Professor-Student Relationships Online

Of course there are many misconceptions about what actually happens when a student attends an online school. As a person that has attended both a traditional school and a online school for my degrees it is easy to see the differences in how students and professors interact. There are the obvious responses about seeing them face to face, but in my experience each individual student dictates the relationship with the teacher no matter how they are attending school. This article will take a look at how the relationship differs when you attend an online school versus a traditional school.

One of the most obvious ways that the relationship will vary is what I already mentioned. When you attend a traditional school you are able to interact with your professor in a class room or office setting. You seen this person at least once a week and they are able to get to know you and your study habits personally. Some people take advantage of this opportunity and build great relationships with their teachers. The downside to this interaction is that it is usually only available during school hours. Once a professor's day is done they like to go home and enjoy their family and therefore are usually only available at certain times during the school day.

Now if you attend an online school, it can be a little harder to develop a relationship with your teacher in which you feel comfortable but it is still possible. By participating and asking question and even doing your work they become accustomed to your scholastic abilities so they come to know what to expect from you. At some schools they give you written feedback about your assignments, which is not something you always receive at a traditional school. Also their hours are also a little more flexible. Most online professors also have another job. Therefore they are usually available to answer your questions at night or on the weekends.

Another way in which students interact with their professors is through participation. At a traditional school it can be overwhelming for a student to answer a question in front of other peers so they may choose not to therefore the teacher has no concept on who understands the material or not. When you attend a top online school, you are constantly required to participate and it is easier for most students to do because they feel more comfortable being in their own home. This participation allows the teacher to make sure that the students understand the material and lets them know each students scholastic tendencies.

So there are advantages and disadvantages to both styles of student-professor relationships. As a student you have to understand which style will work best with your style of learning. It is important that you have a relationship with your professors either way so that they are accustomed to how you learn and they know what kind of work they can expect from you. By doing this, they will be able to help you if you ever need it.