Top 5 Benefits of On-Campus Education

Many students today are asking themselves whether they want to take advantage of the convenience of online education or attend regular classes at a college campus. Which style is right for you? This can be a challenging question that may or may not have a clear-cut answer. Here are five reasons that students choose to learn face-to-face from their professors, rather than studying through a distance program.

1. You Learn to Play with Others

A recent article in College Teaching, written by Jay Liebowitz, addressed the issue of whether students can actually learn new skills exclusively through Internet-based curriculums. What he found was that students working toward a Master in Business Administration (MBA) benefited from group exercises, discussions, and role playing sessions more than any other educational technique.

What this means is that traditional, face-to-face education is designed to take advantage of the most effective teaching tool available to today's instructors--working in groups. This method of teaching prepares students for life in the real world where people rarely work alone. Graduates of campus-based degree programs have spent hours and hours learning to work with their classmates, through both thick and thin, just as they will someday have to work with coworkers in the workplace.

2. You Learn from the Very Best

Because of the inherent structure of traditional academic programs, college campuses attract the best professors. Many professors are motivated by the possibility of tenure, which virtually ensures them steady jobs throughout their careers.

Tenure also allows for a certain level of academic freedom that non-tenured instructors might be hesitant to exercise. The relationships you develop with faculty throughout your education will likely affect your continuing education and career, through mentoring, networking, and letters of recommendation.

3. You Can Find Your Muse

One of the greatest advantages of traditional coursework is the subtle pressures that encourage you to work and to succeed. As a university student, you are surrounded by familiar professors and fellow students each and every day, and they are there to support you throughout your education.

Many students who choose distance learning options find it difficult to motivate themselves to achieve their goals. On campus, you are part of a learning community that is there to help you when you need it most.

4. You Build Connections for Life

Students who attend college on campus often cite the personal and professional relationships they forged at school as among the most important payoffs of their education. Professors are often instrumental in helping students locate career options or continue on to higher levels of education.

In addition to the valuable relationships you develop with instructors, your fellow students are likely to serve as your professional peers for years to come. Many students end up in business partnerships with their classmates, or maintain friendships that can be significantly more important than any professional relationship.

5. You Can Personalize Your Education

The diverse curricula of most traditional academic programs offer a wide range of academic options that are rarely found online. Also, students can take classes that cater to their particular learning styles. For example, some students are visual learners, some learn through discussion, and others enjoy lecture style classes. On campus, you are able to sample each of these teaching styles to see which is right for you.

Bringing your educational qualifications up to the level you need is a crucial step in landing a great job. Traditional, on campus academic programs have a historically proven track record in helping students to achieve their goals.

Source:
"Teach People Skills Totally Online?" Liebowitz, Jay. College Teaching. Summer 2003.