In the last decade, there has been an increase in the number and variety of online courses available to adults. While welcomed as a great opportunity by many students, other students see these courses as a poor substitute for classroom teaching. What are the advantages and disadvantages of studying an online course?

As more online courses are being offered to adults, different aspects of
this
learning medium have become apparent. Online courses offer students some advantages over studying in a classroom,
however
, there are some definite drawbacks. The following essay deals with the advantages and disadvantages of online courses. Online
study
provides the advantage of a flexible learning alternative for students. Using a computer with Internet
access
, students can
study
wherever they prefer.
This
could be at home, at work, or even at a friend’s house, and at any time of the day. Students are
also
able to
study
at their own pace, depending on whether they find the material easy or difficult. As course material is available on their own computers, students can easily review material as many times as they wish.
Furthermore
, in the classroom, teachers may have little time to answer individual questions.
In contrast
, if students have any questions about their online
study
, they can contact their teacher using e-mail or bulletin boards. Despite the advantages, online courses are not appropriate for all students and subjects due to the limitations of technology. If there is no
access
to computers and other expensive equipment, studying online is not an option for many people.
In addition
, the lessons themselves are limited by the technology, in that it is difficult to provide practical experience online.
For example
, students learning chemistry would have no
access
to chemicals or laboratories needed to do the experiments. They would only be able to
study
theory and simulations. Online students lack
access
to school facilities
such
as the library and the social aspects of face-to-face contact with teachers and classmates.
However
, despite the disadvantages of online
study
, the benefits provide students with a valuable alternative to classroom learning.
Submitted by maharsumera on

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