Are Online Classes Harder than Regular Classes? (2024)

FAQs

Are Online Classes Harder than Regular Classes? ›

But in many cases, an online degree is more challenging for students because it requires more self-discipline and motivation to "take an active part in their learning," Mathes says. And, like residential students, online students need to maintain academic integrity when completing assignments and taking exams.

The truth is it depends a little on where your strengths lie. “Online classes may be more challenging for those with poor time management or lack of motivation,” explains Chris Lee, adjunct professor and founder of Purpose Redeemed.

Advantages of In-Person Classes

You may have a difficult time focusing on school when you're studying remotely. Distractions like the internet, TV, phones and even family members can make it hard to study. In-person classes can be a chance to step away from these distractions and focus solely on learning.

Online learning is great for those who want to manage studies with work and other life activities. With adjustable schedules and less burden, they can learn with ease. Classrooms require more discipline and active participation. Teachers get greater command over students in a traditional learning environment.

While not true for every student, studies suggest that students who are shy participate in online class discussions more easily than face-to-face. Some students also report better concentration in online classes due to the lack of classroom distractions.

But in many cases, an online degree is more challenging for students because it requires more self-discipline and motivation to "take an active part in their learning," Mathes says. And, like residential students, online students need to maintain academic integrity when completing assignments and taking exams.

What are the main challenges that you will face as an online student? Many students report feeling a lack of motivation, feelings of isolation, time management problems, having too many distractions, and encountering technical difficulties as they take their first steps into the world of online college.

In a virtual setting, these students tend to feel less pressure to interact with peers or fit into the social norms of a brick-and-mortar classroom. Having a more comfortable learning environment online can help shed social anxieties and lead to positive mental wellness outcomes.

While massive open online courses (MOOCs) may not work for every learner, this widely accessible educational format can benefit your career and personal learning. Free online courses can help participants gain new job skills, prepare for traditional academic programs or simply explore topics of interest.

By taking classes online, you could save money on the additional expenses associated with traditional colleges, such as gas, room and board, and dining halls. Your tuition cost could also be more reasonable taking online courses at a nonprofit university, such as SNHU.

What are the disadvantages of online classes? ›

An online learning or blended learning environment gives students more flexibility than a traditional classroom. In a physical classroom, you are typically expected to attend class and take tests at a specific time and location.

Broader impacts of online learning

These papers find common themes: Students in online courses generally get lower grades, are less likely to perform well in follow-on coursework, and are less likely to graduate than similar students taking in-person classes.

Because your high school diploma is self-paced, it's truly up to you and your hard work when you complete your classes. While it's possible to brush up on your study skills, if you're someone that isn't very self-motivated, and needs the push of strict deadlines, online school may be a difficult obstacle for you.

Online school can be both easier and harder than regular high school, depending on various factors. On one hand, online school offers more flexibility in terms of scheduling and pace.

But face-to-face learning wins out in the end

For example, including animations, video content and game-based learning allows students to experience several of the benefits of online learning tools, and is more effective than online learning used exclusively.

Some research shows that students perform equally or better in online classes than they do in traditional in-person classes. As expected, the amount of engagement in the online class affects its efficiency for students.

Reduced Social Pressure and Anxiety. Some students struggle with social anxiety in a traditional classroom. In a virtual setting, these students tend to feel less pressure to interact with peers or fit into the social norms of a brick-and-mortar classroom.

Because your high school diploma is self-paced, it's truly up to you and your hard work when you complete your classes. While it's possible to brush up on your study skills, if you're someone that isn't very self-motivated, and needs the push of strict deadlines, online school may be a difficult obstacle for you.

Students Gain More Knowledge Than In Standard Classes

Pupils, on average, work faster and absorb more information in online courses than they would otherwise. They can move faster through parts of the course that they are familiar with, but they must move slowly through areas that need more time.