If the topic of the course is the same, the course content and materials will likely be the same. For a given course, the learning style is also likely to be similar because each subject requires a certain type of coursework or lab-work to be completed to enable the student to qualify. The content will also be delivered by the same teaching staff with full qualifications, although online classes will focus on computer-aided delivery with the option of visiting the teaching staff at the faculty for tutorials and questions. If the student chooses the right online school, the quality of education will match that of a traditional campus-based teaching experience.
Both online and on-campus classes start at roughly similar times in the year so that the students are all working towards the same stage. The schedule to complete work is roughly the same for a particular full-time course. This means that the same amount of work has to be completed at the same academic level. The same amount of time needs to be put in by the student to achieve the desired result. Online is not an easier option than completing a degree at a campus.
If a student lives on campus, the traveling times will be not differ that much from a student working in their home. The two options are therefore broadly equivalent in terms of convenience. If a student lives a long way from campus, this will change the traveling time and make online classes more feasible.
Each course will have its own set of examinations, which every student must complete to qualify. Some subjects, like history for example, require a significant proportion of project work, written essays and reading to be completed regularly, and then one or two large examinations towards the end of the semester. These projects and essays will be the same for both on-campus students and online workers.
Computer access is broadly the same for all students because most people have access to a computer and the Internet from their homes. Extra materials like software programs used by on-campus students can be downloaded from the Internet or collected from the campus on a visit. The online tutorials will be the same for a given subject and both sets of students can use them either at home or in the computer labs at college. Forums are also becoming an important part of the online teaching community, according to the Online Education Consultant.
Although direct conversation and communication is most desirable for most students, computer technologies make it possible to develop similar links with faculty staff and other students via online networks, email facilities, the campus website and even video links. Students can keep abreast of sporting events, careers fairs and evenings out without having to attend their campus every day. Online classes make the balance of study, professional work commitments and a student's personal life more achievable, according to Des Moines University.
Student loans and payments plans are the same for online and on-campus classes, which makes both options similarly attractive. Occasional minor differences include, for example, the purchase of a special code to grant online student workers access to a particular learning facility that the in-house, campus-based students would not need.