Online vs. Classroom Courses

Online versus Classroom Courses

You would not purchase a house with first researching the area, price, condition, etc.

Likewise, do not sell yourself short with your education. Your education is important (and expensive) enough that you should make an educated decision as to the format of your course.

Research for yourself the main difference between Online and Classroom instructed courses.
- Check out the Georgia Board of Regents website for more resources.
Familiarize yourself with the syllabus for the course in which you are interested.
Assess your own personality, skills, habits, and abilities. Be truthful with yourself.
Decide if an Online course is right for you.
- Take an Assessment provided by the Georgia Board of Regents to determine your readiness for Online Learning Environments.

ONLINE VS. CLASSROOM SKILL SET COMPARISON

Skills:	Online Course:	Classroom Course:
Time Management	Must independently manage time well. Self-motivated and self-discipled.	Peers & professor provide reminders and encouragement.
Time Commitment	Availability to spend the same or more time than classroom course weekly requirement. Flexibility to utilize midnight hours, double up on work one week and have a break the next, or complete the course early.	2.5 hours per week in class. Out of class recommendation is 6 hours per week.
Communication	Mostly written communication. Comfortable communicating virtually using technology.	Mostly verbal communication. Comfortable with communicating in classroom.
Study Skills	Ability to analyze text, critically think through process and key points and communicate virtually. Student must understands his/her learning style.	Professor assists in analysis of text, critical thought process, and lectures on key points. Student will communicate via open dialogue in class.
Learning Styles	Highly independent learner. Follows written instruction well. Completes assignments with little direction. Highly technology literate.	Mildly independent learner. Follows verbal instruction well. Completes assignments after demonstration in class. Mildly technology literate.