If you like the idea of learning differential equations in a zebra-print onesie, online school may sound like a dream. How about never having to sleep with your eyes open while others are finishing their presentations? One of the best qualities of online classes is that they enable students to set their own pace. Also, an online course’s content is, in most cases, entirely accessible. Perhaps most importantly, the kid who taps his pen behind your desk isn’t there. But what’s the price of learning in a zebra-print onesie?
Online courses are for visual learners. In high school, I took Advanced Placement (AP) Art History online, and the online aspect matched the content. Art is visual, and each work of art was presented in its full color online. To me, it was great to have access to the art at any time, not just during a certain class period or in a textbook’s dulled color.
However, discussion-based courses are not fun in an online format. Posting to asynchronous discussion boards limits students, because by the time someone responds via an online discussion board, the momentum of the initial thought is lost. Having a group discussion online can be slow and aggravating, especially since tone of voice doesn’t come across in writing. Italics only do so much! Even when they are used, there’s no way of telling whether someone is using a word sarcastically or not.
Many of my friends back in Florida didn’t like the idea of working on the computer alone. Frankly, it isn’t perfect — not even for me, an introvert. I missed interacting with other students and a teacher whose face I could recognize. I often did work more efficiently without distractions, however pleasant those classroom distractions might be, but that situation could mean depression for someone else. It really depends on personality. Of course, if an extroverted person is extremely motivated to complete a course online, he or she can make it work. It is definitely something that can be done, although it is probably not the most satisfying course option for social butterflies.
What about technical problems? Since the class and its content are online, don’t computer issues ruin the entire learning experience? That certainly is a valid concern. Maybe computer issues drive people to frustration when it comes to online courses, but I think this concern can be applied to homework in a traditional course experience as well. Most of our actual work is done online, and computer problems can easily hinder our getting stuff done. As part of a college culture, we primarily type our essays and conduct our research online. Whether or not the computer malfunctions doesn’t make a difference, because much of the homework component of both online and traditional courses is in a Word document or EBSCO.
In my case, my schedule’s flexibility was worth the annoyance of computer problems. I could take a job in the afternoon and plan to do my homework around that schedule. Being able to take a test whenever I wanted took some of the intimidation factor from the teacher and gave it to me. It made me feel independent. At the same time, I wished that someone else told me what was best to do when. With online school, my learning was on my shoulders. It was my own responsibility as well as my own burden. If my academic performance was lacking, it was because of me.
The good thing about online courses is that they allow students to contact their teacher in different ways. Some instructors prefer texting, while others prefer that students give them a call or join a Blackboard session to discuss a problem. What’s even more essential than how teachers communicate with their students is that they respond to students’ questions. Physically going to class several times per week forces the instructor to acknowledge a student’s questions. If that student were to ask to meet with the professor via telephone, the question may not get answered before an entire week passes. It’s just another thing to consider.
My main point is this: the price of pajamas depends on what you’re willing to pay. If the cons seem trivial to you, online school is probably worth the risk. If not, say goodbye to zebra-print!
