Back to "Is Online Learning for Me?" Online vs. Face-to-Face: What's the Difference? Use this checklist of characteristics to decide which environment is the best one for you. Characteristics of Students Who Probably Would Prefer a Face-to-Face Course Characteristics of Students Who Probably Would Prefer an Online Course Likes instructional and social interactions of traditional classroom. Enjoys communicating with others through listservs, discussion groups, and email. Learns best by listening and speaking. Learns best by reading or watching. Fluent in spoken English. Has difficulty understanding spoken English. Is able to commit the time for commuting, attending 3 hours of class per week and completing a final project. Lives at great distance from campus or prefers not to drive in to campus and is able to commit the time for completing and submitting the assignments. Is able to come to class on campus. Has heavy work or family responsibilities. Has difficulty obtaining regular access to the internet and e-mail. Has convenient and reliable access to the Internet at most times. Not self-motivated. Is self-motivated. Needs definite deadlines. Prefers to work at own pace and at flexible or non-traditional times. Is uncomfortable using a computer. Has some computer skills and enjoys using the internet. Likes more direction/structure provided by instructor. Enjoys taking control of own learning.