Online classes and programs have existed since long before the pandemic but the lockdown made colleges emphasize them and make them more accessible. Now that the pandemic is declared over not every class is available to take online.
Delta College offers 60 different online degrees or certificates. As technology has developed over the years, with apps such as Facetime and Zoom, it can be easier for students to learn virtually.
Students who work full-time or have a family to raise may find it easier to enroll in online classes instead of in-person classes.
Justin Largent is a full-time student at Los Medanos College in Pittsburg studying fire science in hopes of becoming a firefighter, and he has a job. Largent said that online classes are easier for him.
“Although some online classes are harder than in-person classes, I find it easier to do online because of my busy schedule,” Largent said. “In order to do online, you have to stay engaged and have good time management skills which I feel are skills I already have.”
Many would argue that in-person classes help them stay engaged in school and that you will learn social skills from going to class in person that can benefit your future career. Going to class in-person was the traditional way to learn and some students had trouble during the pandemic when everything was switched to virtual learning.
Julie Martinez is a full-time student at The University Of Montana in Missoula, Mont. She is majoring in economics and hopes to go to law school after she graduates. Martinez likes the idea of being in a traditional classroom.
“I’ve always benefited from having a set schedule then making time for myself,” Martinez said. “Going to class in person and interacting with fellow students and teachers is just way better for me than having virtual class and it’s just what I’m used to.”
One big difference between Martinez and Largent is their schedules.
Martinez’s number one focus is school because she is unemployed during the school year, while Largent works a full-time job.
Teachers’ opinions are very important too, as an engaged professor can always help a student that seems unengaged.
Delta Communications Professor Tyffani Upton Benton teaches seven different classes at Delta, six online and one in-person.
Upton Benton said she doesn’t particularly have a preference between the types of classes.
“I enjoy both; they are both offering approaches to allow students to hone the skills of both work and social dynamics,” she said.
Online does offer some benefits, she said.
“Being able to offer a high level of flexibility to students is very important,” said Upton Benton. “Being online eliminates distance and spatial barriers if a student must travel, it can come with you and it also offers a better work-life balance.”
Upton Benton has some advice for professors trying to teach an online class.
“Students have become more comfortable with remote learning and can thrive,” said Upton Benton. “Yet in order to do so I would advocate online instructors offer Zoom or Team meetings as needed for students that prefer a visual of the instructor.”