Online education
@PATTYCAKE1979 (227)
United States
March 18, 2007 7:57pm CST
Do you think that there is really a big difference in Online education verses on campus? Do they offer about the same? Which would you prefer and why?
2 responses
@adela56 (183)
• Philippines
19 Mar 07
theres a big difference between online education and real school. you see when you go to school you meet a lot of people and then you develop your personality and as well as cammaraderie with other people in other words lots o positive things may happen that will help you develop socially, mentally, and sometimes physically as a person whereas in online education its only between you and the computer imean theres no actual interaction between the people who are helping you build your knowledge its not fun though
@working4theweekend (2403)
• United States
19 Mar 07
I disagree - there is lot of interaction between me and my peers. I'm in an interpersonal communications class and we have worked as a team and met for discussions online, just because it's not in person (face to face) or over the phone, it's not less interactive, it's just different, I found out I have a lot in common with my fellow classmates and have some new friends. I like it b/c it's less stressful than going to class and having to dress up or look a certain way or be cool - you can just be yourself and not worry about what other people think.
@working4theweekend (2403)
• United States
19 Mar 07
I have been taking online classes for two years and there are a lot of important things that you have to think about before signing up for an online class.
1.) Online classes are NOT easier than regular classes. You have strict deadlines, you must log in for discussions a few times a week, and some professors can tell how many hours you spent online for the class per week (and your grade is partially based on participation).
2.) Online classes DO offer flexibility. It is easier to get online at 2 a.m. in your pajamas to do homework than drive to class and have to wear real clothes! You can choose your own hours to study (as long as you meet the minimum # of hours and meet your deadlines) and you can wear whatever you want. You don't have to live in the same town as your school (ie, I live 30 minutes away from mine and only have to go to school 5x/semester for tests for the class I'm taking this semester, some classes you don't EVER have to go to the school, it's completely online).
3.) There is less social pressure with online classes. You don't have to look good or cool. You can relax b/c no one is "watching you". However, you have to be careful with what you say just like any online experience, just b/c you're not talking face to face doesn't give you a reason to be rude or say things you wouldn't say in a normal classroom setting.
4.) You HAVE to be dedicated and set a schedule for yourself. You have to manage your time well. For instance every Sunday I finish up all the assignments that I have due on Monday (b/c Monday is a busy day for me and I don't want to be rushed) and then I make a schedule for the week, of what reading I have to do, when discussions are due (and how many posts I'm supposed to respond to), when assignments and quizzes are due, etc. I then make 2 copies and post one on my fridge and the other one on my cubicle wall at work so I don't forget anything. I usually put the due date 1 to 2 days ahead (ie if something is due on the 15th, I'll write the due date on my schedule as the 13th or 14th) so that I don't have any last minute crisises.
Overall, I love online classes, they allow me to work full-time and go to school and work on my degree (court reporting and paralegal studies). Just make sure you know what you are getting into BEFORE you sign up, most colleges should have a FAQ for each online class they offer, or you can schedule an appointment to meet with the instructor for a particular class, so you can find out if online education experience is right for you.
