Online classes have been a hot topic since technology started booming around the 1980s when computers became developed enough for student accessibility. While some believe that online classes are a very effective way for students to receive an education, as they can craft their schedule around their other activities, others believe that they are not as beneficial for students in the long run. 

For many students, online classes are a beneficial and convenient way to balance personal and academic responsibilities. Online students have the ability and adjustability to fit their learning into their existing schedules,” said Alex Tran of Hollingsworth LLC. With the freedom of completing their assignments any time before a set deadline, these students do not have to sacrifice time working at their job or any other important personal events.

Receiving an online education eliminates many costly expenses that come with being a college or graduate student. “Online courses are often a more affordable way for students to earn a degree, helping to save money in a variety of ways,” said Tran. There is no money being wasted by on-campus living costs such as textbooks, dorm rooms or meals in the cafeterias. As a student is spending less on their education, it also dramatically reduces the number of student loans and student debt that one must repay. 

On the contrary, there are also many disadvantages to taking online classes. In a normal classroom setting, students collaborate and work with one another on projects and daily assignments. When taking these courses online, students no longer have that interaction. It is very common for students to begin to feel isolated and lonely when they do not share the same physical space as their peers anymore. Students working on an online education platform miss out on the social element and campus life of receiving an education which has a possibility of being detrimental to their social skills in the future.  

By receiving an online education, one not only has the possibility of losing many social interaction skills but also not having the ability to form strong connections with professors and administrators. These influential teachers can oftentimes provide students with their next job and land them a solid future in their career path. At the same time, it is very possible for non-traditional methods of attending college to be looked down upon, especially in more traditional business fields. This is due to the fact that many businesses look for skills produced in a physical classroom environment such as “collaboration, inspiration, and intellectual sparring,” according to Dr. Deborah Bedor, CEO of College Admission Central and pre-college counselor. 

Finally, having the option to receive an online college education offers the opportunity for aspiring college students to develop or strengthen their careers, and potentially further their future while on a budget. On the other hand, these courses also have the possibility of creating more hardships in a student’s career and future. Online educations are not for everyone, they are completely dependent upon personal ambitions.