Online or In-Person Learning: Which is Best?

Early on in my career as a college educator, I was forced into the role of online instructor as a result of having to switch to emergency remote delivery of my course during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. As with most folks, it was rough going at first, but I learned quickly and started to develop quality online courses for my students.

When first researching Master's degree programs, I looked into an online program offered through Johns Hopkins University. I still had young children at home and I wanted a program that afforded me the flexibility that an online program often provides.

After more research and some soul-searching, I realized that I needed the external accountability of an in-person program and finally decided to enroll in Northern Kentucky University's Master of Arts in English program. The proximity of the campus, the affordable tuition, and the availability of later afternoon/evening in-person classes, as well as hybrid and online classes all were factors in my decision.

Now that I teach college-level English classes, I have the additional experience of teaching a variety of online and in-person classes. I have taught synchronous online (live classes at regular designated meeting times), asynchronous online, hybrid, and in-person classes. My two favorite approaches are in-person and asynchronous online.

Check out my latest video in my Adult Learner Series.