Story #8

A new competition has come into the picture for learning. Online classes are becoming more and more popular. People have to juggle jobs, family, friends and school and that’s hard. Online classes makes it possible for students to get jobs done and spend time with their loved ones without missing classes or having to be somewhere at a certain time. So what makes online classes so popular and is it a better learning environment?

According to http://www.technicalvocationalschools.com/online_classroom_learning.aspx, “At first glance, online education might seem like an easy and undervalued way of obtaining your education. However, after years of testing and constant studies, online learning is gaining acceptance by the education industry as an acceptable and productive way of obtaining your education. One such study suggests that online learning is actually a more efficient and effective way for students to learn.”

Several students at Anoka-Ramsey Community College said that they liked the online classes. Kirsten Ellison said “I like being able to do the work whenever I have time.” Kirsten is taking two online classes. “I learn better when I can listen to lectures and I’m able to take notes.” Joshua Gloe said “I learn best on my own time. This is one reason I like online classes. I also learn well with visual aids rather than text, or audio.” He is taking four online classes.

Online classes aren’t always great; there are things to worry about procrastination. “I do definitely procrastinate more for my online classes, and this is one of the problems of not having assignments due to hand in on campus” says Joshua. Though that’s not the only problem. “Due to the youth of online learning, there has been little research conducted to evaluate the teaching methods or the effectiveness of student comprehension through an online-only learning environment. Some programs also offer a combination of online and classroom style teaching for the same course. This allows for the benefits of both types of learning to be realized” said the writer of the article at http://www.technicalvocationalschools.com/online_classroom_learning.aspx.

Online classes are best for people who can learn independently according to the survey. If a student needs to ask questions it may take a while for the teacher to respond. Joe Schmitz says that he learns better in the classroom because “Visual leaner...ask a lot of questions.” Joe says “A teacher that understands how to communicate very well.” It’s a two way street. For an online class the teacher needs to make things understandable and the student needs to ask

questions or make sure they understand to turn things in the assignment on time. “A teacher should teach online if they are able convey thoughts well through text, or the internet, rather than through lectures” says Joshua. “One that is clear on their expectations is able to respond to students quickly, and want their students to succeed” Kirsten said about good online teachers.

Online classes are popular but students need to be aware that they will have to keep up with their schedule and communicate with the teachers. These virtual classes are becoming the wave of the future.