Comparison-Contrast Online vs. Campus

Online vs. Campus
Elizabeth Wehrle
South University Online
ENG1001 Assignment 3

Online vs. Campus
Some may wonder if online classes are better than traditional school house classes. Future students may wonder which course of action is best for him or her. One may choose to take online classes if he or she has young children at home; without children, it would be easier to take classes at a campus. It depends on one’s home life whether to take classes online or at a campus. There are many differences between online courses and campus courses. When choosing an online or campus-based college, it is important that one looks at the differences and similarities, and the advantages and disadvantages.
There are many advantages to both online and campus-based classes. Online classes allow a person to schedule assignments around their children, appointments, and work. Therefore, with scheduling their own class times, a student may read and review lectures and readings at any time of the day. One can work at their own pace, from home, and if he or she has any problems with assignments, they can have a private conversation through email or over the phone. Online classes are especially advantageous for those who have children at home. Most students with young children will choose online classes over campus classes so that he or she can be at home with the children. This eliminates the cost of daycare or trying to find a babysitter each day. Many older students and pregnant students tend to lean towards online classes because, overall, it is easier for them. As with anything else, there are disadvantages to this course of action as well.
Being able to stay at home with the kids is great, but students who enroll in online courses have to be self-motivated in order to get their assignments done and turned in on time. Also, with taking classes online, it may be difficult to understand the message the instructor is trying to present through text only. Reading lectures instead of hearing them force one to comprehend the lecture themselves. Students may not be able to recognize the tone of the lecture being given. If a student has a problem understanding a part of a lecture or an assignment, the student is not able to see the instructor explaining the problem to the student. This can be a problem if the student is a visual learner. Some students require being able to see lecture boards and being able to hear the instructor explaining things. In this case, online classes would not be recommended for the student.
With having examined the advantages and disadvantages of online classes, a student must also look at the advantages and disadvantages of campus classes before deciding which course to take. Campus classes are great for those who do not have children at home. Many young graduates choose to take college courses at a campus for the experiences that comes along with college. Moving away from parents, getting to participate in activities as a group, and living in dorms make it much more enjoyable to those who have just graduated high school. The sororities and fraternities also make for a great experience. In an educational perspective, students who take classes at a campus get to listen and watch their instructor as he or she teaches. This gives the students an understanding of what is expected of them. Being able to hear the instructor’s words provide students a grasp on the tone of the lecture and what the instructor is trying to convey. When having a group project to complete, being in a classroom environment is great. Being able to interact in person with classmates and review the assignment is easier than trying to do this online, through use of email or discussion boards. Like online classes, though, campus courses have disadvantages as well.
Unlike online classes, where as one gets to schedule class times, students who take classes at a campus have specific times to be in class. Also, unless students live in the dorms on campus, he or she has to drive to classes. Taking campus classes require one to be in a classroom for lectures and assignments. This can affect when one has time to work. Having a job is essential when going to college. Unfortunately, classroom time requires one to have a job that can work around his or her class schedule.
After a future student has weighed his or her options carefully and looked at the advantages and disadvantages of each plan is when the person should pick whether online classes or campus classes are better suited for his or her needs. Obviously, online classes would be better for a student with children at home. On the other hand, if a student wants to fully experience the college atmosphere, as most graduates of high school do, campus classes are the right choice. It all depends on what kind of experience one wants from college life.