WhatÔÇÖs the Ideal Mix of Online and Face-to-Face Classes?

Is there a tipping point at which students who take a blend of online and in-person coursework are doing too much online? That question goes to the heart of something called the online paradox.

The online paradox has inspired much debate, and it describes two seemingly contradictory things. The first is that community-college students who take an online course are more likely to fail than are those who take it face-to-face. The second is that community-college students who take some online classes are more likely to complete their degrees than are those who don’t take any.

One theory as to why this paradox exists is that online coursework may be more challenging for students who struggle academically, or the classes may be of poorer quality, hence the higher failure rate. But the flexibility of online education enables students to work around obstacles that stand between them and a degree, like work, family obligations, or distance from campus. That means they are more likely to achieve their long-term goals if they mix in a few online classes.

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