When making the decision as to which type of learning environment would provide the most positive and productive experience for a student, an on-site classroom at a university or college campus or an online course in a virtual classroom, a student must weigh the advantages and the disadvantages of both. The challenges of a virtual classroom appear to outnumber those of an on-campus classroom, but there are also a number of benefits unique to each setting for a student to consider when deciding upon which setting would be best for his or her educational goals and learning preferences.

An on-campus class is scheduled at a certain time on a set day or days of each week, and students are expected to attend each of their classes according to that schedule. Attendance in a virtual classroom, on the other hand, is much more flexible. While students may be required to logon at least once or twice a week to read lectures, retrieve assignments, and complete lessons, the days and times on which a student is required to do so are generally left up to the student's discretion.

Motivation, discipline, and good study habits are necessary for a student to obtain a beneficial learning experience in either type of classroom environment. A student must leave his or her home and travel to the school campus to be physically present in class, remain alert while listening to the instructor's lecture and lesson assignments, and follow through with homework. In the online classroom, however, a student can attend class at any time of day and from any location-home, a public library, or even a park bench with a laptop and an available wireless connection. However, this freedom of coming and going in the virtual classroom can be detrimental to the student who is not disciplined enough to set aside a certain amount of time each week to sign in to the classroom on a regular basis, study, complete and turn in written assignments by designated due dates.

Communication among the students and the instructor is important in any type of classroom setting. An on-campus classroom affords live interaction during a lecture or discussion, and the answering of questions is immediate. But in the virtual classroom, all student and instructor interaction is usually conducted via discussion board, e-mail, or first class postal mail. While a discussion board is an excellent tool that is now effectively utilized in a good majority of online courses, responses to students' questions are

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