Online education has its advantages and disadvantages. The vital benefits of going through online education would be the convenience it provides to an individual with a time-constrained schedule. There are also some disadvantages from studying through online classes such as the higher dropout rate as compared to face-to-face education, and the possible health risks involved. In this article, I will explain how the increasing amount of students enrolling in online classes can affect their daily lives and future.

One outcome of being enrolled in online classes is the lack of face-to-face interaction. To some, it may be more difficult to understand things by just reading them from a book or e-book, as compared to hearing it be explained in person by a professor. Also, question and answer between students and the professor is not immediate, or real-time. Sometimes, one may have to wait a day or two to get the answer they were looking for. Online education does have great benefits though, such as the great markdown price on tuition and fees.

It can be much more affordable than the traditional schooling. Under the circumstances of learning through online means, it gives people the ability to work full-time, and still enhance their knowledge and further their studies. Many online schools have a very flexible schedule, and are extremely understanding with their students’ schedules. Several fellow service members that I work with have been in online schools that understand that we, as soldiers, do go out in the field for weeks.

They let their professors know beforehand, and the schoolwork required would be either turned in earlier, or given a little bit of an extension. Though online learning offers a very flexible program, some people misunderstand it and think that it’s easy without time commitment. Even if everything is done in an online manner, to be successful through this means of education, one must devote time and effort just like in the traditional school system.

Due to the fact that online education is more lenient, there are higher dropout rates in this method of education. Many students fail to realize that it requires more on their part to set time aside to be successful with online classes. Because there is no time restriction and no set schedule for classes in a day, many students will procrastinate until it is too late. Since online education is done via staring at a computer screen for several hours to complete work, many doctors are worried for eyesight problems for these students.

It is common knowledge that staring at a computer screen for extended periods of time can be harmful to your eyes. Lastly, as a result of online education, a great benefit is the fact that students may study from the comfort of our own homes. There’s no need to spend extra money on gas or travel fare to and from school, and especially the extra time needed just for the commute. There are various effects from being enrolled in online learning as compared to the traditional means of education.

There are numerous benefits from it, as there are detriments. Some of the effects I have mentioned in this article range from the low-cost, high-value education, the dropout rates, and even health risks. I, as an active duty soldier, chose to continue my education further by enrolling in an online school such as Allied American University. I plan to continue my education until I achieve my goals and attain a degree. I have no regrets thus far, and I believe the beneficial effects of studying online outweigh the disadvantages.