Students enrolled in online courses must be self-disciplined and self-motivated to be successful in the class, especially in self-paced online courses. No teacher is reminding them of upcoming due dates for assignments or tests since the course work is flexible. In a traditional classroom, the teacher often provides many reminders of test dates as well as the importance of the test on a student's grade. Students who lack self-discipline and self-motivation can easily get behind in online course work if they don't keep up with the readings, assignments and tests as listed in the syllabus.
Students in online course work may find it easier to cheat or be academically dishonest when taking an exam or completing an assignment. No professor or faculty member is present when a student takes a test online, making it possible for the student to use his textbook or notes even when he's been instructed not to. In a traditional classroom, the "no book or notes" policy is enforced by the teacher as she walks around the room while students are taking the test.
At the beginning of traditional classes, students are informed by the instructor where his office is and what hours are available each week for students to drop in if they have questions or concerns. Online students don't always have this option, so they must reach out to their instructors via email or phone if the instructor has provided it. Instructors who don't check their email or voice mail regularly may take a long time before they respond to the student's question. This can frustrate the online student and leave her wondering whether or not she has the right information or did the right thing.
Learning is not limited to the classroom for students attending college -- or high school or primary school, for that matter. Involvement in student organizations, volunteer projects and residence halls can all provide learning opportunities for students. Online classes don't allow students to experience these learning opportunities since the interaction with their peers is limited.