DISADVANTAGES
Woman sitting in office studying online with laptop facing toward the viewer
Disadvantages of online classes
When choosing the right type of studies for you, it’s important to consider both the advantages and disadvantages of online education, as the nature of online learning can be quite different than that of traditional on-campus studies.
Lack of face-to-face interaction
One of the major disadvantages of online education can be the lack of physical interaction, which can make it more challenging for you to communicate with your fellow students and tutors.
That can make it more difficult for you to create a sense of community, which can be an important factor in your ability to make the most out of your studies.
To answer this challenge, some online universities offer a strong online community to support you throughout your studies.
Difficulty staying motivated
Another drawback of online education is the difficulty in maintaining focus when you study on your won. Online education is often done independently, which can make it more challenging to navigate, stay engaged and be motivated.
Before choosing to study online, it’s crucial that you asses your ability to stick to your plan, be consistent and work hard towards your goals.
If you choose to study at IU, our study coaches will offer you guidance and support on ways to keep you motivated and on track.
Limited access to resources and support
When considering the pros and cons of online learning, it’s important to keep in mind that online education sometimes offers limited access to resources and support compared to traditional on-campus classes.
This is why, when choosing an online university, it’s important to choose the right one for you – a university that offers direct access to all the resources and support you might need.
Technical difficulties
When studying online, you’re dependent on access to the internet. Technical difficulties such as internet connectivity issues, software compatibility issues, or issues with your laptop, can hinder your ability to access classes.
One possible solution? At IU, students can access pre-recorded tutorials and study materials from any device, even when they’re offline, by downloading them directly.
It requires prior planning, but it’s one way to ensure that technical difficulties don’t derail your studies.
Isolation
Another possible disadvantage to consider is that online education can lead to feelings of isolation, as students are not physically present in a classroom and may not have the same opportunities to interact with other students and form social connections.
It’s important to keep this in mind and prepare for it accordingly, but as the pandemic has taught us, there are ways to stay connected with others even if you don’t meet in person.