For those in school would you prefer online schooling or going to school?

I was supposed to start school in December. However, I found out I was pregnant and figured doing it online might be better - given the fact that I am due in April and will not be able to attend right away. I also "thought" it would allow me more time with my family. WRONG!

I didn't think it made sense to go to school for 3 months to then have to put it on hold. So I opted for online schooling. Unfortunately I HATE it. It's only my 3rd week, but I would much rather be in an actual class with the professor and other classmates, than staring at a computer and reading and feeling lost.

I feel more comfortable and like I'm actually learning something when I'm in a classroom setting.

Now I'm feeling like a failure, and like I will never accomplish the dream I have.

Anybody have any experiences or thoughts they want to share?

Re: For those in school would you prefer online schooling or going to school?

I think it depends on the class. I took some online classes and loved them. But some of my classes that I attended, I would have never been able to do online. Everyone has different learning styles. If you're more comfortable in a classroom setting, then you should def opt for those classes.

Re: For those in school would you prefer online schooling or going to school?

I prefer online, so I can work at my own pace (for the most part). I will say that the algebra course I took over the summer KILLED me (I stink at all forms of math), and although I passed, I would have done better in a classroom for that one.

Re: For those in school would you prefer online schooling or going to school?

I prefer going to school. I like the interaction with classmates and the professor. Also, it FORCES me to go.

Re: For those in school would you prefer online schooling or going to school?

My masters program is called "distance learning." I don't have a choice whether to do it online or not because the school is in Cincinnati and I live in NY! There are no school here with the program I want. So online it is!
This program is not bad at all. There are actual lectures going on in Cincinnati. These lectures are recorded and then put on blackboard (online). So I watch the actual lecture from my home. I usually do the lectures during my lunch break or late at night. There are homework problems, papers, and exams, same for the students that are actually in class. Maybe you should try to find a program like this, where you do it online but it is still a real in-person class somewhere.

Re: For those in school would you prefer online schooling or going to school?

I teach online, and also took many of my master's classes online.

I prefer it, but it is a better fit for some types of students. Some people really need the in-class discussion/guidance. I also think there are certain types of courses that are a better fit for the online environment--in general, humanities and social sciences are easier for online students than math/science courses. I actually wrote a book about this.

It definitely doesn't take less time than a traditional course. For the online class I teach, I tell students to expect to spend the same 5 or 6 hours a week you would spend in class and on assignments for a traditional course. For some it takes longer.

Students also need to be self-directed to succeed online.

I like teaching online better because in the traditional classroom, there tends to be a handful of students who dominate the entire discussion. In the online classroom I require a certain amount of posts from everyone, so even the "wallflowers" participate and are more actively involved in discussion.

It's also easier for me because I don't have to spend time on behavioral issues like cell phones/talking to friends/etc.

Re: For those in school would you prefer online schooling or going to school?

There is def. more work involved with online schooling, but for me this is what I would rather do. This is why I haven't taken any classes beyond my masters yet. I am waiting for my district to approve online...

Re: For those in school would you prefer online schooling or going to school?

I did most of my masters online, and I LOVED it. It worked well for me because I am fine working independently.

Re: For those in school would you prefer online schooling or going to school?

I guess for me, it's a combination of all of the things I have going on in my life right now along with the boring class I'm taking. Between, our house and all the work that needs to be done, the pregnancy, my home life, my job - (which is VERY demanding) I'm finding it hard to get done what I need to / when I need to KWIM?

I hope I don't sound like I'm making excuses, because I know there are many others out there with the same if not worse situations, but I just feel overwhelmed. Maybe I took on too much too fast?

I don't want to give up, but I think it may be best to do it for now.

Re: For those in school would you prefer online schooling or going to school?

I think it depends on so many factors - what class is it, how are the other students, how are YOU as a learner. I've been in some on-line classes that were awesome, people chatted, helped each other out - and then others, people jumped on-line, posted their assignments and that was it.

Re: For those in school would you prefer online schooling or going to school?

Trust me, I know how you feel.

I had two finals and two research papers due 2 weeks after my DS was born in the spring.

What helped me was viewing lectures or doing some school work during my lunch hour at work. I also have to set aside a lot of time on the weekends, which is easier to do in the winter.

What class are you taking?

Re: For those in school would you prefer online schooling or going to school?

I don't think I can learn anything from an online course. I don't think I have enough discipline.. (if that makes sense)

Re: For those in school would you prefer online schooling or going to school?

Posted by julz33

Trust me, I know how you feel.

I had two finals and two research papers due 2 weeks after my DS was born in the spring.

What helped me was viewing lectures or doing some school work during my lunch hour at work. I also have to set aside a lot of time on the weekends, which is easier to do in the winter.

What class are you taking?

Re: For those in school would you prefer online schooling or going to school?

I think it definitely depends on the class. I've had online classes that I loved and others that I got nothing (but a lot of work) out of. I don't know that I would want an entire program online. I don't really think I'd get enough out of it that way. Either way getting through the class is a step in the right direction. You are one class closer to your goal.

Re: For those in school would you prefer online schooling or going to school?

Iv'e done both. Depends on the class, I will usually mix. class and online in one semester, so I can be home a bit more. I fould anyting with mainly writing and reading, is best for online. Right now i am taking bio clases, and oyu have to be in the class for that.

Re: For those in school would you prefer online schooling or going to school?

I am doing my online MBA and I prefer it to a traditional classroom. I am able to do work at my convenience (during lunch hour, before work) and I feel like I am interacting more with people from different backgrounds.