Final answer:
Online and in-person continuing education classes both require student responsibility, but differ mainly in the level of scheduling flexibility and in the nature of student attentiveness and engagement.
Step-by-step explanation:
Comparison of Online and In-Person Continuing Education Classes
When comparing online continuing education classes to in-person classes, a primary factor to consider is student responsibility, which remains crucial in both formats. In online classes, students have more autonomy in how they choose to be attentive, with opportunities for both full engagement or minimal participation without immediate detection by the instructor.
Conversely, in-person classes allow instructors to observe student body language and engagement more closely, providing a different understanding of attentiveness. Scheduling flexibility tends to be greater for online courses, allowing students to complete coursework at times that best fit their individual schedules, making them particularly attractive for those with work or family commitments.
Feedback from students indicates varying preferences for online classes versus in-person options. Some students may find the online format provides the convenience and flexibility they need, while others may miss the structure and direct interaction of in-person classes. The choice between these learning formats often reflects a student's learning style, lifestyle, and educational needs.