Perhaps the biggest difference between online and traditional classroom based education is the method of communication. When meeting face-to-face, students and teachers are able to read body language and facial expressions and to hear a speaker's tone of voice. This is not the case in the typical online asynchronous discussion format. The upside for the online classroom is that students are able to fully formulate their arguments and back them up with resources rather than relying on spur-of-the-moment debate. Moreover, shy students who are unlikely to interact in person find themselves "speaking up" in new ways in the online classroom. The relative anonymity of the online course space also allows students and teachers to overcome potential discrimination and anxiety based on age, race, disability and so forth.
At first glance it may seem that online and traditional coursework are dramatically different. However, the truth is that many of the assignments found in a traditional classroom can also be completed at a distance. Both kinds of education often include: readings, discussions, research papers, group projects and lab experiments. Many online classes require the same kinds of assignments with slight modifications.
Testing methods for online courses include: "take-home" essay exams (similar to those offered in the traditional classroom), proctored examinations (scheduled at a local library, school, or other testing facility), pop quizzes and open-book, timed exams.
One clear cut difference between online and classroom education is the commute, or lack thereof. Online students save time and money by logging into their classrooms at their convenience whereas students bound to a traditional classroom must pay for the commute to and from school.
Depending on the program of study and the school itself, costs can actually be cheaper online. The cost of gas, parking, and/or bus pass is eliminated with an online education as are other traditional college expenses such as room and board. Some online courses also offer the texts and reading materials online which eliminates the cost of text books, although there may be a technology fee charged for such a service.