures
Attempt assignments more than once

With the flexibility of online courses, it’s easier to master concepts before moving on to new ones. You can even pause a course and complete an introductory tutorial or class if you find yourself struggling with the material.

Meanwhile, you build self-discipline and time management skills as you carve out study time and balance school with other responsibilities.

Programs at (nearly) every level

Whether you’re new to a topic or have years of professional-level experience, there are online programs available to suit your needs. You can review high school algebra or pursue a master’s degree in a growing field like data science , supply chain management , or public health .

Unmatched convenience

From high school to higher education, most in-person learning requires you to arrange your life around school work. In community colleges, students travel an average of 10 miles one-way to attend class. Commutes like these cut into work, study, and family time, and can cost upwards of $1,800 a year—more than the cost of books.

Commuting to class also means rearranging your out-of-school life—changing work shifts, finding childcare, and so on. With distance learning, all you need is a reliable internet connection and a computer with internet access. You can learn from anywhere at any time, even when life gets busy.

Courses from top schools

Thanks to the increasing popularity of online programs, you don’t have to limit yourself to schools in your area. Top institutions like Harvard , Princeton , and MIT offer high-quality courses through online learning platforms like edX . These courses feature many of the same instructors and materials as in-person classes, but you don’t have to uproot your life to study.

Broader networking opportunities

According to HubSpot, 85% of all job matches happen through networking. In-person learning offers some networking opportunities, but you’re limited to meeting people who live near your school.

In online learning programs, including online college, you can network with a wider variety of people. For example, you might enroll in a computer science course and meet a classmate who’s already working in tech. That person could be your connection to an employer in your dream city.

What are the disadvantages of online learning?

No learning experience is perfect, and the online environment doesn’t work for everyone. Like any setting, it has its disadvantages. It’s important to know what those are, so you can decide if an online course is right for you.

Limited social interaction

In-person classes provide plenty of opportunities to interact, from pre-class small talk to in-depth group discussions. Each of those moments are important for building relationships and networking.

Online classes can’t provide as much interaction, though there are ways to build it back in. Synchronous classes, where students attend virtual lectures at the same time, may have group discussions in breakout rooms. Instructors may assign group projects and encourage students to “meet” online in their own time.

But not every online class provides those opportunities. Massive open online courses, or MOOCs, are self-paced and usually don’t allow for face-to-face interaction with instructors or classmates. Students may still be able to network through bulletin boards, discussion forums, and emails, but there’s often no real-time discussion.

This solo learning style works for some students, but it’s a drawback for others.

More self-discipline required

When you study from home, you have to motivate yourself to set a schedule, attend classes, and complete assignments. It’s especially challenging with classes that are entirely self-paced, with no set class times or due dates.

The need to self-motivate can make online classes more challenging, but developing that discipline will help you in the long run. Completing an online course shows an employer that you’re driven and dedicated to growth. It also helps you to become more disciplined in independent work situations.

Varied course quality

Not all online courses are well-designed and well-taught. Nearly anyone can design and offer a class via the internet, whether or not they’re experts in their field. It can be challenging for students to determine if a course is worth their time and money.

Your best bet is to find a reputable online learning platform. edX, for instance, works with universities from all over the world to offer stand-alone courses, certifications, and online degree programs taught by top scholars and industry experts.

Is online learning right for you?

Online classes offer a great way to further your career, train for a new one, and learn something new. They’re ideal for self-motivated people who need education to fit their lives, not the other way around.

If you’re interested in taking an online course or degree program, check out edX’s portfolio of online courses. There are more than 3,000 options, from Ancient Masterpieces of World Literature to Bitcoin and Cryptocurrencies . You never know what you’ll learn next.

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Are free online courses worth it, why is computer programming important, why is it important to study history.

edX is the education movement for restless learners. Together with our founding partners Harvard and MIT, we’ve brought together over 35 million learners, the majority of top-ranked universities in the world, and industry-leading companies onto one online learning platform that supports learners at every stage. And we’re not stopping there—as a global nonprofit, we’re relentlessly pursuing our vision of a world where every learner can access education to unlock their potential, without the barriers of cost or location.

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Student Opinion

Is Online Learning Effective?

A new report found that the heavy dependence on technology during the pandemic caused “staggering” education inequality. What was your experience?

A young man in a gray hooded shirt watches a computer screen on a desk.

By Natalie Proulx

During the coronavirus pandemic, many schools moved classes online. Was your school one of them? If so, what was it like to attend school online? Did you enjoy it? Did it work for you?

In “ Dependence on Tech Caused ‘Staggering’ Education Inequality, U.N. Agency Says ,” Natasha Singer writes:

In early 2020, as the coronavirus spread, schools around the world abruptly halted in-person education. To many governments and parents, moving classes online seemed the obvious stopgap solution. In the United States, school districts scrambled to secure digital devices for students. Almost overnight, videoconferencing software like Zoom became the main platform teachers used to deliver real-time instruction to students at home. Now a report from UNESCO , the United Nations’ educational and cultural organization, says that overreliance on remote learning technology during the pandemic led to “staggering” education inequality around the world. It was, according to a 655-page report that UNESCO released on Wednesday, a worldwide “ed-tech tragedy.” The report, from UNESCO’s Future of Education division, is likely to add fuel to the debate over how governments and local school districts handled pandemic restrictions, and whether it would have been better for some countries to reopen schools for in-person instruction sooner. The UNESCO researchers argued in the report that “unprecedented” dependence on technology — intended to ensure that children could continue their schooling — worsened disparities and learning loss for hundreds of millions of students around the world, including in Kenya, Brazil, Britain and the United States. The promotion of remote online learning as the primary solution for pandemic schooling also hindered public discussion of more equitable, lower-tech alternatives, such as regularly providing schoolwork packets for every student, delivering school lessons by radio or television — and reopening schools sooner for in-person classes, the researchers said. “Available evidence strongly indicates that the bright spots of the ed-tech experiences during the pandemic, while important and deserving of attention, were vastly eclipsed by failure,” the UNESCO report said. The UNESCO researchers recommended that education officials prioritize in-person instruction with teachers, not online platforms, as the primary driver of student learning. And they encouraged schools to ensure that emerging technologies like A.I. chatbots concretely benefited students before introducing them for educational use. Education and industry experts welcomed the report, saying more research on the effects of pandemic learning was needed. “The report’s conclusion — that societies must be vigilant about the ways digital tools are reshaping education — is incredibly important,” said Paul Lekas, the head of global public policy for the Software & Information Industry Association, a group whose members include Amazon, Apple and Google. “There are lots of lessons that can be learned from how digital education occurred during the pandemic and ways in which to lessen the digital divide. ” Jean-Claude Brizard, the chief executive of Digital Promise, a nonprofit education group that has received funding from Google, HP and Verizon, acknowledged that “technology is not a cure-all.” But he also said that while school systems were largely unprepared for the pandemic, online education tools helped foster “more individualized, enhanced learning experiences as schools shifted to virtual classrooms.” Education International, an umbrella organization for about 380 teachers’ unions and 32 million teachers worldwide, said the UNESCO report underlined the importance of in-person, face-to-face teaching. “The report tells us definitively what we already know to be true, a place called school matters,” said Haldis Holst, the group’s deputy general secretary. “Education is not transactional nor is it simply content delivery. It is relational. It is social. It is human at its core.”

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2 Minute Speech On The Pros And Cons Of Online Learning In English

Good morning to everyone in this room. I would like to thank the principal, the teachers, and my dear friends for allowing me to speak to you today about the pros and cons of online learning. All learning that occurs online is included in the flexible method of instruction delivery known as online learning.

Online learning helps children to learn at their own pace, cut back on daily travel time, and save money. Multimedia, hyperactive web links, high-quality diagrams, graphs, interactive demonstrations, podcasts, animations, Ted Talks, YouTube clips, interactive digital learning games, blogs, wikis, learning objects, virtual worlds, and more are all available in online learning.

It’s important to enroll in a computer skills course at a nearby community college and take into account the social component because online courses might be difficult for students with little computer experience.

Case Western Reserve University's independent student news source

The Observer

USG President Amman Spencer aims to make USG a place where students know they are supported and able to make change possible.

In-person vs. online classes: which are better?

Courtesy of News 5

We weigh the pros and cons of in-person vs. online classes so you don’t have to.

Christie Lanfear , Life Editor February 4, 2022

The week of Jan. 24, Case Western Reserve University students saw the return of in-person classes. Many students welcomed this step in the direction of normalcy. But for some, the allure of attending online Zoom classes in pajamas from the warmth of their dorm rooms put a damper on the excitement. There are clear mixed feelings among CWRU students between learning online versus in-person.

Now to the real question: is either form of learning superior to the other? Or is it merely a personal preference? I hope to provide an honest and unbiased “review” of the two types of learning, with the goal of encouraging students to see both the positive and negative aspects of both mediums.

Seeing as we began the semester with online learning, it seems logical to discuss this novel and controversial form of learning first.

Pros – Online classes

Increased flexibility

The increased workability of our jam-packed student schedules is arguably the most appealing attribute of online classes. With lectures recorded and no time wasted walking to Case Quad, students have a much easier time fitting in their hobbies and sports practices or even just hanging out with friends.

Increased class engagement

A rather shocking advantage to online classes that we all discovered during the shift to Zoom was the greater number of questions that came from students. This was, at least in part, due to the removal of the intimidation of raising your hand in front of your peers, with the Zoom chat now a compelling option. Instead of having 350 students all staring up at you, expecting a profound statement, one can ask any question they want without fear of judgement. Being behind a screen brought forward a plethora of students who just needed that little extra push.

Focused environment

For lots of students, sitting amongst hundreds of peers for over an hour is akin to a nightmare when it comes to focusing and being productive. Concentrating on organic chemistry is quite challenging when the people behind you are trying to resolve a long debate about which shoes they should buy or are discussing what the best Saturday night plans are. Online learning provides an escape from these annoyances, and many students welcome it with open arms.

Cons – Online classes

Procrastination

An insurmountable beast for most students, procrastination rears its ugly head especially when the classroom is replaced with the dorm room. Indirect or direct motivation from being around fellow students is taken for granted until online classes take it away. How can we be expected to motivate ourselves when we don’t have that support?

Demand for independence and self-motivation

The need to actually manage oneself is the most devastating aspect of online school. In the absence of face-to-face interactions with professors and peers, students are cast off to fend for themselves in the treacherous sea of Canvas, with the dreaded “To Do” list as their only company. It is up to us to make schedules and eliminate distractions such as the glorious and seductive Netflix.

Some would consider this a pro of online learning when it comes to the current public health situation of COVID-19, but socially, isolation is a major con. Unless one works hard to actively make plans with friends, attend club meetings and go to sports practices, social interaction is hard to come by. Even if you manage to make it to a previously populated study spot, no one seems to be there to keep you company.

As you can see, there are clear positives and negatives to online learning that make both sides of the argument strong ones. But what about in-person classes? Are they as amazing as students make them out to be when complaining about learning through Zoom?

Pros – In-person classes

Social interaction

This seems like an obvious point. However, spending time with others genuinely is one of the most appealing aspects of in-person learning. Going to class and seeing people outside of your close-knit group is essential to your mental health and well-being. Learning amongst your peers makes the college experience exponentially more fulfilling than sitting alone in your dorm room.

Higher-quality education

Based on my observations around campus, an extensive amount of students feel very strongly about this one. For some classes, there is not much of a difference in the delivery or type of information delivered, whether it be over Zoom or in a lecture hall. But for classes such as labs, discussion-based seminars and other hands-on courses, being in person is essential. Students will simply not get the same quality of learning when, for example, attending a virtual lab.

Fewer distractions

Categorizing increased focus with more social interaction might sound silly. Surely, being around more people would be more distracting? This is simply not true. Being surrounded by other people who are studying and paying attention can have a facilitating and motivating effect, making you more likely to join in those activities.

Cons – In-person classes

COVID is a big one, obviously. Daily gatherings of hundreds of students who frequently remove their masks to eat or sip some water is risky business during these times. Wouldn’t it just be safer for all of us to remain online? Are the pros of in-person learning worth the risk? Well CWRU made its decision to bring us back in-person anyways, but whether they were justified is up to you to decide.

Getting to class

Living in Cleveland makes all of us bitterly aware of the term “lake-effect snow.” The wind and slippery sidewalks make walking to class a liability. To make matters worse, every single member of the first-year class seems to be trying to get on the shuttle the moment that you decide to try your luck. In the current situation, we have to strategically plan our choice of shuttle stop if we are to have any chance of getting to class without braving the harsh conditions.

After all of that, what is the answer? Which is better? In short, neither. The purpose of this article is to encourage students to adopt logical and rational thinking in terms of their feelings towards the two types of learning. Keeping an open mind during these times is the most fruitful way to be as conditions keep changing. Use this article to remind yourself that despite any strong feelings you have towards online or in-person learning, neither is perfect—both are good and bad in their own ways. Think rationally, and no matter the form of learning, you will succeed. Remember what this time has taught us. As Max McKeown said, “all failure is failure to adapt, all success is successful adaptation.”

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Education /

Online Classes vs Offline Classes

Updated on
Jan 15, 2024

Online Classes vs Offline Classes; classroom

The Covid-19 pandemic brought a dynamic shift in the world education system . The imposition of lockdown led to the shutdown of physical classrooms and thus online education became the new norm. Although online learning has managed to keep education alive in these difficult times, it cannot completely replace it. Both online and offline education have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. In this blog, we will explore one of the most debated topics these days, online classes vs offline classes.

This Blog Includes:

Online education, offline education, mode of education in offline and online classes, accessibility, time management, flexibility of classes, student-teacher interaction, technical issues in offline and online classes, practical learning, pros and cons of an online degree.

With the emergence of technology , the method of delivering education has forever changed. As a matter of fact, online education has become a flexible instructional method of teaching wherein students can easily gain access to study material in the comfort of their homes. Moreover, online education provides an excellent opportunity for students who are unable to enrol in traditional classrooms as well as supports students in setting their own pace for studying.

Furthermore, online education helps in inculcating the habit of self-discipline and time management within students and provides them access to an unlimited number of educational resources. The students can easily set their own pace of learning as long as they have the right equipment and access to a proper internet connection.

Online Education vs Offline Education

While online education is not a new phenomenon, its importance came to light during the pandemic. Given below is a table that highlights the main differences between online education vs offline education.


Method of Teaching	Digitalised tools and methods of teaching	Traditional tools and methods of teaching
Cost and Time	Cost-effective and time-saving	More expensive than online education and consumes more time
Location	Virtual classrooms	Physical classrooms
Flexibility	Online classes have a flexible schedule	Offline classes have a fixed and strict schedule
Communication	Communication and collaboration happen digitally	Communications and collaborations happen face-to-face
Type of Approach	Facilitation and asynchronous approach	Instructional and synchronous approach
Pace of Learning	Students largely determine the pace of learning	Teachers largely determine the pace of learning
Level of Commitment	Students are less likely to remain serious and committed to their studies	Students remain more serious and committed to their studies

When it comes to online classes, teachers can easily educate their students via virtual classrooms. Students can easily access learning materials from anywhere as long as they have proper access to an internet connection. Additionally, Online classes provide teachers with a number of online learning tools including videos, audio, animations, virtual whiteboards, virtual conference rooms and live chats with the students.

On the other hand, offline classes provide students with a practical learning environment within the walls of a physical classroom. It allows students to closely interact with their teachers as well as participate actively in live discussions and debates. Moreover, students can also participate in recreational activities like art and physical education which contributes to the overall mental and physical development of the student.

Team Leverage Edu

12 comments

Online classes is better than offline class in this covid19 pandemic situation

Hello Nasrin, We totally agree with you and believe that online classes do have their own share of advantages too. Here are some recommended reads that you can check out on the same: https://leverageedu.com/blog/online-learning/ https://leverageedu.com/blog/online-courses/ https://leverageedu.com/blog/online-classes-are-the-new-normal/

Very nice content

Acc. 2 me offline is better. As it boost 😤 Student confidence nd to talk freely with his /her teacher. As in online one can ask ques privately, perfectly clear doubt but isn’t it lower confudence . As he /she can ask his/her ques. But in future while in any situation when he /she need to do some open conversation or any other situation. He /she can’t able to do it perfectly. To b good there strt it frm starting.

Me offline class is best 🙂 Thank you

Hey Deepanshi, offline and online courses both have their merits and demerits. Glad to know that you find offline better!

In my opinion offline classes is best way of learning ☺️

Thank you for the comment!

The information you’ve shared in this blog is highly remarkable. Thanks for sharing quality information.

Thank you for such encouraging feedback. We are continuously working hard to bring all the important information for our readers regarding study abroad queries. If you are interested in knowing more about such study abroad related services call Leverage Edu anytime at 1800 572 000 for a free consultancy session.

Online classes make Health issues, spending so much time in front of computer cause bad affects on health But in Physical Offline Classes are very much better than online classes in my opinion, when you meet peoples physically your mind get open and with physically connect with teacher gets your study perfect. OFFLINE CLASSES ARE THE BEST in terms of everything

Well , i have a question though . what about introvert students ? Who are too shy to approach to the teacher , they are much more comfortable in online , aren’t they ?

Online classes are undoubtedly great for introvert students. But if you’re an introvert and you take offline classes, you will be able to build courage and confidence which will prove beneficial in the future.

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Face off: Does learning from home do more good than harm?

Each week, two of our readers debate a hot topic in a parliamentary-style debate that doesn’t necessarily reflect their personal viewpoint
This week, they discuss the pros and cons of virtual education

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Charlotte Fong, 18, New York University, Abu Dhabi

Due to the ongoing pandemic, schools in Hong Kong have been conducting online classes with students learning from home for around half a year now. While some may groan at the mention of Zoom or Google Classroom, distance learning is actually a viable and productive way for students to get the most out of their classes.

Online learning allows students to experience authentic classroom education from the comforts of their very home. Many local schools opt for a real-time learning schedule, meaning the classes follow the timetable for face-to-face instruction with the teaching holding live sessions for the set period of time. Despite instruction being online, the teacher is still able to deliver classroom lectures through the use of videoconferencing and remote teaching softwares. They can write on a screen, ask students to answer questions, just like they would normally do during in-person classes. Some schools even ask students to wear their uniforms to mimic a classroom setting.

Are international schools in HK doing enough to tackle racial discrimination on campus?

Some friends that I have asked prefer learning from home due to its flexibility and promotion of self-directed learning. One of them pointed out that they can watch and rewatch recorded lectures to thoroughly understand the concepts being taught. In contrast, they struggle with the teaching speed during in-person classes and since everything is only mentioned once by the teacher, they have no way of going back to revisit class content. Online learning is the way to go for those who find it difficult to keep up.

Additionally, learning from home trains students to be independent and self-motivated learners. There are no teachers to monitor their progress every hour, which means they need to be diligent in organizing their schedules and devoting the appropriate amount of time to their learning. When they don’t understand something, instead of raising their hands and directly asking their teachers for clarification, they can proactively seek help online and discover answers for themselves. This is great preparation for college classes where it is heavily reliant on the student to chart their own course of learning.

The pandemic is here to stay and so is online learning. Instead of bemoaning the loss of in-person classes, let’s take some time to appreciate all the benefits that learning from home has brought.

Teresa Kwok, 15, South Island School

Home learning may have saved up your travelling time and provide flexibility for you during the coronavirus pandemic. However, online learning does more harm than good because of the following reasons.

First of all, it is hard for students to engage in lesson even though they turn on their camera and put away all the electronic devices. Students do not have interactive learning during online classes, such as doing experiments in school laboratories, using different tools to model different scenarios, since they do not have these experiences, they may not have a good understanding on what they are learning.

Secondly, students are tired to look at the screen for 6 hours in a day and it is hard for them to concentrate for a long period of time, especially they are not having interactive learning. Besides, students receive less support from their teachers because they cannot ask them questions immediately when they encounter difficulties. These factors may drag their learning progress and affect their exam results.

Does going to university abroad do more good than harm?

Also, students have lost their social life. Students learn in school but also build up their social life and connections with their classmates. Although students can still facetime or text their friends through different social media, the ideal way is to meet up with your friends in school and chat with them during break time. Online classes fail to give a perfect social life to students.

Furthermore, students become lazybones because of the flexible learning schedule and it will be hard for them to adapt to the normal learning schedule during face-to-face class. In a way, students have the flexibility to learn whenever they want if they are disciplined. However, most of the students are procrastinators which they may prefer watching youtube or playing video games.

In conclusion, although online learning provides a flexible schedule, online learning does harm more than good in the long term, mainly because this will definitely affect students’ studies and their social life.

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The Pros and Cons of Homework: An In-Depth Analysis

Homework has been an integral part of the education system for decades, linking classroom learning and independent study. However, its effectiveness and impact on student academic performance have been subjects of ongoing debate and research.

This comprehensive article will explore the multifaceted relationship between homework and student achievement, analyzing the factors, theories, and research findings that shape our understanding of its advantages and disadvantages.

Defining Homework and Its Purpose

Before examining the pros and cons, defining what homework entails and its intended purpose is essential. Homework includes a variety of tasks assigned by teachers to be completed outside of regular classroom hours, such as practice exercises, reading assignments to cultivate reading habits in your child , projects, and essays. Its primary objectives include reinforcing classroom learning, fostering independent study habits, and providing opportunities for skill development and application.

Advantages of homework, 1. reinforces classroom learning.

Homework is most effective when it allows students to review and practice what they’ve learned in class. Assigned tasks that revisit taught concepts reinforce acquired knowledge and increase the likelihood of students retaining key information. By applying learned skills to other subjects and practical situations, homework helps students consolidate their understanding and transfer knowledge to real-life contexts.

2. Develops Important Study Skills

From time management and organization to self-motivation and independent learning, homework teaches students a range of valuable skills that they will carry with them throughout their academic and professional lives. Home learning encourages students to take responsibility for their workload while promoting the development of positive research practices, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.

3. Provides Insight into Student Comprehension

Assigning learning tasks at home is an effective way for teachers to assess whether students are grasping the curriculum. By analyzing gaps in comprehension or information through homework, teachers can tailor their approach to each student’s needs, identifying those who require extra support or may benefit from more challenging learning tasks.

4. Promotes Parent-Child Bonding

When parents assist their children with assignments, it creates an opportunity for them to bond and spend quality time together. This collaboration fosters a supportive learning environment at home and helps parents stay informed about their child’s academic progress and areas where they may need additional guidance.

5. Encourages Self-Discipline and Responsibility

Homework instills a sense of self-discipline and responsibility in students. By managing their time effectively, setting priorities, and meeting deadlines, students develop essential life skills that will serve them well beyond their academic years. Regular homework completion also teaches students the value of hard work and perseverance in achieving their goals.

6. Facilitates Individualized Learning

Homework allows students to work at their own pace and delve deeper into subjects that interest them. By providing opportunities for independent exploration and research, homework encourages students to pursue their curiosity and develop a love for learning. This individualized approach can lead to a more personalized and engaging educational experience.

Read More – 10 Benefits of Homework: Enhancing Student Success with Guru at Home

Disadvantages of Homework

1. causes unnecessary stress.

The mere mention of homework can evoke feelings of anxiety and dread in students. When the workload becomes excessive and tasks increasingly challenging, homework can cause students to feel overwhelmed, stressed, and demotivated. This can lead to sleep deprivation, behavioral changes, and a negative perception of homework as a burdensome aspect of school life.

2. Interferes with Leisure Time

Free time allows children to relax, explore the world on their own terms, and engage in activities that teach valuable life skills. Healthy levels of physical activity, which can boost cognitive function, may be hindered by sedentary time spent completing homework. Striking a balance between academic responsibilities and personal pursuits is essential for overall student well-being.

3. Effectiveness Varies by Grade Level

It suggests that the relationship between homework and academic performance is influenced by grade level. We have found that homework in primary school has a minimal effect, as students often complete separate and unrelated projects rather than reinforcing learned knowledge. The effectiveness of homework appears to increase in higher grades when students are assigned tasks that ask them to revise taught information.

4. Contributes to Inequality

Homework can create disparities between children with parents who are available and willing to help and those who lack such support. Some parents have invested in study stations or hired private tutors for their children , while others may not have the capacity to provide these resources. This disparity in access and assistance can widen the achievement gap and perpetuate social inequality.

5. Potential for Overload and Burnout

When homework assignments are excessive or poorly designed, they can lead to student overload and burnout. If students are consistently overwhelmed by the volume or difficulty of homework, they may experience decreased motivation, reduced engagement, and a negative attitude towards learning. This can have long-term consequences for their academic and personal well-being.

6. Limited Quality Family Time

Excessive homework can encroach upon valuable family time, reducing opportunities for meaningful interactions and shared experiences. When students are burdened with hours of homework each day, it can strain family relationships and limit the time available for family bonding, leisure activities, and personal pursuits. This can have a detrimental impact on overall family well-being and work-life balance.

The Role of Online Tutoring in Optimizing Homework

Online tutoring platforms like Guru At Home offer personalized, affordable virtual tutoring that can help students navigate the challenges associated with homework and optimize their learning experience. Here’s how Guru At Home can assist with the pros and cons of homework:

Personalized Attention : One-on-one tutoring allows for tailored instruction that addresses specific gaps in knowledge or understanding, significantly enhancing a student’s grasp of the material. Guru At Home offers online tutoring for various grade levels, from Kindergarten to Grade 12, ensuring that students receive age-appropriate support.
Subject-Specific Expertise : Guru At Home connects students with qualified tutors who specialize in various subjects, including English, Math, Science, Algebra, and more. This access to expertise provides insights and explanations that might not be available in regular classes, helping students tackle challenging homework assignments with confidence.
Flexible Scheduling : With the convenience of scheduling online tutoring sessions at times that work best for the student, Guru At Home accommodates busy schedules and allows for a more relaxed learning environment. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for students juggling homework with extracurricular activities and other commitments.
Language Support : Guru At Home offers online tutoring in multiple languages, including Hindi, English, French, German, and Spanish. This language support ensures that students can receive homework assistance in their preferred language, breaking down barriers to understanding and facilitating effective learning.
Exam Preparation : For students preparing for important exams like the SAT, Guru At Home provides dedicated online tutors who can help them navigate the challenges of test-specific homework and develop effective study strategies. This targeted support can alleviate stress and boost confidence leading up to crucial assessments.
International Reach : Guru At Home caters to students across the globe, with online tutors available in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Singapore, UAE, UK, and more. This international presence ensures that students can access high-quality homework support regardless of their location, bridging educational gaps and fostering a global learning community.
Coding and Technology Skills : In addition to traditional subjects, Guru At Home offers online tutoring in coding languages such as CSS, HTML, Java, JavaScript, Python, Scratch, C++, and C. They also provide guidance in popular platforms like Roblox and Minecraft. These skills are increasingly valuable in today’s digital world and can enhance students’ problem-solving abilities and computational thinking.
Personalized Learning Plans : Guru At Home’s experienced tutors work closely with students to develop personalized learning plans that align with their individual needs, learning styles, and goals. By tailoring homework support to each student’s unique requirements, tutors can optimize the learning experience and help students achieve their full potential.
Progress Monitoring and Feedback : Guru At Home’s online tutoring platform provides regular progress monitoring and feedback to students and parents. This allows for timely interventions, adjustments to the learning plan, and targeted support where needed. By tracking student progress and providing constructive feedback, tutors can help students stay on track and continuously improve their performance.
Affordable and Accessible : Guru At Home offers affordable pricing options, making high-quality tutoring accessible to a wider range of students and families. With flexible payment plans and the ability to choose the number of tutoring sessions based on individual needs, Guru At Home ensures that personalized homework support is within reach for everyone. Read More – How Does Homework Help Students in the Future?

Homework has both pros and cons, enhancing learning and study skills but also causing stress and widening inequalities. Its impact varies, being more beneficial for older students when tasks are well-designed. A balanced approach is key to optimizing homework’s effectiveness.

Platforms like Guru At Home offer personalized tutoring that can alleviate homework challenges by providing targeted support and flexibility. By leveraging such resources, students can better manage homework, leading to improved academic outcomes and personal growth. Collaboration among educators, parents, and students is crucial to creating a balanced and supportive homework environment.

The appropriate amount of homework varies by grade level and individual student needs. For elementary students, 10-20 minutes per night is recommended, while middle and high school students may benefit from 30-90 minutes per night. Excessive homework can lead to stress and burnout, so it’s important to find a balance.

Research indicates that homework can have a positive impact on academic performance, particularly in higher grades. However, its effectiveness depends on factors such as the quality of assignments, grade level, and individual student needs.

Parents can support their children by providing a quiet and organized study space, setting a regular homework routine, offering encouragement and guidance, and communicating with teachers if issues arise. It’s important for parents to be involved without taking over the work.

Yes, alternatives to traditional homework include project-based learning, hands-on activities, reading for pleasure, and real-world problem-solving tasks. These approaches can engage students in meaningful learning experiences outside the classroom.

Yes, too much homework can cause stress, anxiety, and burnout in students. It’s important for teachers to assign manageable amounts of homework that are appropriate for the student’s grade level and individual needs.

15 benefits of online tutoring for kids in 2022 – guru at home, how to write a diary for kids, : every student must know.

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7 Benefits of Online Learning for Language Learners

September 24, 2024

A young student in a pink sweater taking an online class, pen and notepad in hand

Online learning has revolutionized how we acquire new skills, and language learning is no exception. You can improve your language skills from home and prepare for your future in a new country. This option allows students worldwide to transcend geographical barriers, granting them access to high-quality language education essential for achieving their academic and career aspirations.

But is online learning better than in-person? Why don’t you see for yourself? We’ve compiled the top 7 benefits of online learning to help you decide.

1. Learn Anytime, Anywhere

One of the best benefits of online learning is its unparalleled flexibility. Gone are the days of rushing to make it to class on time. With online education, you’re the master of your schedule. Whether you’re an early bird or a night owl, study at a time that suits you best. Plus, you can learn full-time or part-time to fit your lifestyle and commitments. We even have nightschool .

Access online courses anywhere in the world with a reliable internet connection. Whether at home, on the train, or on vacation, your learning materials are just a click away!

A young man wearing a backpack taking an online class outdoors, sitting on the grass

Image Source: Canva

2. Save Money

In general, online learning programs are cheaper than in-person classes . One of the pros of online learning is the savings you get from transportation costs, student housing costs, course materials fees, and tuition fees.

Pro Tip: Put the savings you earn from learning online toward a real international study experience once you achieve your language goals. This way, you’ll have more funds available to fully immerse yourself in a new culture, explore new places, and make the most of your time abroad.

3. Connect Globally

When talking about the benefits of online learning, one thing people don’t consider is the socialization opportunities it presents. After all, you’re learning at home. How will you have the chance to meet new people?

Online classes provide incredible avenues for connecting with people from all over the world. Virtual classrooms, discussion boards, and group projects allow you to interact, collaborate, and form connections with other students across different time zones and cultures.

Some institutions offer virtual events to help students make friends and professional connections beyond their local community. So there are opportunities to meet new people.

→ Learn more: ILAC’s Virtual Events

4. Set Your Own Pace

One of the greatest benefits of online courses is learning at your own pace. Unlike the traditional educational environment, where everyone follows the same schedule, online classes allow you to be the boss of your learning journey. Manage your time based on what you have to accomplish each day. Some people enjoy this flexibility.

Online students can focus on areas where they need extra practice or quickly zoom through topics they already understand. Whether struggling with verb conjugations or mastering advanced pronunciation, dedicate as much time as required to each skill without feeling pressured to keep up with the class. No more rushing to finish assignments or feeling stressed about falling behind!

5. Interactive and Engaging Learning Materials

Gone are the days of dull, passive learning. If you think online education is about watching endless video lessons, think again! One of the greatest advantages of online learning is the variety of digital learning materials at your fingertips. Online programs use interactive elements to make learning fun and effective. It’s about:

Live discussions
Interactive quizzes and assessments
Ebooks and articles
Multimedia presentations
Online whiteboards
Educational games
Online forums/discussion boards
Language learning apps
Virtual conversation practice

A person sitting at a desk with a laptop doing a presentation for a group of online students on the screen

6. Earn Transferable Skills

One of the greatest advantages of online learning is the cultivation of highly coveted transferable skills. Beyond mastering a new language, online courses can equip you with:

Time management skills
Digital literacy
Virtual collaboration and communication skills
Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
Self-motivation and discipline

Pro tip: These skills are the building blocks of future-ready professionals. By honing these abilities through online education, you position yourself as a versatile and adaptable candidate when applying for your dream job in your dream country .

7. School-Life Balance

Studying in an online environment doesn’t just help you build on your technical skills and language proficiency, it also helps achieve a better balance between your studies and personal life .

With the benefits of online learning, manage your coursework around other responsibilities, such as work, family, or hobbies. You’re free to dedicate time to what matters most to you, without the stress of rigid class timings or long commutes. Your future self—fluent in a new language and living a balanced, fulfilling life—will thank you!

Take Language Lessons Home With ILAC KISS Online Courses

Is online school better than in-person? If your answer is yes, it’s time to enjoy the benefits of online learning to the fullest! ILAC KISS brings award-winning language education right to your doorstep. Our flexible online English and German classes cater to all time zones so you can learn at your own pace, in your own space.

With students from over 90 countries, you’ll be part of a vibrant, diverse community of learners. Plus, our online events let you bring a taste of Canada to your home.

Choose between full-time or part-time options. Join ILAC KISS today or contact us to get your questions answered!

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Technology’s Role in Modern Customer Service: Pros and Cons

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Technology and digital customer service have become an increasingly popular way for businesses and organisations to engage with their customers. With statistics from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showing that 91% of all adults are recent internet users and this figure rising to 99% for adults aged 16-44, and the ever-increasing reach of technology and society being more online than ever before, it should be no surprise that technology is now a key foundation in customer service and has fundamentally changed the ways businesses interact with their customers.

The integration of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), chatbots and customer relationship management (CRM) systems has redefined customer service by offering faster, more personalised and more efficient support. These innovations provide businesses with new opportunities to improve the customer experience, streamline operations and reduce costs. At the same time, they introduce challenges, such as maintaining the human touch in customer interactions and managing technical issues and data security concerns.

Today, we will look at the pros and cons of using technology in modern customer service and provide insights into how businesses can effectively navigate these changes to deliver exceptional customer experiences while ensuring they balance technological efficiency with human empathy.

The Evolution of Technology in Customer Service

Customer service has undergone a significant transformation over the past few decades, driven by the rapid advancement of technology. Initially, customer service was primarily conducted through in-person interactions or via telephone calls, often managed by traditional call centres. The introduction of call centres marked a major shift, as they enabled businesses to handle a higher volume of customer enquiries more efficiently. As technology evolved, email and online support emerged, offering new channels for customers to seek assistance.

With the rise of the internet in the late 1990s and early 2000s, online support became more prevalent as it allowed customers to reach out via web forms and live chat. This period also saw the development of customer relationship management (CRM) systems, which enabled businesses to store and manage customer data more effectively, which led to more personalised interactions. In recent years, the introduction of AI-powered tools including chatbots, virtual assistants and machine learning algorithms has revolutionised customer service by automating routine tasks and providing instant responses, thus increasing efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Today, customer service is shaped by several technological trends that cater to modern consumer preferences for speed, convenience and accessibility. Automation plays a significant role, with AI-driven chatbots and virtual agents handling routine enquiries and tasks. Self-service portals and interactive FAQs empower customers to resolve their own issues without needing to contact support staff directly.

Technology, including features such as social media, has also become an important channel for customer service as it allows businesses to engage with customers in real time and handle complaints or queries promptly. Omnichannel communication strategies are now the norm and this ensures that customers receive a seamless experience across all platforms, whether it be email, phone, social media or in-person. Businesses are increasingly using data analytics and machine learning to understand customer behaviour, predict their needs and offer proactive support, which can help to improve customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Technology is now central to customer service strategies and influences every aspect of customer interactions. From automating responses and providing real-time assistance to analysing vast amounts of customer data, technology enables businesses to make informed decisions that improve service delivery. AI and machine learning algorithms can predict customer needs, personalise interactions and even anticipate potential issues before they arise.

Additionally, CRM systems have become indispensable tools for tracking customer interactions, preferences and feedback and provide businesses with valuable insights to continuously improve their services . This integration of technology not only increases the efficiency and effectiveness of customer service operations but also enables businesses to build stronger, more personalised relationships with their customers. As technology continues to evolve, its role in shaping customer service will only grow, pushing businesses to continuously adapt and innovate to meet changing customer expectations.

Pros of Technology in Customer Service

The integration of technology into customer service has brought about multiple advantages that help businesses improve their support operations and improve the overall customer experience, including:

Increased efficiency and speed Technology enables faster response times and more efficient resolution of customer issues, reducing wait times and increasing customer satisfaction. AI-powered chatbots handle routine enquiries instantly, such as FAQs, order status checks and basic troubleshooting, which frees up human agents for more complex tasks. Additionally, automated ticketing systems categorise and prioritise customer queries based on urgency or complexity which ensures prompt attention to more critical issues.
24/7 availability Technology provides round-the-clock customer service, which allows businesses to assist customers at any time, regardless of time zones or business hours. AI-driven chatbots and virtual assistants offer immediate responses to customer queries day and night, and self-service options, such as knowledge bases and FAQs, empower customers to find answers independently which helps to increase customer convenience and satisfaction.
Personalisation and data-driven insights Data analytics and CRM systems enable businesses to personalise customer interactions based on preferences, history and behaviour. AI analyses customer behaviour to predict future needs which helps businesses to provide more proactive and customised support. Personalised approaches typically increase customer engagement and loyalty and make interactions more relevant and meaningful.
Cost reduction Automation and AI minimise the need for large customer service teams which helps to lower operational costs while maintaining service quality. Because automated systems handle repetitive tasks, such as answering FAQs and processing returns, this reduces the need for human resources. Additionally, technology optimises resource allocation by predicting peak enquiry times and managing demand with AI or chatbots. This efficiency allows businesses to reduce labour costs without sacrificing responsiveness or customer satisfaction.
Consistency in service delivery Automated tools and AI ensure that customers receive consistent responses to their enquiries which can help to minimise human error and variance in service quality. Standardised processes through technology help maintain a uniform customer experience across different channels and agents.
Improved accessibility Technology provides multiple channels for customers to reach out, including chat, email, social media and voice assistants, which helps to make customer service more accessible. Additionally, tools like speech-to-text and text-to-speech help make customer service more inclusive for individuals with disabilities.
Faster feedback collection and analysis Digital tools and platforms enable real-time feedback collection from customers, such as surveys, ratings and reviews. Technology facilitates the quick analysis of customer feedback and allows businesses to identify areas for improvement and respond to customer needs promptly.
Better multilingual support AI-driven language translation tools enable businesses to provide support in multiple languages, breaking down language barriers and reaching a global customer base. Automated systems can handle multilingual interactions seamlessly and reduce the need for specialised human agents for different languages.

Cons of Technology in Customer Service

Although there are many positive aspects of using technology in customer service, it also comes with some significant downfalls that businesses and organisations should be aware of. Being aware of the potential negative aspects of using technology enables businesses to mitigate these risks or find appropriate solutions. Some potential cons to be aware of include:

Loss of human touch Relying too heavily on technology can result in a lack of empathy and understanding in customer interactions, as automated responses and chatbots may struggle to convey genuine emotions or handle nuanced situations effectively. Customers may become frustrated when dealing with impersonal or ineffective automated systems, especially for complex or sensitive issues that require human judgement and empathy. For example, a customer dealing with a personal or urgent matter may feel dissatisfied if forced to interact with a chatbot that cannot fully comprehend or address their concerns.
Technical issues and downtime Technology is not infallible. System outages, glitches or poorly programmed AI can lead to significant customer dissatisfaction and delays in service. Problems such as server downtime, software bugs and integration issues can disrupt service availability and hinder the overall customer experience. To minimise disruptions, businesses need to maintain robust IT support, regular software updates and backup systems to quickly address technical failures and ensure continuous service.
Privacy and security concerns Handling customer data through technology carries inherent risks, such as potential data breaches, hacking and unauthorised access to sensitive information. AI systems that collect and analyse personal information can raise customer concerns about privacy and data security, especially if there is a lack of transparency regarding how data is used and stored. Businesses must implement stringent data protection measures, such as encryption and secure authentication. They must also comply with privacy regulations, including the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018 , to protect customer information and build trust.
Over-reliance on automation Excessive reliance on automation can lead to a decline in critical thinking and problem-solving skills within customer service teams, as human agents may become overly dependent on automated systems to handle tasks. Automated processes can also introduce errors if not properly configured or monitored and potentially lead to incorrect responses, miscommunication or failure to address unique customer needs. Businesses need to balance automation with human oversight to ensure that technology complements, rather than replaces, the expertise and judgement of customer service agents.
Lack of flexibility and adaptability Automated systems, such as chatbots or AI-driven tools, may struggle to handle unique or unexpected situations that fall outside their programmed responses or data sets. These systems may not adapt well to changing customer needs or preferences, leading to a one-size-fits-all approach that lacks the nuance required for personalised service.
High initial investment and maintenance costs Implementing advanced technologies such as AI, CRM systems and automated platforms often requires a significant initial investment in terms of hardware, software and training. Ongoing costs for maintaining, updating and securing these systems can be substantial, especially for small and medium-sized businesses with limited budgets.
Inconsistent user experience across channels While omnichannel communication aims to provide a seamless experience, integrating multiple platforms and technologies can sometimes lead to inconsistencies. Customers may encounter varying levels of service quality across different channels (e.g. discrepancies between chatbot responses and human agent interactions), which can result in a fragmented experience and, in some cases, confusion and customer dissatisfaction.
Decreased customer engagement Excessive reliance on automated tools might decrease opportunities for meaningful human interactions, which can negatively impact customer engagement and loyalty. Customers who prefer human interaction may feel alienated or undervalued if they cannot easily access a live representative.

Case Studies and Real-World Examples

Case study 1: success story – amazon.

Amazon, the world’s largest online retailer, has effectively leveraged AI and automation to improve its customer service experience. It uses AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants to handle common customer queries, such as order tracking, refunds and returns which helps them to provide instant responses and 24/7 support. The company’s use of machine learning algorithms also helps predict customer needs and offers personalised recommendations, boosting customer satisfaction and engagement.

With approximately 310 million customers worldwide, the number of employees and the significant time, money and resources it would take Amazon to handle its customer service using human agents would be immense. By automating routine tasks and using predictive analytics, Amazon has significantly reduced operational costs while maintaining high levels of customer service efficiency.

Case Study 2: Success Story – Netflix

Netflix uses data analytics and AI to provide highly personalised customer experiences. Its recommendation engine uses customer viewing data to suggest TV shows and films tailored to individual preferences, which helps to increase user satisfaction and retention.

Netflix also employs AI-driven tools to monitor service quality and quickly address technical issues, which helps to minimise downtime and improve customer service. By integrating technology into its customer service strategy, Netflix has achieved high levels of user engagement and loyalty while efficiently managing support requests.

Case Study 3: Challenges and Lesson Learned – H&M

H&M, a global fashion retailer, faced difficulties when implementing AI and automated chatbots for customer service. The chatbots were initially programmed with limited capabilities, which led to misunderstandings and dissatisfaction among customers seeking assistance for more complicated issues.

The company responded by refining its AI algorithms, expanding the chatbots’ capabilities and improving the escalation process to human agents when needed. H&M also provided additional training for customer service teams to better handle technology-enhanced interactions. Through these efforts, H&M improved its technology integration, ensuring a better balance between automation and human touch, which helped mitigate initial customer dissatisfaction.

Case Study 4: Challenges and Lesson Learned – Tesco

Tesco, one of the UK’s largest supermarket chains, faced challenges with its customer service automation tools. The company implemented an AI-driven chatbot to handle customer enquiries and issues related to online orders and store experiences. Customers reported that the chatbot often provided generic or inaccurate responses and failed to address specific issues or complex enquiries effectively. This led to frustration and dissatisfaction among customers who felt their concerns were not being adequately resolved by the automated system.

In response to these challenges, Tesco invested in improving the AI algorithms powering its chatbot to enhance its ability to handle complex queries and provide more accurate responses. The company also introduced regular monitoring and updating of the chatbot to ensure its performance remained high. Tesco worked on better integrating its chatbot technology with existing customer service platforms to streamline case transfers and improve overall efficiency. This included improving the process for human agents to take over cases from the chatbot seamlessly.

With the digital world constantly evolving, the introduction of technology in customer service has fundamentally transformed the customer experience and has had significant advantages for businesses and organisations. Innovations like AI-powered chatbots, CRM systems and automated processes have enabled businesses to provide faster, more responsive and data-driven support. However, these technological advancements also come with their own set of challenges, including the risk of losing the human touch, technical issues, privacy concerns and potential over-reliance on automation.

It is essential for businesses to navigate these challenges by finding the right balance between leveraging technology and maintaining a personal connection with customers. While technology can streamline operations and improve service delivery and customer support, it should complement rather than replace human interaction. Ensuring that automation serves as a tool to support, rather than overshadow, the human elements of customer service is key to achieving a well-rounded approach.

Businesses should continuously evaluate and adapt their use of technology in customer service, staying attuned to both evolving customer needs and advancements in technology. By doing so, they can optimise their customer service strategies, improve satisfaction and remain competitive in a constantly changing market. Embracing technology while preserving the essence of human empathy and flexibility will ultimately lead to more effective and meaningful customer interactions.

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About the author

Nicole Murphy

Nicole graduated with a First-Class Honours degree in Psychology in 2013. She works as a writer and editor and tries to combine all her passions - writing, education, and psychology. Outside of work, Nicole loves to travel, go to the beach, and drink a lot of coffee! She is currently training to climb Machu Picchu in Peru.

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10 Lines Speech on Pros and Cons of Online Learning. Here are 10 lines of speech on the pros and cons of online learning. You can use these examples in your 10-line speech on the pros and cons of online learning. Online education offers flexibility to students where you can access study materials and lectures at their convenience.
Are Online Classes Worth It? The Pros & Cons
But online courses aren't for everyone. Some individuals want to engage with faculty face-to-face or need the in-person touchpoints to stay on track and motivated. If you're mulling over the decision to take an online class, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons against your career goals and preferred learning style.
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Here are a few of them: Schools can save on various costs, including electricity and maintenance, as the need for physical classrooms is reduced. Online classes eliminate the need for commuting, saving both students and teachers time and money. Online education can be a cost-effective option for students who cannot afford high tuition fees.
Pros and Cons of Online Learning
For example, many students attend online college while working full-time. 5. More Equitable, Accessible Learning. Another advantage of online classes is that they can open up more learning opportunities for students with disabilities, making postsecondary education more accessible and inclusive.
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Pros of Online Learning. First, let's take a look at the true value of online learning by examining some of the benefits: 1. Flexibility. Online learning's most significant advantage is its flexibility. It's the reason millions of adults have chosen to continue their education and pursue certificates and degrees.
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Each of our online classes has a Microsoft Teams channel where students can message faculty and classmates, share files for group work, and schedule meetings. 7. Increased Affordability. Typically, online programs have lower tuition costs than in-person programs. This is due to a number of different factors.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Learning in Online Classes in 2024
5. Requires more self-control and harder to focus. Online learning can certainly make focusing for long periods of time a challenge. Students are no longer in an environment dedicated to learning and are surrounded by distractions like phones, delivery people, or chores like doing some laundry or walking the dog.
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Con: You May Have Trouble Getting to Know People. One of the main cons of online learning is that it can be difficult to form personal relationships with classmates and professors. Traditional on-campus learning offers many opportunities to get to know others and build camaraderie through things like in-person classes, clubs, and social events.
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This allows students to access the learning material at a time of their comfort. Thus, online learning offers students the accessibility of time and place in education. 3. Affordability. Another advantage of online learning is reduced financial costs. Online education is far more affordable as compared to physical learning.
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Pros of Online Learning. First, let's take a look at the true value of online learning by examining some of the benefits: 1. Flexibility. Online learning's most significant advantage is its flexibility. It's the reason millions of adults have chosen to continue their education and pursue certificates and degrees.
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Online classes have both advantages and disadvantages. On the one hand, online classes allow students and teachers to follow the COVID protocols. On the other hand, spending hours on the phone is increasing the chance of students getting hooked to their phones scrolling through various social media applications. Speech on Online Classes: Since ...
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List of the Advantages of Online Classes. 1. Online classes provide more flexibility to incorporate multiple learning styles. Although you can earn a healthy salary without going to college in some trades, many employment opportunities require an undergraduate degree or higher to obtain a position.
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Online Education Pros and Cons. There are several advantages with online learning, including: 1. Flexibility. One of the biggest advantages to online learning is that it offers more flexibility than in-person classes. Though campuses often have a few time slots for each course, you still need to follow a schedule.
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10-Line Speech on Online Education. The process of acquiring education using the internet is known as online education. It is a modern method of gaining an education. The concept of online education existed a few years back. It saves time and money for students. It offers a variety of courses to the students at their homes.
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Pros/Advantages of learning online. 1. Access to variety. The biggest strength of online education is that various sources like YouTube, forums, blogs, wikis, video lectures, podcasts, etc., can create variety in how people learn. That variety helps the brain connect the dots, gain novel insights, and deepen the roots of learning in a literal ...
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With online courses, you view lectures and complete assignments at your convenience. You can: Go back and review material you're unsure about. Slow down or rewind lectures. Attempt assignments more than once. With the flexibility of online courses, it's easier to master concepts before moving on to new ones.
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To many governments and parents, moving classes online seemed the obvious stopgap solution. In the United States, school districts scrambled to secure digital devices for students.
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The students can have more control over their learning process in an online learning environment. However, there are disadvantages to online learning. Teachers need the right tools and support to ...
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2 Minute Speech On The Pros And Cons Of Online Learning In English. Good morning to everyone in this room. I would like to thank the principal, the teachers, and my dear friends for allowing me to speak to you today about the pros and cons of online learning. All learning that occurs online is included in the flexible method of instruction ...
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Christie Lanfear, Life EditorFebruary 4, 2022. The week of Jan. 24, Case Western Reserve University students saw the return of in-person classes. Many students welcomed this step in the direction of normalcy. But for some, the allure of attending online Zoom classes in pajamas from the warmth of their dorm rooms put a damper on the excitement.
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Also Read: Pros and Cons of Online Learning Speech. Student-Teacher Interaction. Contrary to the popular belief that there is hardly any interaction between students and teachers in online education, there is an ample amount of interaction between students and teachers over the online platform.
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Online classes fail to give a perfect social life to students. Furthermore, students become lazybones because of the flexible learning schedule and it will be hard for them to adapt to the normal ...
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Even after weighing the pros and cons of online versus in-person classes, it can be hard to choose. Each has their benefits, so it really depends on your learning style, flexibility, and what you need. To help you decide, consider: • How you like to learn • Your other responsibilities, like a job or family commitments
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Explore the pros and cons of homework in education. Discover how personalized online tutoring can help students navigate homework challenges and optimize their learning experience. ... Homework has both pros and cons, enhancing learning and study skills but also causing stress and widening inequalities. Its impact varies, being more beneficial ...
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In general, online learning programs are cheaper than in-person classes. One of the pros of online learning is the savings you get from transportation costs, student housing costs, course materials fees, and tuition fees. ... Online classes provide incredible avenues for connecting with people from all over the world. Virtual classrooms ...
Technology's Role in Modern Customer Service: Pros and Cons
Nicole graduated with a First-Class Honours degree in Psychology in 2013. She works as a writer and editor and tries to combine all her passions - writing, education, and psychology. Outside of work, Nicole loves to travel, go to the beach, and drink a lot of coffee! She is currently training to climb Machu Picchu in Peru.