Career networking site Vault.com surveyed people on their attitudes to online degrees. The results showed that 61 percent thought that the most significant problem with online learning was the lack of social interaction, and that the same number thought online learning cannot replace the classroom. The majority of people think that classroom experiences make students stronger learners. Students should speak with people who have taken online courses before enrolling in an online program, to gain a better understanding of what the experience is like.
A Job Bank USA article entitled "How Do Employers View an Online Degree?" says that many employers are open to the idea of online learning, and will look at performance in a student's online degree before writing the person off as a potential employee. The article says companies care about whether an online school is properly accredited. Some employers might be put off by an online degree if they want to hire someone personable. Prospective employees with online learning experience should do their best to present an outgoing personality at job interviews to keep bosses from worrying about a lack of social skills.
According to a Learn Source article "What is Your Ideal Classroom", some learners find that they are most adept at studying with online classes. While some research is negative about the lack of social interaction in online learning, some students might find that they do their best with online classes. Online classes do not give students much pressure to get in front of a group, which is ideal for students with performance anxiety and stage fright.
There is less interaction with teachers in online learning because students never meet their teachers in person. Some online students also have problems getting timely advice from teachers. Online courses do not have office hours, and students may be left fending for themselves during major projects and exams. Online classes are different from campus classes because they do not let teachers become mentors to students. In addition, a letter of recommendation from an online teacher may carry less weight, because of the lack of personal relationship with the student.
A course at a college campus provides students with social pressure to succeed. Students become involved in study groups and remind each other to study for tests. They can call each other to ask about notes when they miss class. Online students do not have the advantage of knowing others in the classroom. They must rely on their own organization skills to succeed. Some people who sign up for online classes cannot keep up with the work because they forget to log in daily.