During my first semester I ended up taking one online class. If this class was in person it would be an easy class to pass but since it is online, on a zoom it definitely makes it harder. Some things that help me understand the class more are listening and taking notes as the teacher is talking, listening to the questions that the other students ask, and going back and listening to the zoom calls because she records and posts every single one of them. I would avoid taking zoom classes because it is very hard to concentrate and listen to the teacher, especially when the internet has difficulties and cuts in and out. If I were to take another online class I would like to do a self-paced class. I already have previous experience with doing an online self-paced class and I ended up really enjoying it. Some frustrations I have is not being able to focus. This tends to be hard because this class is all about focusing and listening to make sure that you get all of the information. I am normally able to listen in in-person classes but since this one is online it makes it hard to. During online classes we go into breakout rooms where we get to talk to other students and answer questions that the teacher gives us. This is hard to do because not everybody is willing to talk and if they are uncomfortable they will just sit there and not say anything. It also makes it awkward when you tried to pay attention in class but just didn’t quite understand what the teacher was talking about and then you get called on in the breakout room.
Next semester I am going to avoid taking online classes. I learn a lot better when I am in person and I also am able to focus a lot better too. Being on zoom calls reminds me a lot of Covid-19 back in highschool when that’s how all of our classes were. Some positive things about taking online classes is that you can do them anywhere. You can do them from your room or even from your house. This has been very helpful since on some days I don’t have a morning class and my first class of the day is my online class. I enjoy not having to leave my room and just doing the zoom call from there. It also gives me time to go and decompress before I have another class after. I also think that if you enjoy taking online classes then this class is for you but if you struggle to focus like me then I would recommend taking all in person classes. Just remember to make sure that you are giving yourself enough time to take a break so you don’t get too overwhelmed.
https://www.tigertimesonline.com/feature/2020/05/school-from-home/#
