A question we hear quite often is why might an online school be a better option than a brick and mortar one? This question is best answered by discussing the differences between the two types of education and allowing you, the reader, to weigh the pros and cons of each. A few of the major drawbacks of a brick and mortar school are required classroom attendance at specific times, commuting back and forth to the school’s campus, and having to change your entire life to fit around your school schedule. A drawback of an online school could be that perhaps the school isn’t nationally recognized or accredited and thus may not uphold the highest standards of education. There is more to the story than this, as you will read in this article.
Online Learning Environment vs. Brick-and-mortar Learning Environment
Whether you are in an online class or in a physical classroom, your ability to learn the material is exactly the same, according to researcher Thomas L. Russell, author of No Significant Difference. A good online school does not require you to be in class at any specific time. You are provided 24 hour access to the classroom and can work at your own pace when you have the time. If you do not understand a lesson you have plenty of time to read and re-read it. Socially, there is no pressure on you to look or act a certain way. Because you are communicating with your classmates online, there is a much smoother and freer dialogue between online students.
Quality of Education and Certification
If you choose the right online school, the quality of your education is just as good or better than that of a traditional campus-based school. To receive a quality education online, you should choose an online school for your certification that is accredited by a nationally recognized Accreditation Association, such as the MSA which is the organization that the Washington Online Learning Institute is accredited by. Accrediting organizations grant accreditation to online schools as well as the top universities, so there isn’t a question as to whether or not you are receiving a quality education at an excellent nationally recognized online school such as WOLI.
Convenient Learning
There is no question that online schools are much more convenient than going to a traditional school. Because the school does not require you to be physically present, nor attend lectures at specified times, you are free to choose when and where you want to learn and participate. This is particularly appealing to parents, those already in the workforce, individuals who would be required to travel a considerable distance to attend a traditional school’s campus, and those serving in the military.
Summary of Pros and Cons
| Issue | Washington Online Learning Institute | Traditional School |
|---|---|---|
| Professors are Experienced Professionals | Yes | Yes |
| Dedicated Student Advisors | Yes | Yes |
| Student Loans/Payment Plans | Yes | Yes |
| Career and Job Advising | Yes | Yes |
| Mandatory Class Meetings | No | Yes |
| Nationally Recognized Accreditation | Yes | Yes |
| Interactive Student Community | Yes | Yes |
| Low Cost | Yes | No |
| Extra Fees for Facilities, etc… | No | Yes |
As you can see, there are many similarities between a really good online school and a traditional campus-based education. When weighing convenience and cost, it is clear that the right online school has more pros and less cons than the traditional campus based school. If you would like to attend a web based school, read more about how to choose the right online school.