• Home
  • Courses by Subject
      • Accounting
      • Bookkeeping
      • Compliance & Risk
      • Finance
      • Financial Planning
      • MYOB
      • Payroll
      • Xero
      • Animal Care
      • Animal Science
      • Pet Grooming
      • Veterinary Nursing
      • Arts
      • Dance
      • Graphic Design
      • Interior Design
      • Music
      • Photography
      • Web Design
      • Building & Construction
      • Plumbing
      • Real Estate
      • Business
      • Business Administration
      • Business Development
      • Business Operations
      • Change Management
      • Customer Engagement
      • Entrepreneurship
      • Human Resources
      • Leadership & Management
      • Logistics
      • Management
      • PMBOK
      • PRINCE2
      • Project Management
      • Quality Management
      • Supply Chain Operations
      • Aged Care
      • Alcohol & Other Drugs
      • Community Services
      • Disability
      • Individual Support
      • Youth Work
      • Child Care
      • Education
      • Education Support
      • Manufacturing
      • Conservation & Land Management
      • Health Sciences
      • Horticulture
      • Science
      • Sustainability
      • Beauty Therapy
      • Hairdressing
      • Makeup
      • Nail Technology
      • Allied Health
      • Counselling
      • Dental Assisting
      • Health
      • Health Admin
      • Health Services Assistance
      • Herbal Medicines
      • Life Coaching
      • Massage Therapy
      • Mental Health
      • Natural Therapies
      • Naturopathy
      • Nursing
      • Nutrition
      • Nutritional Medicine
      • Pharmacy
      • Practice Management
      • Psychology
      • Sports & Fitness
      • Celebrancy
      • Culinary Arts
      • Event Management
      • Hospitality
      • Travel & Tourism
      • Agile
      • Cloud Computing
      • Coding
      • Cyber Security
      • Data Science & Analytics
      • IT
      • Microsoft
      • Networking
      • Programming
      • Systems Administration
      • Web Development
      • Government
      • Legal
      • Work Health & Safety
      • Digital Marketing
      • Digital Media
      • Marketing
      • Retail
      • Social Media Marketing
    • Blended
    • In-class
    • Online
    • Virtual
    • ACT
    • New South Wales
    • Northern Territory
    • South Australia
    • Tasmania
    • Victoria
    • Western Australia
    • Queensland
    • Certificate
    • Certificate II
    • Certificate III
    • Certificate IV
    • Short
    • Diploma
    • Advanced Diploma
    • Associate Degree
    • Undergraduate Certificate
    • Bachelor
    • Graduate Certificate
    • Graduate Diploma
    • Masters
    • Postgraduate Certificate
    • Postgraduate Diploma
  • Resources
  • Workforce Training
  • Contact us
  • Advertise With Us
  • Affiliates
  • About us
Homepage 
ResourcesCareers in AustraliaEducation in AustraliaHow to StudyStudy in AustraliaTAFE in Australia
  1. Home
  2. Resources
  3. Education and Training
  4. Should I Study Online or in a Classroom, or Both? [FAQ]

Online Learning


Q: Should I Study Online or in a Classroom, or Both?

A:

When it comes to studying, you’ve got options. But while options are nice, how do you know which one’s right for you? Should you learn entirely online, entirely face-to-face, or a mix of both (known as blended learning)? 

There is no one ‘best’ way to learn. Online, classroom and blended learning all have their advantages and disadvantages — and there’s no significant difference in performance. On the one hand, you could be more likely to complete your course when studying face-to-face. But on the other hand, online learners often perform better in exams and get better grades.

So which one is right for you? That depends on your preferences and your situation.


Online learning is a good fit for you if:

  • You find it hard to learn in a classroom
  • You prefer to take in learning material at your own pace
  • You need a flexible schedule (to fit around work or caring responsibilities)
  • You live in a regional or remote area
  • You don’t want to spend lots of time and money on transportation
  • You’re organised and self-motivated 

    Classroom learning is a good fit for you if:

    • You find it hard to study alone
    • You need a routine and external accountability to stay on track
    • You’re not overly comfortable with technology
    • Connecting with other learners is important to you
    • You live close to an educational institution and enjoy getting out of the house

    Blended learning is a good fit for you if:

    • You enjoy studying alone sometimes (but not always)
    • You are self-motivated but need some structure to keep you on track
    • You need to learn through hands-on, practical demonstrations
    • You live close to an educational institution but want to minimise transport costs

    Need some help finding the right courses?

    Get matched with courses to fit your life, and achieve your career goals with the Course Navigator.

    Read More Online Learning Questions


    GO BACK TO THE GUIDE

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Find answers to your burning questions about everything, from vocational education, to payment options, and everything in between.

    Claudia Reiners
    Claudia Reiners

    Navigator Illustration

    You've Read All About it... Now Time for Action?

    Use the NaviGator to discover a personalised list of courses for you. Commitment free.

    Try the Navigator

    Latest Articles


    Should I Study a Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance?

    The healthcare sector is experiencing rapid growth in employment opportunities, prompting many peopl...

    Avatar photo
    Kristen Michaelides
    Nov 28, 2023
    Read More

    Best Allied Health Courses for Every Passion

    Suggested course: Certificate IV in Mental Health Suggested course: Diploma of Counselling With so m...

    Avatar photo
    Kristen Michaelides
    Nov 28, 2023
    Read More

    Most Popular Allied Health Assistant Jobs

    Numerous opportunities exist for allied health assistant roles, encompassing a wide spectrum of prof...

    Guy Clennett
    Nov 27, 2023
    Read More

    Want to Read More?


    Online Learning FAQs — Your Questions Answered

    Q: What is online learning, and how does it work?...

    Claudia Reiners
    May 27, 2022
    Read More

    What Does a Teacher’s Aide Do? 6 Insights From a Professional

    Teacher’s aides are an integral part of Australia’s education system. They’re the...

    Avatar photo
    Michael Yi
    Apr 7, 2023
    Read More

    What is the difference between TAFE and private education providers? [FAQ]

    We are spoiled for choice when it comes to course providers in Australia. But, this vast selection c...

    Avatar photo
    Candlefox
    May 30, 2022
    Read More

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter

    Get expert advice, insights, and explainers on tricky topics — designed to help you navigate your learning journey with confidence.

    By submitting this enquiry I accept the "Privacy Policy" and "Terms of Use"
    • chevron-left
    • Popular Subjects
    • Study Locations
    • Qualification Type
    • Popular Blogs
    • chevron-right
    • Accounting
    • Allied Health
    • Bookkeeping
    • Business Admin
    • Community Services
    • Counselling
    • Education
    • Fitness
    • Healthcare
    • Mental Health
    • Nutrition
    • Small Business Management
    • View More
    • New South Wales
    • Queensland
    • South Australia
    • Victoria
    • Western Australia
    • View More
    • Associate Degree
    • Advanced Diploma
    • Bachelor
    • Certificate
    • Certificate III
    • Certificate IV
    • Diploma
    • Masters
    • Short
    • Graduate Certificate
    • Undergraduate Certificate
    • Undergraduate Degree
    • View More
    • 5 Low-Stress Jobs: Create Your Perfect Work-Life Balance — No Degree Needed
    • 10 Highest Paying Jobs in Australia Without a Degree: Earn Big Bucks Without Big Debt
    • 12 Best Side Hustles in Australia: Passion Projects & Money Makers (+80 Great Side Hustle Ideas)
    • 12 of the Most Fun Jobs: What Are The Most Enjoyable Careers?
    • 22 Best Jobs That Don't Require Experience: Learn While You Earn
    • TAFE, VET and AQF – Acronyms in Australian Learning
    • Changing Careers Over 50: The Best Decision You’ll Ever Make
    • Government Funded Courses and Subsidised Training
    • Never Too Late: Studying at TAFE as a Mature Age Student
    • Study at TAFE | Guide to TAFE Courses in Australia
    • 35 Profitable (and Fun) Home Business Ideas You Can Start Today
    • The Top Careers Where You Can Earn Over $100K Without a Degree
    • Top 10 High Income Skills of 2023 (Based on Real Data)
    • What is TAFE (Technical and Further Education) and How Can It Benefit You?
    • View More

    Newsletter sign up

    We'll email you updates on job trends, career advice, study tips, news and more.
    Courses
    • All subjects
    • Online courses
    About Us
    • About tafecourses.com.au
    Contact us
    • Contact
    • Advertise your course
    • Become an affiliate
    Resources
    • Our blog
    • Workforce training
    Privacy Policy Terms of Use
    Tafecourses Facebook Tafecourses Instagram
    Australian Aboriginal flag Torres Strait Islander flag
    In the spirit of reconciliation, tafecourses.com.au acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
    Copyright © 2023 Tafecourses.com.au
    All Rights Reserved.

    Newsletter Sign Up

    We’ll email you updates on job trends, career advice, study tips, news and more.

    By downloading this template I accept the "Privacy Policy" and "Terms of Use"
    Back to Top