Convenience makes for new challenge in online classes
Julija Kaselyte
There are some misconceptions from students that online classes are easier, but many instructors would disagree. In many cases, online classes can be even harder.
Many students are not ready to assume commitment for turning in work in on time.
Students who are enrolled in online classes do everything on their own which is never easy to do.
“Any materials that are made for the class: handouts or textbook reading have to be done by the student, because there is nobody to provide information or a lecture,” said Mark Gooding who teaches English 102 online.
According to Gooding, online classes are equally effective, but a lot of students fail the classes, because they are not committed.
“Students are accustom to: coming to a class, sitting in a class having an attendance policy, someone is telling them that they have to do a new such and such activity by this and this day. And there is no such thing in an online class,” said Gooding.
Therefore, only these students who are self – disciplined enough, follow the assignments, calendars, do not struggle and succeed in online classes.
Gooding also explained that studying and working on your own can be even more productive than sitting in a class.
“For example, let’s take English 102. The primary emphasis is about doing research and writing it, so talking about that in class is not necessarily productive,” said Gooding.
While there are benefits to interacting face to face, online programs can be as useful as regular classes.
“You learn from curiosity, everything depends on you. I completely approve of online courses,” said Gooding.
However, some students believe that face to face interaction between an instructor and a student is important.
Finance student Mark Devine, dropped his online US history class because he did not understand the program and that there would be lectures and notes taken in class rather than online.
“I don’t like online classes, because you can get behind. There is more time to do them, but you don’t get face to face experience with your instructor,” said Devine.
Online classes are intense and require a lot of effort and MCC helps online students in many ways.
According to General Business Program Director, Preston Cameron, any student taking online courses has several resources to help them succeed in online learning: resources center, library, and help center which are available 24/7.
“We have e-learning task force through help center, we support students whether it is access support, computers, or whether it is learning support with the actual courses themselves, we provide faculty with the most current resources and training, “said Cameron.
While online classes require discipline, if students are willing to work hard, there should not be a problem in successfully completing a class online.
