Many grunts and grumbles can be heard about why students don’t want to take online courses. “I’ve taken two, and do not prefer them” says Junior Ashley Cormier, who admits that it’s much easier to get confused when taking an online class because you cannot simply ask the teacher questions face to face.
Reasons not to take an online class range from wanting to be in a traditional classroom setting, to being afraid of having no self motivation, “I would never do the work if I was in an online class. I need the structure of an actual class and I like interacting with other students and participating in class” says sophomore Destiny De Los Santos.
However, when it comes to online classes, one must not rule them out without considering the benefits they may have.
1. You can still meet your professor face to face!
Online Classes do indeed allow you to meet face to face with your professor if you find that you need to. The professor indicates at the beginning of the semester what their office hours are and you may visit them whenever you desire. You can also contact them via email or cell phone as many of them give you their personal cell phone numbers to contact them at any time.
2. Never worry about an attendance policy again!
How often do you skip class? If you’re anything like most of the other students here at Plymouth state the constant debate whether or not to go to class or to just sleep in the extra hour and forty-five minutes is a daily struggle, but with online classes you never have to worry about this. Most live classes have an attendance policy allowing you to only miss a certain amount of days before your grade declines, but with online classes you can complete your lesson for the day in you pajamas from last night while still laying in your cozy bed.
3. Commuters save your gas!
If you’re a commuter student, online classes are perfect! Why waste gas driving to Plymouth everyday when you can cut down to three classes on Tuesdays and Thursday and take two online?
4. Complete your class in only eight weeks!
Online classes are often shorter! Most online classes allow you the opportunity to complete them in eight weeks instead of attending the class all semester. If you were to take two eight week classes online, you would only have to worry about three courses for the rest of the semester and still receive your full fifteen credits for the semester.
5. More free time!
Taking online classes frees up your time so you can participate in other activities that may also help you make the most out of your college career such as getting an internship. With so much free time you could easily receive the right amount of hours for your internship in no time at all!
As you can see above there are many benefits of taking an online course. Another benefit of online classes is the option to obtain your degree online! According to the Plymouth State website Plymouth’s”Division of Online and Continuing Studies (DOCS) makes it possible to earn your PSU degree on your schedule” completely online. This option is usually beneficial to students who would rather take classes from home, or have other obligations that prevent them from attending classes on campus.
Although you may at first be afraid to take on the challenge you should definitely consider what other skills you are gaining by immersing yourself into a virtual classroom. For more information on how online classes benefit you as a person overall please visit: http://www.plymouth.edu/online/be-a-successful-online-learner/.