Online classes: it seems like most people either love or hate them. I'm one of those people who's somewhere in-between. There are pros and cons to them, and the decision is definitely yours alone, but there are a few things I believe everyone should know before signing up for their first online class.
1. You basically become your own second teacher.
Don't take this the wrong way - I'm not saying that your professor won't be teaching you at all. Along with the assignments, tests, quizzes, etc that you'll be getting, you'll also be given ways to learn in place of the lectures you won't be attending in person. This can include video lectures, notes, reading assignments, etc. For some classes, this can be pretty great. But for the subjects that aren't your best, maybe not so much.
You might even find an online class in a subject you typically do well in to be a bit difficult. It basically comes down to what type of learner you are.
2. You have to be extra responsible.
Being responsible (even if it's just a little) is needed to help you get through college. But it's even more important when it comes to online classes because it can be so easy to get behind. Your in-person classes can easily become the ones you focus on the most, which makes sense. You have to meet in class on certain days and times and your professor reminds you of assignments and tests. But for your online classes? You have yourself.
You'll most likely be able to view all of your assignments and when they're due from the beginning, but it's up to you to keep up and remember everything.
3. You don't get as much free time as you might think.
A lot of people take online classes because they think they'll have more free time. And maybe that can be true. But the thing is, even though you won't have to take the time to sit in a class room every other day, you still have to put just as much time into the class as the in-class person ones, if not more.
We tend to not realize how much in-person classes help relieve us from the work we do at home; probably because we still have so much of it. But because you won't have lectures in person, you'll have to make the time to watch them online, read notes, read books or whatever means your professor uses to teach you without actually seeing you face to face. So even though you don't have a set time to be in class, you do have to make time yourself to do all of the things you would normally do during that time. So even if online class don't technically give you more work, it might feel like it.
4. You may need to reach out more to your professor than usual.
If you're a shy person like me, you probably manage to get through class without having to go out of your way to ask the professor for help. That probably won't be the case for an online class. Whether it's due to unclear instructions, a mistake on an assignment, technical problems, or just questions about the class in general, you'll most likely have to reach out to your professor via email more than you normally would. But don't hesitate to reach out when you need help.
Online classes aren't for everyone, but they are still pretty great, even if you don't prefer them; you don't have to show up in person on certain days and times, you can do everything at your own pace and around your schedule and some classes just seem better online. But even if you don't want to take an online class but have to, don't stress too much. Sure, you have to be more responsible and maybe even work harder, but if you try, you can do it!
