Today’s Hybrid Students Blend Tradition with Technology
The lines have clearly been drawn between those who champion traditional learning and those who believe distance learning is the only way to go. However, the truth may lie somewhere in the middle. In this real world educational romance the Capulet’s and Montague’s can coexist quite swimmingly, if you allow yourself to see the big picture and appreciate what both have to offer.
First off, one must consider the benefits that each mode of learning provides.
Traditional on-campus view…
- Stimulating face-to-face environment
- Forging life long bonds with classmates
- Gaining a better understanding and tolerance of those from different cultures and backgrounds
- Body language (teachers can often determine if a student is truly grasping the material without them speaking a single word and can offer assistance)
- Cost, depending on the school, may be less expensive than distance learning
- Better employment potential after graduation due to a larger social network
- Dissecting a pig for your biology class requires your physical presence, not simply a laptop and an exacto knife
Online education view…
- You can access your virtual classroom from almost anywhere in the world
- Flexibility of learning on your time
- Sitting in a recliner opposed to a desk chair is far more comfortable and conducive to learning
- Class availability and accessibility allows you to get your degree faster if you so choose
- Cost, depending on the school, may be less expensive than traditional education
- Less intimidating for students to participate
- Students are viewed as self motivated, independent thinkers who bring a lot to an organization
Clearly both learning modes have their benefits, which is why a hybrid of traditional and online education makes perfect sense. The key, however, is being certain your classes are transferable should you elect to take classes at another institution. A school’s accreditation is the best gage of transferability with a regional accreditation serving as the gold standard. You can also check with your schools admissions office to confirm that your class will transfer without issue.
Authors Note: Having participated in both traditional and online studies helped me to become a better rounded student. Both my classroom debates and discussion board wranglings were educational and very much appreciated by my professors. It comes down to what you make of your educational experience.
Don’t ever let anyone tell you that one form of learning is better than the other; you truly need to experience it for yourself. What I can tell you is that this Montague loved both learning styles, and that being a hybrid student is one of the smartest things I ever did. Yep, the Toyota Prius has nothing on this hybrid man.
Search over 200 accredited online colleges and more than 2,000 online degree programs to find the online education program that’s right for you.
ScholarshipPoints code: HYBRIDSTU
(3 votes, average: 3.00 out of 5)
Loading ...
Only problem with distance learning is the tendancy to be not as focused and goal orientated as face-face studies. It requires a lot of self discipline!
I think both traditional and online education has their pros and cons. And I agree with the author that the best solution combines the best of both worlds. In fact, I have also heard of many colleges that allow students to spend a part of their time on campus and part at home studying online. That being said, the popularity and growing demand for online distance learning degrees cannot be ignored. I recently read about Independence University, which has been offering distance education for 30 years now. The university offers its students access to various online services, qualified instructors, and a student advisor besides assigning them a tutor if required.
I normally slack off in hybrids cus I don’t show up to class and do the work last minute.
WAT?
I have attended hybrid classes but I was in the classroom while seeing & working with 3 other locations on video.
Some of these students learned & enjoyed it while others would have preferred being in a classroom.
So it all depends on the student(s). But it is an option for those who do not want to travel.
not feeling the online classes, but mmm i would consider it still.
To me, Online classes tend to offer too much time to spend on other things. Being online, you may be tempted to visit your MySpace for a minute or so, which turns into an hour or so after you catch a friend you haven’t talked to in the longest, and then turns into two hours after a whole bunch of more friends get online…Classroom learning does not afford you those luxuries….