If you have never taken an online class before, you may hesitate to register for the first time. One of the reasons could be that you think that online classes are more complex, but actually, the way online classes function is pretty simple. You have to submit the assignments just as you have to submit for a ‘normal’ class, that is electronically.
The difference is that while you have to present for classes on campus, for online classes you have to videotape yourself. When I was taking an online class, at the beginning I would videotape myself and then watch it. I was ending up trying about 7 times to do the same recording until I decided to let my speech flow naturally on the videos and submit them right when I finish.
Moreover, an online class is not really interactive but I cannot say rather this is a good or a bad thing in general because some students enjoy class discussions while others do not. However, one thing you definitely need to consider prior to registering an online class is that they need more independent study compared to classes on campus. So, online classes give you more flexibility but if you are a type of person who needs more engagements to be more organized, you may see yourself procrastinating for online classes. I have taken only one online class at the University of Arkansas.
From my experience, I can say that online classes do not give you the benefits of having someone explain things to you. The graduate school itself is about independent study, yet unlike online classes, in person classes give you the benefits of having a professor explaining things to you and hearing their opinion on the topic, which in my opinion is extremely important. Hence, there are pros and cons about taking online classes and it all depends on the type of person you are. However, I, personally, am glad that I had to take only one online class because on-campus classes have been much more effective and beneficial to me.
-Marigona, M’Ed 2016
