Before the second quarter of the year 2020, students have a lot of choices with regards to the completion of a specific course. Right now, we are well-informed that taking an online prep course in any field of education is the best option during this pandemic.
The point is that we have limited freedom to do things face-to-face. The more distant we are from each other, the safer. In learning new knowledge, this might not be the case for everybody.
So let’s discuss the benefits and disadvantages of taking online prep courses to help you make an effective decision.
BENEFITS OF TAKING ONLINE PREP COURSE
1. YOU CAN LEARN EVERYTHING BASED ON YOUR OWN FREE WILL
Any course has its own outline of lessons to follow. Sometimes you want to take two courses on the same day but the problem is the conflict of your schedule. This happens mostly in traditional learning. The hassle of traveling from one place to another is present. The struggle to participate in extremely competitive learning institutions is on point.
In online learning, let’s say you are interested to do double-time preparation both for GRE and GMAT exams. Just search for these online courses. You can choose the platform and schedule that you think is best for you. You can take any course without worrying about a lot of things. Also, you can discover new capabilities and understand your own intellectual capacity while studying alone.
2. YOU CAN MAKE A MORE COMFORTABLE ROUTINE
The very challenging part about attending traditional classes is their daily timebound lessons. Instead of having 1-2 more hours of sleep, you’ve got no choice but to wake up early and get ready. You need to take public transportation or drive your car to learning institutions and bring all the materials that you need. In the case of night classes, you have to be active even if it’s resting time.
Taking online classes will free you from this very strict routine. Wake up at least 15 minutes before your class or wake up an hour before to exercise and have breakfast. Totally your choice! You can review yesterday’s lesson while listening to the new ones today. You can follow the routine listed on your notes in “My GRE Exam Preparation” or “My GMAT Exam Preparation”. You’ve got all the things that you need. Have a coffee break anytime you want. Go anywhere you feel more comfortable to study. You can attend your lessons at the coffee shop or at the library. Options are totally limitless.
3. THIS IS NOW A TREND IN RESUMES
Remote learning certifications will always compliment your resume. This is true, especially when you get to pass the exams through the knowledge that you gained from those courses. It will instantly show your commitment and effectiveness even with minimal supervision.
4. YOU CAN NOW LEARN AT YOUR OWN PACE
Here’s the deal. When you have the interest to enroll in online courses, you start looking for the most achievable ones based on your current capacity. You assess most of them using your own discretion. It’s the same process when you actually start the lesson. You can complete your targets anytime and arrange learning schedules that are convenient for you. You can study lesson 5 instead of lesson 4 if it is not a pre-requisite of the other. The end-goal here is to be knowledgeable of everything included in the program.
5. ONLINE COURSES ARE CHEAPER
Online courses have lower costs because you get to avoid paying all the traditional miscellaneous fees and all. It’s worth mostly lies in your hands. The information is there. All you have to do is internalize the knowledge.
DISADVANTAGES OF TAKING ONLINE PREP COURSE
1. IT’S HARD TO FIND A CREDIBLE AGENCY
The real challenge in online courses is the boundary to make sure that the agency is full of integrity. It’s hard to verify this information because of the virtual set up. Even if you earn a degree or a certificate, it becomes worthless if the agency is not accredited. You can get referrals from your colleagues or do more research about your target online class provider. Never enroll if you don’t have enough information.
2. FAST-PACED BUT LOW-RETENTION
Obviously, there is no face-to-face interaction between students and coaches. The schedule and outline of the modules and monologues are “as is”. You cannot delay the process because online classes are designed with a very strict timebound. As you may notice, there are some instances in traditional classes where the coach extends the time for a lesson. It is because they are harder than others. It requires more discussion and clarification for the students to understand. That is not applicable in most online classes. Generally, it is fast-paced so most of the students lack mastery of the course itself.
3. IT REQUIRES MORE PERSISTENCE
An online student must exert more effort and more work to achieve passing scores. The amount of reading and assignments for online courses are typically more loaded. You must allow at least 10 hours per week on each online course for utmost understanding.
4. YOU NEED TO HAVE MORE SELF-DISCIPLINE
There are so many temptations when you have the freedom to choose where to study. You can either do it at home, at the cafe or the library. It is important to keep your focus on your assignments, exams, and consultations while considering the deadlines. Trace the best track on how can you be more efficient and effective at the same time.
5. LACK OF PEER TO BRAINSTORM WITH THE LESSON
In traditional schools, you can have a buddy to review the courses a lot better. If you need to meet your advisors for any help, it is more possible to book a 15-minute consultation with them. You can ask for clarification right after every discussion too. During online classes, you’re mostly on your own. That’s one negative point when taking online classes, especially when you need assistance.
