Earlier today I was speaking to a young agent, who asked me my opinion on whether to take continuing education classes online or in the classroom.
I very much prefer to take classes live over online for a couple of reasons.
- You can not ask questions of a computer.
- I spend too much time on the computer now. I prefer real humans.
- It is an opportunity to network with other agents.
- I like taking classes with different instructors. I particularly enjoy real life examples they share form the vast experience.
- Taking a class is a great excuse to turn off my cell phone for a period of time.
Many of the agents in my area have taken classes with me for designations or CE over the years. Many great relationships were started there.
I am still friends with several agents I met taking CRS classes in other states. I have a referral right now from one of them
I think the networking and interaction with other agents is the best part of the classroom learning experience. The coursework is great, but the sharing with colleagues and the way that you can benefit from questions and information from others is even more valuable and increases the learning experience beyone what you get on a computer.
I like taking some classes online. I plan to take the CRS training this coming year.
The only reason why I favor online is:
Maybe one day when the rail is finished and it alleviates all that traffic I'll go again....LOL
I can understand great relationships, but ... truly,.. there are better ways to form relationships.
As for the CE, or any other classes, for me Internet is a big winner.
Reasons:
But that's me. And I know great people who can't do it on the Internet. THey need to sit in class.
I have to say it depends on the class. I have enjoyed both, and some are certainly better suited to in-class with interaction from attendees. I can't see the 2 day CRS classes fitting into the on-line format, though.
Jeff
It really depends. The convenience of on-line is hard to beat. Live classes give excellent networking opportunities and I personally like to hear the instructors and students war stories. For me it all depends on my schedule at the time. So my answer is I like them both.
RP,
I`ve done them both. Online courses are OK if you pace yourself properly.
I took a CE class online two years ago and completed it in my spare time at my leisure...
Randy,
I agree with pressing myself for less face time with the computer. Yes!
I do like to network but not for training. Internet gets me thru at my pace. But, we are all different, right?
Randy,
Our CE is only qbout 15 hours every two years and it's a joke...I take it online and complete it in 20 mins. The only thing it's for is any updates or changes since my last one....it's not worth my time to find a classroom to take it...just my humble opinion. Too many years of it also.
I have taken both types, but I too like the classroom better. Besides, they have snacks. (kidding)
Steve - I agree.
Mindy & Jay - The CRS classes are excellent. I have my designation and continue to attend classes and the annual Sell-a-bration conventions.
Sally - You will be waiting a long time.
Jon - I guess my experience is quite different than yours. We must have a better class of instructors and participants in our classes.
Jeff - CRS on-line would not be the same for sure.
Monika - I have taken several on-line courses out of need, but definitely prefer the classroom.
Scott - This year I scheduled everything classroom, except the NAR ethics. I am going to grab it on-line. Being that I have taken it several times, I feel the class would be boring at best.
Mike - That is a good reason to take the break.
Gary - Everyone has a different preference.
Neal - For us CRS and several other good classes count for CE. I take them anyway, so I can kill two birds with one stone. This year we have two required classes on law, having to do with the new law changes from our state legislature that just ended. I definitely want to sit in the class, so I can ask questions.
Steve - The ones I signed up this summer are serving breakfast and an instructor that I have always wanted to take some of his classes.
Randy~
Interesting and valid point about the connections we make with each other in a hands-on environment.
janeAnne - I alwaysforward to networking with the agents in our area.
Randy you make some great points on why taking classes live in person are better. I don't know how someone can concentrate and really learn from classes on the net.
George - I believe that taking it online is just to meet the requirements.
George: I love interacting with other agents, but sometimes I take onliine courses because they are just convenient.
Online courses can be a blessing but they also can be a curse. If you are doing some type of self paced class, I agree totally borng as can be. But if you take the classes offered by Century 21 in the online class rooms you get to connect with many agents all over the country and never leave your chair. A great way to get refferals also! Just a thought.
Jan - I have taken a couple for that reason, but much prefer taking them live.
Jaimie - Good point about the C21 on-line. I have not used that service, although it is available to me.
Randy,
I like better human classes, not computers, I love computers, don't get me wrong, but I love interaction and even with the more sophisticated software or system available today it will not be compared like a human interaction, you are right.
Ray Saenz
Ray - That is how I feel.