Cristina Batista
COM/1455 University studies and Communication I
Sheri Lindquist
Traditional School VS. Online School

The difference between going to school online and traditional school can vary; they are either good or bad differences. From socialization, commute, convenience and family, it can have an impact on a person; the impact can be good or bad.

Socialization plays a huge role in a persons’ life especially while attending school. While going to traditional school, a person is more likely to get the benefit of having friends. Online school can prevent a person from having a social life, because all classmates can be in any part of the world. I believe that depression plays a huge part on people that do not have daily contact with others. The more contact with people the more a person evolves to be a better “people” person. In class a student would have the ability to get thorough help by teacher, and online the only thing a student can do is e-mail or call. As for myself, I have to look at someone, in order to understand what I am having trouble understanding. Many people who go online and do not understand many people who do not understand might go silent and fail. No matter the communication, student must always speak up. The thought about success, helps me push a lot, even when I feel like quitting. Fellow class mates can be a help because they are experiencing the same thing, specially if the students are local. The trust between students that we know can be greater than with people that you talk to on a chat room. It is hard for me to email someone about my homework, and I have no idea who I am talking to. It is strange that a person across the world can be taking the same class and can have the same questions as me. It is strange, and at the same time, an amazing experience. I still would prefer the face-to-face contact, as others might agree too.

The convenience of online school is that a person does not have to spend money or time on commuting. With gas prices going up these days, most, of traditional school students would like to go to school online, instead of having to spend money on gas. Students that are also parents can have the convenience of not having to hire a babysitter, or worry about the child becoming sick, and not be able to tend to the sick child. Depression can hit a person that struggles, especially if they have more responsibilities. The need to save money on commuting can cut other good things, but can allow a person to spend time at home. A student going to school online does not have to drive home late at night, with a worry about the weather, accidents, no gas, theft or someone waiting at home. The best feeling is to be with those that we love. The downside of not having to commute is not having the ability to read at peace; which is for a person that has children. I surely do not have a lot of time to read to myself, and appreciate the time that I get to myself. When others become a problem, I have to resort to leaving the house to a quiet place, where I have more to spend money for gas and food, the same as a person that is going to traditional school. Food can also be an additional cost to traditional schooling, as for online school, the convenience of food in your fridge, can help lower spending on fast food.

Most parent students attending online school appreciate the opportunity of not having to leave other important responsibilities on the side. As a parent of three children, it is never know when a child will become sick, and have to leave work or school to be with the child. Many employers and schools have a policy on how many times a student can be absent or go home early. The down side of not going to traditional school is the ability to socialize with others and the opportunity to let out stress that can build up in a home with kids. Parents that go to a traditional school can find themselves struggling to get to school on time after or before work, and having to find a babysitter that fits a student’s schedule. All students that do not have children can struggle with commuting expenses, especially if they are working a minimum wage job. Both can struggle to get to school but enjoy the ability to have others around them. For some it is not an easy task to attend school and have a job. It becomes a larger responsibility when others become involved, like children or parents. Those are the reasons that school should be accomplished, to make them proud. Both traditional and online school should be seen as a goal to accomplish. Either one will bring a pay off, and hopefully no need to be struggling. A goal should decrease the thoughts of being depressed, because a career will be accomplish by both ways of going to school. A career might bring the socialization that was not received while going to school online, and might bring a better payoff. I am a strong believer that spending time with family is important, and I shall take advantage of going to school online. Not all online students are parents, and can be a working person that is trying to become a better person for themselves, or those that they love.

When going to school online, there are many things to consider, students may have the convenience of not spending money on commuting, but will not have the opportunity to socialize. A student that is attending traditional school may have the socialization, but can become overwhelmed by rushing, no money to commute and having more expenses; like childcare. I believe that going online is worth the non-socialization. I rather have extra money for food and the ability to be at home. The extra money that can be spent on us by going to school online, can become a greater gift later on. Traditional school can bring the gift of life in other ways; for example: the chance to make lifetime friends or even family. Each person should value their education in any setting.