Social interaction. One of the benefits of attending courses in a traditional bricks-and-mortar school is the peer-to-peer interaction. Although most online courses do have a discussion area where students are required to talk about specific questions pertaining to that week’s lesson, this is done primarily through writing, making it more difficult to form lasting bonds.

24/7 access to course material. In the traditional college setting, students must rely on their notes in order to remember class lectures. With online school, written lectures are available throughout the course of the semester, so going back to review course material is always an option.

Limited interaction with instructor. Online professors usually have a limited role in teaching, as they primarily guide students through the pre-written or pre-recorded course material, rather than teach it. The majority of the interaction with professors comes from class discussions and feedback on assignments. Some students who thrive in one-on-one interaction with their professors, may have trouble with this format of schooling.

Location flexibility. With online schools across the world, students can now take classes from a different state or country without leaving the comfort of their own home. This also increases diversity among students, as classes may be composed of people with different backgrounds from around the world.