Online Real Estate School vs. Correspondence Courses

Here’s a quick lesson in American history. The first known record of distance learning courses was an advertisement listed in the Boston Gazette 290 years ago. Back in 1728, distance learning was done by horseback mail delivery.

This type of distance learning is known as correspondence. Students and instructors correspond through the mail, sending tests, and assignments on paper.

Slow - yes. But for some people, correspondence courses make sense. Let’s find out if you’re one of those people.

Online Classes vs. Correspondence: The Pros and Cons

Both online classes and correspondence are forms of distance learning where the students and teacher don’t interact face-to-face. But there are big differences between online classes vs correspondence in terms of time and method of delivery.

Complete Classes From Anywhere: Pro - Online Classes, Semi-Pro - Correspondence

Technically, you could work on correspondence courses anywhere - after you go home and check the mail first. Online classes give students the true freedom to complete coursework anytime from anywhere. With TREC-approved mobile real estate courses, the classroom is your smartphone or laptop.

Work at Your Own Pace: Pro - Online Classes, Semi-Pro - Correspondence

Both forms of distance learning allow students to go at their own pace. You get to choose when to complete assignments, take tests and move on to the next subject. Of course, with correspondence courses, you may have to wait a few days before getting what you need to move on the next task.

Quick Completion: Pro - Online Classes, Con - Correspondence

When you’re doing something by snail mail the process tends to live up to the name. In contrast, online classes offer immediate access and work can be submitted instantly.

Interaction With the Instructor: Pro - Online Classes

To be fair, both learning methods have limited interaction with instructors. That said, online classes usually give students ready access to instructors via phone, email, messaging, etc. Pick your preferred method. Many correspondence courses provide resources for contacting instructors, but they aren’t necessarily a click away like online classes.

Secure Submissions: Pro - Online Classes, Con - Correspondence

With resources like the AceableAgent app, students are able to save their work as they go. Even if their computer crashes or a device goes missing, the work is saved in our system. You also get confirmation that everything has been reported to TREC. Sending coursework by mail is a lot less secure. You’ll need to make copies of everything in case something goes missing in transit.

Multiple Modes of Learning - Pro - Online Classes, Con - Correspondence

Online classes can incorporate written lessons, videos, interactive quizzes and much more. Being that correspondence classes are on paper, you’re largely limited to one mode of learning.

Are online classes right for you? See why AceableAgent is quickly becoming the new standard for online real estate education.