Changing the Education Method
The introduction of online courses diversifies options for students and saves them money.
Sydnie Abel
Issue date: 3/4/10 Section: News
Due to recent technology and relatively easy access to the Internet, many students are now choosing to take more college classes online than in the classroom.
However, there is speculation as to whether online classes really offer the same opportunities to learn that classroom classes do.
There are many advantages and disadvantages to online classes. First off, they are perfect for students who either have to work full time or have a family to take care of. Taking a class online allows a person to do their work at their own pace and to do it when they have the time.
Classes via internet are also much cheaper than attending classes at a university, which is a huge draw for many people looking to save on money.
Having taken my fair share of internet classes, one of the things that I find most convenient about classes online is that you don't have to deal with buying books and other supplies because everything is right there on the internet waiting to be downloaded.
Another obvious reason to choose online classes over traditional classes is because you don't actually have to "go" to class; no having to wake up early or having to walk through cold weather across campus to get to a class on time.
Many students feel this way about online classes, but there are also students who favor regular classroom classes. "With online classes, you have the option of pacing yourself, which may appeal to some, but I prefer to be a part of a class so I can fully understand each side of a topic," says KWU freshman Katie Fross, who has taken both online and in-class courses.
Similarly many people find online classes to be impersonal and possibly detrimental to students.
According to Professor Diane Wayman, "A large part of learning is about getting the school experience. Classroom settings are definitely better for interaction between student and teachers, and students seem to learn better when they have that interpersonal connection with a professor".
Without being in a classroom setting, students don't make classmate connections and they also may not completely understand a topic. With online classes it is harder to contact a teacher if you have troubles, and for some students, who need more instruction in order to get certain material, online classes can really be a pain.
The emergence of online classes has created a new way of learning, which has become commonplace in our school systems today.
However, it is evident that there is no right answer in this debate between online and traditional classes.
What it really comes down to is individual preference.
It depends on each person; how they learn best, what other things are going on in their lives at the time, and their financial situation.
However, there is speculation as to whether online classes really offer the same opportunities to learn that classroom classes do.
There are many advantages and disadvantages to online classes. First off, they are perfect for students who either have to work full time or have a family to take care of. Taking a class online allows a person to do their work at their own pace and to do it when they have the time.
Classes via internet are also much cheaper than attending classes at a university, which is a huge draw for many people looking to save on money.
Having taken my fair share of internet classes, one of the things that I find most convenient about classes online is that you don't have to deal with buying books and other supplies because everything is right there on the internet waiting to be downloaded.
Another obvious reason to choose online classes over traditional classes is because you don't actually have to "go" to class; no having to wake up early or having to walk through cold weather across campus to get to a class on time.
Many students feel this way about online classes, but there are also students who favor regular classroom classes. "With online classes, you have the option of pacing yourself, which may appeal to some, but I prefer to be a part of a class so I can fully understand each side of a topic," says KWU freshman Katie Fross, who has taken both online and in-class courses.
Similarly many people find online classes to be impersonal and possibly detrimental to students.
According to Professor Diane Wayman, "A large part of learning is about getting the school experience. Classroom settings are definitely better for interaction between student and teachers, and students seem to learn better when they have that interpersonal connection with a professor".
Without being in a classroom setting, students don't make classmate connections and they also may not completely understand a topic. With online classes it is harder to contact a teacher if you have troubles, and for some students, who need more instruction in order to get certain material, online classes can really be a pain.
The emergence of online classes has created a new way of learning, which has become commonplace in our school systems today.
However, it is evident that there is no right answer in this debate between online and traditional classes.
What it really comes down to is individual preference.
It depends on each person; how they learn best, what other things are going on in their lives at the time, and their financial situation.
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