More and more universities are offering courses and programs online. While the experience of taking a class online is very different than taking a traditional, on-campus class, it works for a large number of students. To help you decide if this approach might work for you, we put together a list of the advantages and disadvantages of taking classes online.

Advantages:

• Time Flexibility: Most online classes do not have a set meeting time, so you are able to do your reading and assignments whenever is best for your schedule. This can be especially important to students with children.
• No Scheduling Limitations: Sometimes students must choose between two classes that happen to be offered at the same time. With online classes there are no scheduling conflicts.
• Time Savings: Online classes can mean less travel time to and from campus. You will also not be stuck waiting around on-campus in between your classes.
• Money Savings: Because you will be doing less traveling to and from campus you will save money on gas. If you have children you could also save money on baby-sitters or day care.
• Job Flexibility: If you take most or all of your classes online, you will have more flexibility in the hours you are available to work.
• Location is Unimportant: Because you do not have to physically go to campus, you can attend any college in the country that offers classes online.

Disadvantages:

• Lack of Face-to-Face Contact: Certain students learn better with the face-to-face contact and interactivity of a classroom environment. Online classes are best suited for students who are comfortable learning independently.
• Hardware Problems: If your computer crashes or your Internet goes down or you have any computer-related problems, you might not be able to get your school work done on time or at all. It is important to have a reliable computer and Internet service.
• Computer Skills: Some students simply do not have the computer skills to be able to take full advantage or to complete all of the assignments of their online classes.
• Independence and Organization are Necessary: Because you will be working on your own, making your own schedule and keeping track of all of your assignments, more discipline will be required than in a traditional, on-campus class. This may not be a disadvantage for everyone. But before you enroll in an online class, be sure that you are the type of person who is comfortable learning and working alone as well as capable of making and sticking to a routine. That is the only way to successfully take classes online.