A Comparison of the Differences between Traditional and Online Classes

Traditional and online classes are great ways to further education. Traditional classes require students to meet in class usually weekly on certain days, and at a certain time. Traditional classes are more convenient for people who have the time on their hand and are able to travel to class. Online classes allow students to be able to turn their homework and other assignments through the Internet at any time or place. Online classes are more convenient for people that have less time on their hand. Many students that take online classes work full time, or have other responsibilities. The difference between traditional and online classes are time schedules, methods of delivery, and communication.

To begin with, the difference between online and traditional classes are the time schedules. Traditional classes general meet in a classroom at a specific location. Students are able to choose their own class schedule, at a specific time morning, evening or night classes, Students meet in their classroom at a scheduled time each week. Traditional class is suitable for students who can conform to a more flexible schedule because they have to have time to be able to travel and attend classes during the week. If a student is late, delayed by the weather, or absent they may miss what went on during class. Online classes can meet where ever a student have excess to the Internet. Students are able to choose their classes at any time during the day or night; twenty four seven. All communication with teachers and students are done through emails, discussion board and telephones. Online classes are more convenient for students that are full time workers or full time parents, because it gives those students more time to be able to balance schoolwork and things at home. Students can log on to their accounts at any time during the day.

Methods of delivery between traditional and online classes are different. Traditional classes are general taught through lectures, group activities, or oral presentations. During traditional classes teachers may lectures for the first part of class, and have class discussions at the other half of class. Classmates are able to come together and do group activities and do presentations through power point on the information taught in class. The class takes place in real time, can be spontaneous, and interactive with generally up to thirty students per classroom. Some tests are take home tests and some tests are to be taken in class. Online classes are taught online through either a desktop, laptop, or even an upgraded cell phone. Teachers post podcasts for students to watch and get their class lecture for that day. Online class students post any questions that they might have on discussion board to discuss with other online classmates. Class takes place whenever the student logs in their account, and they can interact with many different people from around the world. When taking a test for online classes students have to schedule an appointment to take a test; and the test have to be taken on a college campus computer.

Communication with teachers and classmates is different when taking traditional classes and online classes. Students in traditional classes general communicate in person. Students may have a hard time understanding certain things and will be able to communicate with their teacher to get a better understanding right away before, during, or after class. Classmates also are able to work in groups during class hours, and meet up before or after school to work together. Many students understand things better when they are being taught in person and are able to be hands on. When taking online classes students communicate electronically. When students have a hard time understanding something they can send emails to other students or teachers it may take minutes, hours, or even days for a response back. Students online can collaborate online but, they do not always log in to their student accounts on the same day. Understanding material online may require more efforts by the individual student.

In college both traditional and online class are great ways to receive higher level education. Traditional and online classes have major differences. Some of which include time schedules, methods of delivery, and communication. Traditional classes are better for students who needs communication to better there learning. Online classes are better for students who have time-consuming lifestyles. In college both traditional and online classes are great ways to receive higher level education.

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