The online MLIS program is an extremely intense learning experience; class conversations can be extremely in-depth. In the online setting, every person is required to comment, then people comment on each others' comments. Even "tangents" are often explored and discussed in great detail. This makes for a very rich and intellectually stimulating learning experience.
The asynchronous nature of the online course makes it very flexible and possible to work around the other responsibilities in our lives.
Those who typically don’t respond quickly, or tend to be reserved in person may have greater opportunity to participate.
The ability to meet people who live in different geographic areas expands your networking ability.
Classmates are just an email or posting away.
In some ways, you get to know your classmates better online, due to the amount of interaction you have with them in class and in the café.
No commuting costs!
Online learning is the wave of the future; experiencing it enables you to become an advocate for it.
A very large amount of reading must be done on a weekly basis, in addition to the required class readings.
It’s extremely addictive; many online learners go to class every day. Class is always in session in an online environment.
Online classes require significant organization and structure from the professor, perhaps even more than an on-campus class.
The responsibility for learning falls heavier on the online student.
It’s a bit harder to distinguish classmates from each other initially, without a face to attach to each post.
The program is new; on-campus courses are being adapted in order to present them online. Kinks are still being worked out, which can sometimes be frustrating and disappointing.
It can be stressful to feel that you must reply to a discussion thread.