Courses

Online or in-person course: what’s the difference and how to choose?

Online and in-person courses have their own positive and negative points! Want to know how to choose the best option? Just read our article on the topic.

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See what to consider when deciding which study method is best for you

Mulher pensa em escolher entre Curso online ou presencial
Find out more about these two study modalities. Source: Freepik

Whether college, technical or free course, when enrolling, many may have a question. Which to take: online or in-person course?

There are a series of factors that must be taken into account at this time to reach the decision that will most benefit your career.

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That's why we wrote a guide that can help you make this decision in a positive way for your future.

Continue reading if you want to know more or discover the advantages of each of these teaching models, both online and in-person courses.

What is an online course?

Alunos estudam com computador
Find out how this teaching modality works. Source: Freepik

Firstly, before helping you choose between an online or in-person course, we will provide an explanation about each of these modalities.

The online course is a class program offered over the internet. This can be done synchronously (i.e. live), or through recorded classes.

At the same time, the online course also allows the use of other technologies. For example: computer activities, podcasts and games.

Generally, the course is taught by an instructor or professor. In which it offers guidance and feedback to students.

Among those responsible for this program we can mention traditional educational institutions, companies specialized in online education or individuals who wish to share their knowledge.

Finally, it is important to highlight that this type of class can be paid or free!

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What are the advantages of the online course?

Among the online or in-person courses, the first option stands out for a series of positive points. For example: broader use of technology to teach.

At the same time, we can also mention other advantages. Like the practicality of studying without leaving home and at whatever time you can.

Therefore, if you work, or have a busy life due to household chores, this may be the best teaching option.

Finally, we also mention the fact that an online course allows classes to be taken at your own time. Therefore, the charges are less in this model.

And the disadvantages?

However, the comparison between online courses does not only demonstrate advantages for classes taken over the internet.

Therefore, if you are a student who tends to get distracted or lose focus, this may not be the best study option.

At the same time, students who do not have an internet connection. Or, they have an unstable network and have problems dedicating themselves to classes.

Therefore, classes taught online can also be disadvantageous in some scenarios.

Our tip is to analyze your profile and think about whether this is the best way to learn according to your reality.

What is a face-to-face course?

On the other hand, a face-to-face course is made up of a series of classes offered in a traditional classroom, where the students and the teacher are physically present.

Therefore, it is possible for the teacher to instruct students in person, offering immediate guidance and feedback.

These can be offered in schools, universities, professional training institutions, among other places.

One of the characteristics of the face-to-face course is its interactivity. Therefore, students can ask questions, participate in group discussions and work on projects with colleagues.

At the same time, this teaching model can make students more motivated to study due to the possibility of debates with the teacher and classmates.

What are the advantages of the in-person course?

When choosing between a face-to-face course, the student must consider some positive points of this modality.

Firstly, we mention the high interactivity between colleagues. Therefore, it is possible to learn and grow together with friends.

At the same time, physical environments can be better prepared to receive students. For example: with laboratories, quality computers and specific material.

Finally, we should mention that some courses can only be taken in person. It is impossible to imagine a medical school being conducted without contact with patients, for example.

And the disadvantages?

However, when choosing a face-to-face course, you must consider the disadvantages of classroom classes.

For example: not everyone lives close to academic centers or spaces that offer training.

At the same time, courses taken in person may have higher costs than the same programs taught virtually.

Therefore, an analysis is necessary. Are you able to study in person? Are there colleges or schools near you?

What is the difference between an online or in-person course?

There are some differences between online and in-person courses. Some of the key differences include:

  • Format: face-to-face courses are taught in a traditional classroom, where the teacher and students are physically present. At the same time, online courses are carried out via the internet and can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection;
  • Interactivity: face-to-face courses allow for more direct interaction between students and teachers, and students can ask questions and participate in discussions in real time. On the other hand, in online courses, students can interact with the teacher and other students through discussion forums, chats and other online communication tools;
  • Flexibility: online courses offer more flexibility in terms of study time and location. However, in-person courses have a defined schedule with days and times for classes;
  • Access to content: Online courses often give students access to course content at any time. Meanwhile, face-to-face courses depend on the student's physical presence in the classroom to access the content;
  • Cost: online courses can be more financially accessible, as they do not involve the infrastructure and logistics costs of in-person courses, in addition to being able to be offered to a large number of students simultaneously.

How to choose the best option for you?

Jovem estudante sorrindo
Finally, know what to take into account when choosing. Source: Freepik

In summary, both models described above have their advantages and disadvantages.

Therefore, the choice between online or in-person courses will depend on the individual needs and preferences of each student.

So, think about the offers that are available around you and check which one offers the most benefits.

Finally, if you want to learn more about the topic, read our article that compares undergraduate and postgraduate courses! We can help you better understand each of these.

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Find out what the objectives of these two types of courses are.

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