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Online Classes are easier for me to attend due to the convenience of flexible hours, the savings of time and money, and technological edge. Every morning I wake up and make my coffee, log into my computer, and check into my online classroom. I post answers to discussion questions throughout the week, write research papers, take weekly quizzes, and read my textbook all online. I actually enjoy this time. I get to wear my glasses, slippers, yoga pants, and cozy sweater, rather than jeans, boots, make-up and contacts. I don’t have to carry my backpack, find parking, or miss my cat.
In my experience with online classes, I have found that the level of difficulty is equal to that of the traditional classroom. Online classes present the same level of challenge, but they are much more convenient. No set time is established for when and where you work. Courses are accessible from any computer, and usually twenty-four hours a day. I am able to plan my study time around my day instead of the other way around. I can listen to online lecture late at night when the house is quiet, or during the day when everyone has gone to work. I can pause, replay, and skip as much audio lecture as I want.
Last night I took an exam at ten p. m. This was after a day of on campus classes, a dentist appointment, and a work shift. I knew I could fit the fifty minute timed exam in my day somewhere, but the flexibility of being able to have it done by midnight made my day flow with ease. The online classroom allows me to save money on textbooks and gas. I drive a suburban that has a huge gas tank, and takes nearly a hundred dollars to fill. Instead of driving forty minutes to campus five days a week, I meet face to face with my online class for three labs, and the final.
My lab teacher created her own Lab book designed for online learning that saved me $150 dollars on the traditionally required lab book. Because Online classes save time and are flexible I am able to have more time to earn money. I feel balanced knowing I am not falling to far behind financially. Also, I am gaining more experience with Technology. I am exposed to the latest technology, potentially giving me an upper-hand upon entering the workforce, where knowing new technology may quickly affect my success.
Emphasis is placed on developing skills and knowledge in technical areas that can have practical value in the workplace. Scanning in homework, listening to audio lectures (much like a taperecorded classroom), submitting assignments to an online dropbox, and emailing my professor are done on a daily basis. I have developed problem solving, time-management, critical thinking, communication and teamwork skills via an online community. Online classes work for me primarily because I am already a non-traditional student.
I’m thirty years old, have an Associates degree, and I used to learning on my own. I do not need the structure of a regularly scheduled class to make sure that I am organized enough to complete my assignments in a timely manner. From my work as an Assistant Buyer and Retail Manager, I am already skilled in the self-motivation and drive necessary to stay on top of online classes. Additionally, I am one hundred percent committed to completing my education as quickly as possible and willing to put in all of the work necessary to do well.
Online classes do not get cancelled. During snowstorms, colleges may cancel classes. This can hurt students who are on a tight schedule. People who learn online do not have to worry about cancelled classes. Even if their Internet service shuts down, a friend, or the library has the internet and they will still be able to complete their assignments on time. When colleges cancel classes, those classes have to be made up. This may cause the semester to run longer or the class may run longer in some cases. Since classes are online, students do not have to attend classes.
For those who work full-time, this will save time, and make scheduling events in their lives much easier. Students will also not have to find parking spaces, leave work early to go to class, or miss family time. Lectures and other materials are sent to the student who will then read them and prepare to take quizzes and complete assignments. Students will never have to visit a classroom. Students will be able to plan their study time around the rest of their day instead of the other way around. Studying at nighttime or in the morning is up to the student.
It is recommended that students try to develop a study routine if they can. Having to work and attend classes at the same time can be very stressful. Online classes remove the stress by allowing students to learn when it is convenient for them. During snowstorms and thunderstorms, colleges may cancel classes. This can hurt students who are on a tight schedule. People who learn online do not have to worry about cancelled classes. Even if their Internet service shuts down, a friend, or the library has the internet and they will still be able to complete their assignments on time.
When colleges cancel classes, those classes have to be made up. This may cause the semester to run longer or the class may run longer in some cases. For those who work and have families, every second counts. In most online degree programs, students will not have to take elective classes unless required by their major. This allows students to study specifically what they need to learn for their job. For many students who want to focus on information relevant to their major, this approach will save time and help students earn their degree faster.