In college there are many different classes you can take according to your major. Then there are the general education classes, such as math, science and some electives. There are usually a couple of different sections at different times for any given class. Then, there are the classes that for some reason are not offered as an on-campus class. That’s right -- I am talking about online classes. Now you could be the (smart) studious person and have everything done within the first two weeks of class, but where is the fun in that?
There are many people out there that take multiple online classes and generally learn well from them. However, I have found that I would much rather be in class with other students than sitting in front of my computer learning. Before taking online classes, I encourage you to really think about it and ask yourself, “Am I a procrastinator?” If the answer is yes, an online class may not be the right choice for you.
Yes, the professor does make it easy for you to do everything on time, but time goes by fast. I am currently taking two online classes, and guess what? I am dying over here! You might think that it would be easy, but like I said before, if you are a procrastinator you might find yourself trying to do everything the night before it is due, like me!
With that being said, here are the pros and the cons to online courses:
Pros
1. You can sit in bed all day if you want to.
2. You can do the work whenever you feel like it, within reason.
3. You do not have to physically go to class.
4. You can take your time, no need to worry if the professor is talking too quickly. You can just simply replay the recording.
5. Generally you have about a month to finish three chapters and a couple exercises.
6. That being said, you have a month. That is quite a bit of time.
Cons
1. There is not any human connection.
2. If you are a procrastinator, you many find yourself scrambling at the last minute.
3. If you learn by being in class, this is not for you.
4. WAY more reading is required for you to retain all the information.
5. No real office hours, just emailing back and forth.
6. You may spend more money for an online class than a regular class.
So the choice is yours. Is the online class worth it?
