The instruction quality made the biggest difference. Your ability to interact on line may be constrained by your writing and typing abilities. Online courses require self-discipline. Even when there are definite deadlines, you must make yourself go do the work. Online learning gets easier after you get used to it.
Most online classes use a threaded discussion forum or bulletin board for class discussions.
The way we can see people's facial expressions and hear their voices makes a major difference. You still haven't captured the teacher-student interaction that I get in the classroom. I felt I was more inclined to participate and express myself in the online format, as opposed to the classroom situation where I feel self-conscious about raising my hand. Institutions Students should be able to examine the course syllabus and curriculum before signing up for the course. This allows them to make informed judgments about their ability to do the work.