Online classes can be beneficial for certain types of students. Say you struggle with being in a classroom setting, or you work better being alone. Online classes can be the perfect fit for you. Most online classes still have a set schedule, just like in-person classes. However, because it’s online, you can work from the comfort of your room, or house, or maybe a comfy place in the library. What could be better than that? Online classes can be great for reducing the distraction of other classmates as well. You can choose to be alone to do your class or meet up with friends while doing your online class. Some online classes are also asynchronous, meaning that you follow your own schedule. Asynchronous classes can have set due dates, and the professor will usually leave online video lectures for you to watch, but you do not have a set class time and can do things at your own pace. This can be very helpful if you have a tight schedule, but need to get more classes in.
The Cougar Chronicle However, these same benefits can also be drawbacks, depending on what type of student you are. If you rely on structure and benefit from set schedules, asynchronous classes can be a nightmare for you. If you get distracted easily, being in a setting other than a classroom may not have the best effect on you. It could be easier to get sidetracked or do something else instead of the class if you choose to take the class in your room, especially if you’re taking it while lying in bed, or a comfy chair in your room. Sleeping becomes much easier as well. Because your camera is off, it’s much easier to close your eyes and drift to sleep, you don’t have a teacher in person to wake you up. Adding to this, because rooms are where you sleep, your brain is more likely to make you feel tired while you’re taking the class. So it can be harder to stay awake and pay attention. Additionally, the lack of in-person classmates can make it harder to make friends or make connections, and who doesn’t want a new friend? When you miss a class, your first instinct is usually to ask your peer for help; however, it would be a lot harder to ask one of your classmates for notes if you have never seen that person and have no idea what they’re like in class.
I agree with the cons portion of this! I like how you reinforced that online classes are more challenging because of learning environment and lack of connections with others. Personally, those two factors are what makes online courses difficult for me. I think you really brought both of these aspects to light in your writing.
I have an online class right now, and procrastination is my biggest enemy for the class. There have been many times where I have put off doing assignments because I can basically do them whenever I have time.
Hi! This perfectly explains everything related to online classes. The pandemic hit right in the middle of my freshman year of high school. It was so easy to join online geometry and fall right back asleep, and miss all of the material. My grades plummeted as a result. I am a learner who relies on guidance and being told what I need to be doing. If I don’t get told what I need to do, I tend to panic and not do anything. I cannot agree with what you wrote more! Great Job!