We are in 2016 and are improving our technology everyday, but this doesn’t mean I want my computer to replace my classroom. Online classes are appearing more and more, and to be honest I think they are taking away from the beauty of actually attending college.
For starters we have to pay MORE money to NOT go anywhere! Yeah, because that makes sense. I already have had to take out loans to attend college, now you are telling me I can watch your lecture in bed with my pajamas on for a higher cost?
I rather get up and go sit in the real class room. Mainly because it will force me to be present and have the opportunity to pay attention. In other words, I cannot procrastinate going to class, but if its online I can make that whole month of class be an evening at the library- that is a plus for some. However, that typically means I do worse on the exams after.
I will say though, one of the most frustrating things is what happens if I have questions about the material. How am I supposed to ask my professor or teaching assistant? You either want me to wait till office hours or send it via email; but I am a visual and auditory person, an email simply wont cut it for your explanation for managerial accounting.
Not to mention, people say we millennial’s are glued to our phones, iPad’s and other electronics, but I often make friends in classes. Class is a place where we ask each other for help and form study groups, and now I know more and more classes are introducing online forums and discussion boards to increases interaction as a replacement, but its not the same. While behind the computer I have no problem responding to Madison’s forum about international business, but besides that we wont interact any further; and that is the sad truth. Whereas in class, whoever I’m sitting next to becomes my pal for the day who I ask questions to and discuss notes with, like normal people.
In the end, online classes try to virtualize the college experience, but if that’s what we wanted we wouldn’t attend universities like Florida State or University of Florida. We come to school for the full thing, from football games to activities at the union, and this includes going and sitting in a class with upwards of 500 students. I personally wouldn’t trade this experience for anything. Now maybe I should start going to class...
