Posted on Sep 1, 2014
Do you think online schools are easier than classroom schools?
10.2K
68
42
1
1
0
College
Schools
Responses: 22
4
4
0
I enrolled in an online college in 2007 by the encouragement by my CSM at the time. It was 20 years since I last had been in college and found that it was a little bit easier for me than a traditional college in some ways but was challenging as well. I like the flexibility of online learning but it takes a lot of self-discipline to ensure you stay on track. That can be difficult at times and there were a few cases where I had to file for an extension to complete the class.
I received my Bachelors degree in 2010 in Criminal Justice and would encourage all enlisted Soldiers to further their education either way. I have sat on Senior Promotion Boards in which civilian education was a key factor by many board members on whether or not a Soldier should be recommended for promotion.
I received my Bachelors degree in 2010 in Criminal Justice and would encourage all enlisted Soldiers to further their education either way. I have sat on Senior Promotion Boards in which civilian education was a key factor by many board members on whether or not a Soldier should be recommended for promotion.
(4)
(0)
MSG Brian Breaker
CSM Rick Beck,
I agree. When I got to my arrived at my current assignment I was shocked to find out most of my Soldier's have degrees. I have one SSG that is working on his Doctorate.
I agree. When I got to my arrived at my current assignment I was shocked to find out most of my Soldier's have degrees. I have one SSG that is working on his Doctorate.
(2)
(0)
2
2
0
It is my professional opinion that online education is more difficult, especially when the 'semesters' are condensed down to 5 week terms, 8 week terms, or 11 week terms. I teach in an online environment and it takes many hours of preparation to get a class online and keep it going plus keep up with discussion boards, assignments, technically difficulties etc. I have taken online classes and it is very easy to put things off but it takes a disciplined person to stay on top of everything, make sure you have right technology to facilitate whatever LMS the school is using. A lot of people think because it is an education that is online it will be easy but I bet if you surveyed today's student they would say how difficult it is. Online education isn't for everyone and there are some disciplines that should have an in class component in my opinion. It is not the same when doing a presentation to your peers to do it front of a video or doing in front of a class situation having your professors present to ask questions etc. I feel 'live' presentations are the only way to refine your presentations skills and defeat the 'I can't talk in front of people' situation that many 'new graduates' have. You cannot exceed in your job field if you have trouble speaking in a group or do not have the experience of working in groups etc.
(2)
(0)
MSG Brian Breaker
COL Roxanne A,
I agree. I try to get my homework done early so I can relax and enjoy my weekends, but it doesn't always happen. At one point I was going to take a speech class, but did not like the idea of posting my video online. It's a little harder when you have to speak in front of people.
I agree. I try to get my homework done early so I can relax and enjoy my weekends, but it doesn't always happen. At one point I was going to take a speech class, but did not like the idea of posting my video online. It's a little harder when you have to speak in front of people.
(0)
(0)
MSG (Join to see)
Online classes are very difficult, not only do you have to study, but you have a full time job, and responsibilities. I have finally finished my degree. I am so happy!!!!
(1)
(0)
SPC (Join to see)
There are pros and cons for both Online vs Traditional Classroom, it just depends on the individual needs of the student.
Online classrooms grant the flexability of being able to work at your own pace from anywhere, but limits the collabrative nature that you find in a traditional classroom. Being in a classroom, whether it be a small classroom or big lecture, there are many other students involved in the ‘learning experience’. Though social settings can be a positive thing, the presence of a whole classroom of other students can be distracting and destructive to a student’s personal learning; both teachers and students can go off on tangents and the discussion can be swayed in a way that is completely irrelevant to the topic that is being taught.
I myself prefer the classroom setting, i find myself easily distracted and find myself putting off the work till the last possable second when left to my own devices
Online classrooms grant the flexability of being able to work at your own pace from anywhere, but limits the collabrative nature that you find in a traditional classroom. Being in a classroom, whether it be a small classroom or big lecture, there are many other students involved in the ‘learning experience’. Though social settings can be a positive thing, the presence of a whole classroom of other students can be distracting and destructive to a student’s personal learning; both teachers and students can go off on tangents and the discussion can be swayed in a way that is completely irrelevant to the topic that is being taught.
I myself prefer the classroom setting, i find myself easily distracted and find myself putting off the work till the last possable second when left to my own devices
(0)
(0)
2
2
0
The opposite for me. I find online schooling boring, it fails to keep my interest. It feels more like a chore than an education to me.
(2)
(0)
MSG (Join to see)
Easier, i would say no. More convenient-absolutely. The freedom that online classes give you is a great advantage over actual classroom schools. If you have the time to work ahead and get ahead in the class, that is more beneficial to you.
(1)
(0)
MSG (Join to see)
Congrats on the PCS to Korea; not sure if you have been there before, but i am sure that you will enjoy it and do great things for the 176th FMSU! And for the online classes, i did the same thing; sprint ahead in the class and you never have to worry about fallen behind; another advantage for the online technique.
(1)
(0)
2
2
0
Yes, while in a physical class I get distracted easy. Online school I feel more focused and can go at my own pace with no distractions. If you put me in a classroom I begin to daydream and socialize.
(2)
(0)
2
2
0
Easier to schedule? yes. Easier to grasp? Not really.
I posted this on another recent thread, but it seemed fitting here:
"I teach SCUBA in my spare time (what little of it I have). We have two ways of doing it: We have an online version, where students go through the entire book, and then we do about a 2 hour review in the classroom. The other way is to have four two hour classroom sessions, with reading assignments in between (essentially 2 chapters a week). We have found over and over that students get more out of the traditional teaching methods than they do the online method. I (we) attribute it to the interactivity.
Note: The teaching that I mention here is independent of the pool sessions- those get the same number of hours regardless. For some things, hands-on is irreplaceable."
I posted this on another recent thread, but it seemed fitting here:
"I teach SCUBA in my spare time (what little of it I have). We have two ways of doing it: We have an online version, where students go through the entire book, and then we do about a 2 hour review in the classroom. The other way is to have four two hour classroom sessions, with reading assignments in between (essentially 2 chapters a week). We have found over and over that students get more out of the traditional teaching methods than they do the online method. I (we) attribute it to the interactivity.
Note: The teaching that I mention here is independent of the pool sessions- those get the same number of hours regardless. For some things, hands-on is irreplaceable."
(2)
(0)
1
1
0
I think it depends on both major/degree and the school. My engineering bachelor's from a brick and mortar school was much more difficult than masters coursework in public health; however, I am currently working on a masters in statistics online and I often wonder if I should go to behavioral health for that decision.
To expand on your question - I worry about Soldiers getting degrees that are not really transferable to life outside of the Army. Many online schools are degree mills that seem to exist to devour TA and offer the Soldier little outside of promotion points.
That said, being part of the medical community in the Army, I have counseled my fair share of Soldiers attempting to earn a degree. We work through a decision tree to decide the best path for them:
1 - Are you getting your degree simply for career advancement in the military? If so, pick something you enjoy, is covered by TA and you can easily accomplish online with transfer credits from military training IOT finish in the shortest time possible.
2 - If #1 does not apply, are you trying for a degree in the sciences, engineering or your BSN? If not, an online degree from a reputable school is a great way to work on your degree at your own pace while staying on Active Duty.
3 - If #2 does in fact apply, you should attend a brick and mortar school for the majority of your education. You can knock out your "general education" requirements via distance education (as long as they are transferable to your school of choice), but a degree in science/engineering/BSN requires hands-on learning. Many of the concepts are too difficult to grasp fully while teaching yourself, which is how online colleges generally go.
I hope I did not go too far off topic on this one.
To expand on your question - I worry about Soldiers getting degrees that are not really transferable to life outside of the Army. Many online schools are degree mills that seem to exist to devour TA and offer the Soldier little outside of promotion points.
That said, being part of the medical community in the Army, I have counseled my fair share of Soldiers attempting to earn a degree. We work through a decision tree to decide the best path for them:
1 - Are you getting your degree simply for career advancement in the military? If so, pick something you enjoy, is covered by TA and you can easily accomplish online with transfer credits from military training IOT finish in the shortest time possible.
2 - If #1 does not apply, are you trying for a degree in the sciences, engineering or your BSN? If not, an online degree from a reputable school is a great way to work on your degree at your own pace while staying on Active Duty.
3 - If #2 does in fact apply, you should attend a brick and mortar school for the majority of your education. You can knock out your "general education" requirements via distance education (as long as they are transferable to your school of choice), but a degree in science/engineering/BSN requires hands-on learning. Many of the concepts are too difficult to grasp fully while teaching yourself, which is how online colleges generally go.
I hope I did not go too far off topic on this one.
(1)
(0)
MSG Brian Breaker
CPT S (Hamm) Reid,
You make some good points. For me I started school with something I enjoyed and at the time wanted to teach High School when I retired. Now I just don't know. My plan is to complete my BS next year and roll right into working on my MBA. All online. It just works for me.
You make some good points. For me I started school with something I enjoyed and at the time wanted to teach High School when I retired. Now I just don't know. My plan is to complete my BS next year and roll right into working on my MBA. All online. It just works for me.
(0)
(0)
1
1
0
I graduated my bachelor's through traditional on campus college, but did my master's online and I am working on my PhD through online. Both my online courses had some interaction in person (master's had to do practicum and PhD had to do three four day weekends). I think that some things make it easier as in "easy" as you have less interaction, but others require you to have a certain amount of posts and if you are the type to sleep in class you might find it harder. I think it is just more convenient for those who work full-time and want to be flexible when you go to school, etc. Anyone can go to an "easy" college whether it is a traditional or online college or go to a harder more rigorous college that is respectable if you do your research.
(1)
(0)
MSG Brian Breaker
CPT Brian Maurelli,
I agree. I am getting really close to completing my BA in History and want to start looking at grad school. The issue is what type of degree. I enjoy History, but as of today(not sure about tomorrow) I do not want to teach. I am even more torn on the which school. I guess it's nice to have this kind of problem.
I agree. I am getting really close to completing my BA in History and want to start looking at grad school. The issue is what type of degree. I enjoy History, but as of today(not sure about tomorrow) I do not want to teach. I am even more torn on the which school. I guess it's nice to have this kind of problem.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
I have obtained my BA in Criminal Justice all online and I'm working on my MBA online so do I think online colleges are too easy? No, they are convenient for those of us which are either deployed, serving fulltime, or working fulltime and as with me working fulltime raising two kids as a single parent and serving in the National Guard. If you feel they are too easy maybe you should challenge yourself and find another college? My question is if they are too easy is that individual achieving 100% on every assignment? Online is not for everyone and you need to be self disciplined to take online classes, its not for everyone. I find the course work through Grantham University challenging and educational. The hardest part of online is that with out and instructor giving a traditional class you have to basically self educate by reading more. Either way you decide to further your education you can't go wrong.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
MSG Brian Breaker, I have attended both a brick and mortar school for my BA and have done my MA 100% online. Like several have mentioned, I enjoy the flexibility to be able to go and do my lessons wherever and whenever I want to, provided they are done by Sunday at midnight. : ) I did miss the verbal discussion of sitting in a classroom while attending online course. However, I do not think in any way that the courses are any easier simply because they are online courses. Practically every single one of my MA courses has required a minimum 20 page research paper, by no means making it easier. Of course the flip side, if my computer failed (luckily has never happened to me) it would be ruinous to the course I was in, whereas if I were at a school, I could explain to the professor what had happened in person. Each type of school has it's own risks and rewards. Some students do better in the brick and mortar environment, and that's encouraged. Some students do better in the online environment, and that's wonderful too. Online course require a little bit more in the initiative category, I feel. You aren't required to face anyone in person and say that you did not complete the assignment, making failure easier in the online version. Good question to think about though, thanks.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
In my experience I would say that the work that is required is similar in each. The best thing about online schools is that you can do everything on your own time. Being able to do my schoolwork while working is pretty nice.
(1)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google