by: Michelle Barnhart
In addition to a wide variety of on-campus classes, Parkland College also gives students the opportunity to learn online. According to Student Population and Demographics, 1,642 Parkland students are currently enrolled in at least one online course. Of those, 841 are taking classes exclusively online.
The online option is becoming more popular, but why? What do students like about online classes? What do professors like about them? What does each group dislike about them? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each?
Hannah Zercher, a second-year Parkland student who takes many online classes, says that online schooling is more convenient for her.
“I prefer online classes simply because it doesn’t restrict my work hours,” she said. “My work schedule changes every week, so I have to accommodate for the time I lose to do schoolwork. Being able to take a class on my own time lets me balance classes and work.”
Despite preferring the online setting, Zercher admits there are downsides.
“I like that I can do the assignments on my own time, but it’s also easy to forget the class because you don’t have to physically go to it,” she said. “And some classes allow you to turn in all the assignments at the very end of the semester which can be stressful for those who, for example, have busy schedules and put off assignments more than others.”
Olivia Moline, another second year Parkland student, has different feelings about online courses.
“In my personal experience, I prefer classroom classes over online classes,” she said. “When you’re in the classroom with the teacher, you get that one-on-one experience. It really helps when it’s a science class or a math class and you’re able to go through problems on the board.”
Moline further explains that being on campus with a professor is beneficial, because students will know exactly what is expected of them and can ask for clarification right away if needed.
“I would only suggest online classes for people who feel confident that they can do all the work on their own,” she said.
As well as students, Parkland staff members have their own views on how online classes compare to campus ones. Ted Powers, a psychology professor who has been teaching online courses for about three years, says he prefers classroom settings by a landslide.
“I love the classroom situation. How a question from one student can lead to questions from others, how you can address the issues of your students immediately, and how you can overall connect with your students”
“I love the classroom situation,” he said. “How a question from one student can lead to questions from others, how you can address the issues of your students immediately, and how you can overall connect with your students. And there is research showing that when students make connections, they are more likely to complete their classes and persist toward their educational goals.”
Better communication is another reason why Powers prefers campus classes over online ones.
“You get feedback that is much more difficult to get from the online format,” he said. “For example, I can see the faces of my students and see if they look confident, bewildered, et cetera.”
Personally, Powers finds it more difficult to connect with students and feels uncertain that he has communicated information effectively online. But despite his love for the classroom, he acknowledges how online courses are beneficial for students, as well.
“The upside of online classes is accessibility,” Powers said. “For those who have full-time work family responsibilities, et cetera, it may be the only way for them to take certain classes.”
Ultimately, how students and staff feel about online classes versus classroom ones is impacted by a variety of factors, including personal preference and availability. By offering both online and classroom settings, Parkland College is better equipped to meet the needs and wants of students and staff alike.