Online College is Convenient But Not Easy

8/13/09

Many people think that on-line colleges are easier and more stress free than a traditional college. However, one who has experience can tell you that while attending an on-line school may be more convenient, it is anything but easy – or stress free. My intent is notdeterring people from attending on-line college, but to promote the employer’s acceptance of hiring an on-line graduate, and inform people of what an on-line school is like. I cannot speak for them all; I can only speak of my experience.

I have spent the last two years and eight months as an on-line student. I graduated the associate’s level class of 2009 with great pride! Few of my family have graduated high school, let alone college. Pride is not from accomplishing something that was easy or stress free! Pride comes from struggling to stay with college, run a household with 3 children, work full time, clean, shop, pay bills, and find time to give that 100% to studies. I continue on-line studies in the bachelors program as the class of 2011.

Easy Classes ??? 

Classes are easier to attend on-line because there is no need for day care, travel, or popularity contests. You don’t have to do your hair and make-up, you don’t have to wear the newest fashions, or pretend to be someone you’re not. But they are not necessarily easier to complete. Classes are cheaper on-line because there is no day care expense, if staying at-home, and there is no fuel cost to get to school.

Traditional college classes are taught or lectured by the instructor, there is a class discussion on the topic and then you read further. There are many multiple choice tests given to see how much of the material you retained, a paper or two, then there is the final exam.

In on-line classes, the instructor’s role is more of that of a team leader, keeping things moving along. The instructors offer minimal assistance which is delayed by email reception and response times. The best way (with out tests) to show students are retaining, understanding, and applying what was learned, is by writing papers and the occasional power point presentation.

Similar to traditional schools, the students essentially teach themselves from text books, articles, and research. However, on-line, students are to write a paper applying what they have learned each week, most papers range from 1,200 – 2,500 words.