College is a wonderful experience.
Ever since I started college at Francis Marion University, I have been given incredible opportunities to meet interesting people, participate in exciting events, and learn new things, not just about the content in my classes---but also about myself.
One thing I have learned about myself is that I do not like online classes.
Granted, online classes are great for a number of reasons. They are convenient, as you can do the work assigned whenever you have time. For some people, it can be more comfortable to take online classes because there are less distractions and less pressure on appearance. The information in the text can be broken up into pieces or you can read thorough the chapter in one sitting. You have time to take through notes and reflect.
Online classes are great for some people, but not for me.
When it comes to my personal learning style, I need the discussion that comes with an in-class setting. It is one thing to read about a concept hypothetically, but hearing examples and relating the information to my own life is another.
When I am seated in a classroom, I have my professor and fellow students to discuss concepts and ideas with. If I don't understand a key term or phrase, I can request clarification in real time. If I had similar confusion in an online class, I would have to email the professor, try and explain what is confusing me, and wait a few hours for an answer. By then, the chance to make a connection to the course work might be lost.
In a real classroom setting, it is also more obvious what the professor wants me to retain for his or her class. An online textbook can give me a wealth of knowledge, but only a professor can highlight the concepts most needed.
I am a social creature. I enjoy making conversation and listening to others. A computer screen can not give me that. I might be able to watch videos that accompany my textbook, but the prerecorded clips cannot replace human interaction.
Overall, I can see how online classes can be good and why some people are eager to sign up for them. It's convenient, flexible, and allows for more focus on the text. However, I personally find myself being more involved and better able to retain information in a classroom setting with a professor and a dozen or so students. I find this method of learning better-suited to my personality and what I need to be successful in a course.
The college years offer students the chance to not only learn about the world around them, but to also learn about themselves.
What have you learned about yourself during college?
