Posted on Jul 16, 2015
CW3 Standardization Officer
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There is a great deal of debate surrounding degrees earned in a traditional way and those earned online. I have earned a degree both ways, and have great things to say about both methods. However, if I was to note one difference it would be decreased interaction with professors during online education. I think no matter the efforts the school makes to prevent this, the loss of face-to-face interaction detracts from learning.

If anything, what do you think you lose by earning a degree online?
Posted in these groups: Graduation cap Education5a9f5691 College
Edited 9 y ago
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Responses: 22
LTC Operations Officer (Opso)
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Personal interaction in person. Online programs may have discussions but nothing is the same as face to face.
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LTC Operations Officer (Opso)
LTC (Join to see)
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CMSgt (Join to see) I think I learned more from interacting with my classmates in my undergrad than my professors teaching. That is where we had debates. That is what I missed during my Masters and PhD programs which I did online. You can only go so far on a discussion post.
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CMSgt Senior Enlisted Leader
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CPT(P) (Join to see) -
Copy that, Sir. But what you can learn from each other is tantamount to the learning process. Exposure to differing opinions, peoples' experiences, cultural upbringing, etc., give one a well rounded experience.
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CW3 Standardization Officer
CW3 (Join to see)
9 y
LTC (Join to see) you make a very good point, and one I am dealing with currently. Discussion posts are more of a check the block rather than serving their intended purpose.
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LTC Operations Officer (Opso)
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9 y
Chief, definitely a check the block for some. I know it makes it hard for those looking to engage to find others who bring something to share. CW3 (Join to see)
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SPC Human Resources   Labor/Employee Relations
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dealing with mouthy 18 year olds?... I went to a school on a military post. I loved it. Probably 90% of my classmates were veterans, active duty, or retired. Only a few spouses. It made for some awesome conversations in all my military history classes and ANY of my ethics and philosophy classes.
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PO1 John Miller
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CW3 (Join to see), something always gets lost in translation when you earn a degree solely online. You may ask a question of your professor but email/IM doesn't always convey well!

But there are some types of degrees that are much better earned online. For example some IT degrees.
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CW4 Brigade Maintenance Technician
CW4 (Join to see)
9 y
That's what I like about my Masters Program with Trident. My last class that I had, my professor and I had a few conversations over the phone to discuss different theories or components of my class and this really helped me interpret some of the subject matter.
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CW3 Standardization Officer
CW3 (Join to see)
9 y
PO1 John Miller you make a good point in regard to some programs being better suited than others to be taken online. My masters program was well suited to be taken online, but I cannot imagine taking my undergraduate solely online.
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CW3 Standardization Officer
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CW4 (Join to see) it is nice that you got some mentoring in guidance one on one. I don't think I received that type of interaction until my defense of my thesis.
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