Benefits of College-Based and Online Computer Classes
With the computer world booming and the rapid change in technology lately, it is no wonder that even the most non-computer-savvy individual needs to be up to speed with some of the latest computer technology out there. Many computer classes are available on the latest and popular hardware and software products. Courses offering the basics on MS Windows, MS Office, Adobe applications, and computers in general are all there for the typical layman who wants to get on the bandwagon.
Generally, when it comes to taking computer classes nowadays, there are two options. College-based courses are the traditional classes that require people to attend a two- or four-year educational institutiton by traveling to the school from home, walking around campus from class to class, and traveling back home or remaining on campus overnight in a dormitory, fraternity, or sorority.
However, online instruction is growing in popularity. This method allows students to take classes right at their fingertips in front of a laptop or desktop, which makes it convenient for many individuals who have busy lives with work and family since there is no time spent traveling.
So, which one is the best course instruction? Well, that depends on the individual.
Attending Computer Classes at a Traditional College
Many people still feel satisified with taking computer classes at a traditional college. Especially for many young people just graduating from high school, there is the relishing experience of being on a large college campus for the first time. There are many young faces, lots of space and walkways, and large buildings to go to where classes are being held. To have the real college experience, living in a dormitory, fraternity, or sorority is ideal. Ah, the college life.
Living on campus also means you can attend computer classes right near you. For instance, you can walk from your dorm to class in a matter of minutes. Afterwards, you can attend your next class, get a bite to eat at a nearby cafe, campus restaurant, or dorm cafeteria, or go back home and study. You can even sleep until the next class or next day.
While on campus, you can attend class lectures. For many freshmen, attending a lecture for the first time can be exhilarating. Instead of 15-30 people in a high school classroom, first-time students can be in a huge auditorium with over hundreds of people. Moreover, there is interaction with the students and with the professor, especially when talking with students over lecture notes, raising a hand to ask a question to the instructor, or talking to the professor in the auditorium immediately after class. The instructor is also likely to have drop-in office hours during the week for any further questions, and this would be convenient for any students living on campus.
Conveniences of Online Courses
Online computer classes, on the other hand, are very convenient when it comes to the subject of mobility. You can take courses at your very fingertips with your laptop or desktop without leaving your home. This saves time, money, and gas from traveling back and forth to a regular college campus. Moreover, if you have a laptop and a job that requires you to travel, you can take your laptop with you and study your courses at any location.
With online instruction, you can also study at your own pace. You can plan your busy schedule around your computer courses, and you have the option of taking classes in the morning, afternoon, evening, or late night. You can also complete your courses faster and receive your degree sooner than you would taking instruction at a traditional classroom.
You may also find free online computer courses when you surf the Internet. Why pay money for college-based or online courses when you can get them free? Goodwill Community Foundation, through GCFLearnfree.org, offers over 750 free lessons, including online computer classes in Computer Basics, Internet Basics, Windows, and Microsoft Office.
The Choice is Yours
Taking computer classes at a college-based institution would be more fitting for someone who has more time to travel or wants the on-campus experience, while online courses would be ideal for a busy working professional with familial responsibilities and has little time to travel to a traditional college in the distant. Which method of instruction is the best for you? You decide.