No face-to-face interaction. Increased personal responsibility. Networking challenges

No face-to-face interaction

Online learning can’t adequately replicate the relationship and human experience that develops in a face-to-face learning environment.

When a professor is physically in front of you, you can read his or her body language, mannerisms, gestures, tone, volume and so on. These things help you to interpret and recall the information being presented.
You are also able to engage in natural, spontaneous conversations with classmates that can enrich the learning experience.

Increased personal responsibility

You’re on your own! No one is going to remind you when an assignment is due, which classes you must take next, or when to fill out your financial aid application. And it will be up to you when you log in to class message boards or do the assigned reading.

To juggle it all, you will need to be organized and manage time efficiently. Smart phone apps can be helpful tools to help keep you on track!

Networking challenges

On campus, you’re surrounded by people who are enthusiastic about your field. You can introduce yourself to and chat with professors (even if you’re not in their class) and faculty, fellow students, guest lecturers and so on. And you can get involved in on-campus professional organizations that connect you with real-life professionals.

Those face-to-face meetings, no matter how brief, can leave an impression and may eventually lead to a job offer.

Online students don’t have the same opportunities to make connections, but they don’t have to miss out on networking entirely.

Requires self-direction

As an online learner, you must be able and willing to self-direct your educational journey. This means taking full control.

You must determine your course load and the pace you’ll work at, what your educational goals are and how to handle setbacks. You will need to take the initiative to connect with advisors, professors and classmates to ensure you’re meeting expectations.

As an on-campus student, there are reminders and safeguards to help keep students on track, but as an online learner, you’ll need to be in charge of your own education.

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