Unlike their online counterparts, traditional classrooms are not accessible 24 hours a day. While long-distance learners may appreciate the fact that they can plan their school schedules around demands imposed by their work schedules, students in traditional courses meet at a set time. Accustomed to a routine, students in traditional learning might feel unmotivated if allowed to receive instruction or take tests at any hour.
Convenience carries a price tag. Supporters of online learning may argue that by choosing to receive an online education, students are able to save money that would otherwise be spent on gas, textbooks or dorm fees associated traveling to or living at a traditional learning institution. However, many students who enroll in online classes must either own a personal computer or routinely drive to use a public computer. Although online students may not pay dorm fees, they must be concerned with common cost of living expenses, such as monthly rent or a mortgage.
Many students learn best by pairing with peers in study groups that often meet in stimulating settings that involve laughter, pizza or flirting. Online study groups tend to be more formal in nature, since students who learn online often do so in order to accommodate career or family related needs. However, online learners may share insights and comments on educational bulletin boards or such popular social networking platforms as Facebook or Myspace.
A nominal level of technological proficiency is a prerequisite to effective online learning. Elderly students are often discouraged from participating in online learning programs because of technology anxiety. Nevertheless, traditional learning programs often integrate technology into classroom instruction by means of Powerpoint presentations or instructor emails. While computers are difficult to avoid, students are able to reduce their exposure to computers by receiving traditional on-campus instruction.
Typically, students are a bundle of nerves when taking a test, and their nervousness only intensifies as they wait hours and days to receive their test results. While tests taken on campus are often hand-graded, providing results that are returned during following class sessions, online institutions usually use advanced computer software to provide immediate feedback for online quizzes. Receiving immediate feedback allows students to understand their weaknesses and strengths, and plan their studies accordingly.