Which is more beneficial while serving in the military: Going to college online or in the classroom?

SFC Christopher Walker, MAOM, DSL — Fri, 25 Apr 2014 10:53:52 -0400

I've tried both online and the traditional "brick and mortar" universities. For me, going online was more flexible with my daily schedule. This allowed me to finish my degrees at my own pace without interfering with my missions or developing my Soldiers. What are your thoughts?

Response by MAJ Steve Sheridan made Apr 25 at 2014 10:58 AM

MAJ Steve Sheridan — Fri, 25 Apr 2014 10:58:17 -0400

It depends on what type of learner you are. If you can essentially self teach through on-line, then that is a great flexible and usually much cheaper. Always look at your ROI(return on investment) even with education. Don't want to spend a lot of money to get a degree that won't pay much.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Apr 25 at 2014 11:00 AM

MSG Wade Huffman — Fri, 25 Apr 2014 11:00:24 -0400

The answer depends on several things. You mentioned your schedule and that is a big one. Many can't make regularly scheduled classes due to their work schedules. The other primary factor to consider is the field of study. Some fields just don't lend themselves to online studies (such as those requiring labs, or practicums). Cost may also be a factor to some. Bottom line, it's an individual decision based on your own circumstances.

Response by SSgt Gregory Guina made Apr 25 at 2014 11:00 AM

SSgt Gregory Guina — Fri, 25 Apr 2014 11:00:34 -0400

It depends on the individual. I have had the chance for both online and in classroom. I feel I do a little better in the classroom however I am able ot get more classes done online due to the reasons you stated. Either way getting your education is a good thing.

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made Apr 25 at 2014 11:09 AM

COL Vincent Stoneking — Fri, 25 Apr 2014 11:09:07 -0400

I've got to echo the other responses I've seen so far. Online requires a bit more discipline, but I prefer it. My schedule between my civilian job and the Reserves and "just life" is such that physically going to classes at a set time would be a challenge. Also, it frees you from the tyranny of geography. I live literally 3-4 blocks from a university that offers an MBA. It also happens to be private and charges two arms and a leg for tuition. The next nearest acceptable school would be a 60 mile round trip commute.

A word of cation. Make sure that the online school is accredited by one of the accrediting bodies approved by the dpt of education. Research its reputation. Ensure you know what credits it will & won't accept. Know its graduation schema. Do your homework before signing up for homework.

Response by 1SG Eric Rice made Apr 25 at 2014 11:11 AM

1SG Eric Rice — Fri, 25 Apr 2014 11:11:37 -0400

Educational preferences must be determined by the individual. In order to determine what works one must base their decision on how they learn best. The individual seeking higher education must ask a few questions to help them along the way: What is the most effective method of learning for me? Hands-on or in a social setting with others to ask questions? Am I a self starter and able to figure things out on my own through research? How does it fit into my work schedule and can I manage my time effectively to complete the class or classes?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2014 11:35 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 Apr 2014 11:35:11 -0400

For me it was class dependent. I tried taking a math class online and I did horrid, in a traditional class room I would have been in better shape. For classes that involved writing doing them online was easier. So I think it's a learning preference thing as to what is more beneficial as opposed to the convience factor

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Apr 25 at 2014 7:59 PM

SGM Matthew Quick — Fri, 25 Apr 2014 19:59:04 -0400

Depends on your schedule and learning ability.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2014 9:15 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 05 May 2014 21:15:10 -0400

Go to college in the classroom. not only will you develop your interpersonal skill by interacting with others, you will also develop your communications skills by participating in class. you will learn more from the other people in the class than on line. I have done all kinds of learning and a good professor in person can make a difference on multiple levels.

Response by MSG Martin C. made May 5 at 2014 10:21 PM

MSG Martin C. — Mon, 05 May 2014 22:21:41 -0400

It really has to do with the individual. As much as I enjoy socializing with others my time off is very limited an geared towards my family and church. Online school has being perfect for me I do all my work on staff duty, nights or during lunch I can go to class when it's convenient for me.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2014 8:19 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 17 May 2014 08:19:56 -0400

It depends on location, learning ability, and schedule. If you are hands on learner then classroom would be best. If you have a busy schedule then online would be best. If you are deployed then online would be best. I have taken both classroom and online. It just depended on my schedule on which I chose to follow.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2014 2:09 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 May 2014 02:09:33 -0400

Both of these options have their benefits.

Online courses are great if a Soldier is in a unit that doesn't have a ton of field time. Unfortunately, some units are in the field so often that it makes it hard for a Soldier to take online courses without missing key assignment windows.

Brick and mortar universities are great if you can find one near a base (or at the education center) that offers courses in the evenings or weekends in the program of your choosing.

Personally, I did both. I went to a traditional university for a year before joining the Army, then I took online and classroom (night) courses between deployments while on active duty. I got my first degree through mainly online courses. Then, I did the ADO program and went to school in the classroom full time at UW and received a second degree.

Of the two experiences, I much prefer to take classes in a traditional classroom, but that isn't always an option. For that reason, I'm now doing my masters degree online.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 2 at 2014 8:53 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 Aug 2014 08:53:28 -0400

Having taken my fair share of both online and classroom classes, I know that I personally do better in a class if I attend it in person. However, I think I actually learn more in online classes because there is that self-teaching aspect. Both have their pros and cons, it's just a matter of personal preference and learning styles.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 14 at 2014 6:23 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 18:23:44 -0500

First off, Congrats on getting your Associate's degree. As far as seeing any differences in the online degree vs the classroom degree goes, I haven't seen any. Out of all the people I know with degrees, about half have online degrees and they didn't have any problems getting jobs with those degrees. I would have to say it would depend on the employeer on whether they prefer an online degree or an in the classroom degree, but I haven't seen or heard my friends having problems with their online degrees.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 14 at 2014 6:30 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 18:30:45 -0500

Either way SGT, there is no difference. I will tell you this, go regionally accredited not nationally accredited unless you can score a reg/ntl' accred school. online school is no different than brick and mortar school.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 14 at 2014 6:32 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 18:32:35 -0500

Online is generally easier for Service Members, seeing how you have the ability to complete classes regardless of your location.

It all depends on how you learn. If you need the physical interaction, attention, etc., then traditional atmosphere is where you should be. However, the challenge there is facing possible PCS, FTX, or other details you may have that would stop you from attending.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Nov 14 at 2014 6:50 PM

Capt Richard I P. — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 18:50:48 -0500

SGT(P) Karen Lonn Whether you choose on site or online as an option I strongly recommend checking on the accreditation and the profit seeking status of the school. I linked to a study about veterans and SMs being manipulated by for profit schools in this discussion. https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/transition-what-do-you-wish-you-had-known-or-done-earlier

Transition: What do you wish you had known or done earlier? | RallyPoint

There are already a few good threads on this, but each are few months old, and most give advice either too specific (headhunting firms and programs) or too general (use transition assistance). Here's some of what I've learned so far (and I still have a long way to go-still being on the fence and all) As I've considered a transition I've learned the following points would have been helpful to know earlier: 1. Figure out what you want to do: A.)...