In-class and Distance Education

            Comparisons between characteristics of in-class and distance courses are determined by the educational institution and the peculiarities of the student. The needs and responsibilities of each person can enlighten us about which one is the best option.

 

Characteristics
In-class Education	Distance Education
Expenses for food and transportation are required.	It allows to organize expenses in a more controlled and practical way.
Time for study is established according to a standard given by students.	Time for study is established according to the needs and obligations of each student.
Socialization is encouraged.	Individual initiative is encouraged.
Immediate feedback is allowed.	Feedback in not immediate.
Due to a specific schedule, students are more involved with their time of study and role of student.	Due to the lack of a specific schedule, students are sporadically involved with their time of study and role of student.
Student does not have to be immersing with the latest communication and information technology.	Students have to be familiar with the basic communication and information technology, at least.
Persons who find hard to work alone prefer this modality.	Persons who like to work in an autonomous way prefer this modality.
Young people with a few responsibilities find adequate this way of study.	Older people with a bigger number of roles find an opportunity in this way of study.

                                      In-class to virtual class migration

The scientific, technological, and cultural changes that our society has been facing for the last three decades have changed the perspective that people had about personal development; nowadays, more and more people are aware of the necessity of having the skills that allow them to improve their life styles through the advantages that having an education can bring. Unfortunately, shortage of time has become an issue for most persons. For this reason, distance education has become an excellent resource for those who need and desire to continue studying. However, adjusting to an open or distance education system can be a little disturbing to those persons who are accustomed to traditional teaching in a classroom.
Students that are used to traditional teaching and are acquainted with personal interaction with their teacher and other classmates; as well as being provided by their teacher with all the information needed for the class. For these reason, transition from in-class to distance education is a difficult but reachable objective. Becoming disciplined; understanding that online courses require students to be focused; and dedicate time to complete work, reading, studying, and preparing for exams are the main issues that students have face and overcome on distance learning.

Online courses require students to be focused. Distance learning means working at home according to the time and needs of students; but this does not mean that students can have time to slack off, ignore homework, or skip classes a couple of days. In distance education, students do not have a teacher or classmates to remain them about exams, projects, and assignment due dates. So, it is imperative that learners stay focused and get organized with an agenda or schedule of projects and deadlines if they want to keep up with the program.

Dedicating time to complete work, reading, studying, and preparing for exams are a mayor issue for most of the people nowadays. Setting short term and long term goals can help students to keep their motivation for study along with the completion of their tasks. Once students have an idea of what to achieve, what to expect, and how to do it, a set of goals and objectives can make easier the transition in a positive manner. By this, students are not only assuring they are getting their job done; but also they are aware that they are accomplishing what they want to achieve.

Distance education is a great resource for those people who need and want to get an education and do not have the time, means or resources to do it in a traditional way. Sadly, it is not easy, there is a whole transition process that has to be fulfilled; a great difference between in-class education and distance education. But if students take study with discipline,  stay focused in what is what they want to achieve, and if they develop a good plan that allows them to have enough time and resources to complete their scholar activities, they are assuring their success in their studies.