Getting Satisfaction from Your Education: Online or Campus?

Many public colleges and universities now offer online learning in addition to traditional campus courses. This means that for most of the classes you take, you have a choice to make. While convenience is often an overriding factor, your satisfaction with your education hinges on the quality of your experience.

Distance Learning: Less Useless Information?

Remember that guy in class who had a knack for getting the teacher off topic? As a high school student, an off-track story was entertaining because you had to be there anyway. But when it comes to continuing education, your time is money and, most often, meandering class discussions aren't going to help you get a better job.
Online courses are typically structured and well-planned, but not all online classes are the same. Research the specific class you're interested in taking, as well as the instructor. Email the professor and ask for the class syllabus prior to registering. You'll be able to see what kinds of class activities are planned and what level of participation is required.

Campus Education as a Social Fix?

If you like social interaction and the learning that comes from question-asking and hands-on activities, consider at least one class on campus to get your fix. Ask for syllabi for campus classes, too. There's nothing worse than being disappointed by an all-lecture, no-interaction class when you were expecting a more social experience. Take the time to make a list of what you really like and don't like about both the traditional and online classroom. Compare this list to the syllabi to see what classes or instructors seem to offer what you value.

Use Your Voice, That's What I Say

Your satisfaction as a student is related to how well the classroom environment matches your preferences, including your expectations. No one knows your expectations better than you, so speak up and ask questions. Schools anticipate student inquiry, and credible institutions want to protect their reputations by giving students information to make informed choices and get satisfaction.
Source:
World Wide Learn, "E-Learning Evaluation"
Elliott, Kevin M. and Dooyoung Shin citing Fraser (1994) in the Journal of Higher Education Policy and Management: 24(2): 2002.