Online summer classes. They provide a chance for students to catch up or get ahead. But at the same time, they can be the bane of our existence. We have to say no when our friends want to go out. We spend family trips in the hotel room writing a discussion post. Some aspects of online summer classes are good, others, not so much. So what exactly are the pros and cons to a summer class?
Pro: You can catch up in our major and get ahead.
Sometimes certain majors require you to come in with a higher math or science then what you were ready for. That means you inevitably have to take a chemistry or math class to get back on track with your major. And it's great feeling to be caught up with the students in your major.
Con: It takes up a lot of free time.
Usually these classes aren't easy. They cram four months of material into two, and we have no interaction with our professors and classmates. We are advised to spend "10-12 hours a week on the course to do well." We don't even want to spend even 10 seconds on school during the summer. Online classes travel with you, so you cannot escape their burden or use a vacation to get away from it.
Pro: You have the freedom of taking less credits during the school year.
If you think that 18 credits in the fall may be too much for you, a summer class is a perfect alternative. You can still feel on-track with your major while taking a manageable course load in the fall-- you could even take a fun class instead.
Con: The class is guaranteed to be boring.
I don't know about you, but I know that I would not take a class that's fun and interesting in a short session online. Online classes provide boring content without the exciting, interesting delivery that can come from a professor. Teaching photosynthesis or the meaning of ancient texts is left up to you.
Pro: Your summer class gives you an excuse if you don't want to do something.
Want to avoid the drama and gossip of a girls night? Need to get out of a date? Your summer class is a great excuse. If you just don't feel like leaving the house, and don't want to be honest, you can simply say you have homework to do. But for me, it's much easier to neglect your studies and go have fun with your friends.
Con: It literally consumes your life.
Speaking from experience, I can tell you my summer class has consumed my life. I don't go a day without doing something for the class. If you neglect your class, it's always in the back of your mind. You can't watch Netflix without some guilt. If you stay on track, you are constantly thinking of the next step in the course. "Free-time" doesn't feel so free, even when you earned it.
At the end of the day, online classes can be very rewarding. You don't have to deal with the stress of taking extra courses during the school year or falling behind in your major. The only downside to these classes is that they consume all of your time and crush your dreams.
Good luck with your summer classes, kids.
