ONLINE CLASSES: PUTTING EDUCATION ON THE LINE?

If you have ever taken an online class, you are probably familiar with the formula: Create a Journal entry, make a discussion post and respond to two others, and other similar things. Personally, I think some of you – like me –believe that online-only classes are not the best way to learn.

While online-only classes are a great option for those who need flexibility and can’t commit to a time slot to physically come into class, I think in-person classes should be prioritized over online classes.

This term, I have two MHCC classes that are online: There was no other choice but to take them online. I believe Mt. Hood should have at least one in-person section of the class available, before adding online sections of the class.

To increase the number of students registering for in-person classes they could also make these classes hybrid ones – where each student has the option to attend the class over Zoom, or in person. It’s a format the college has already successfully tried.

Here are some of the reasons why I believe online classes are less effective for learning than in-person courses. One of the biggest advantages, in my eyes, for taking an in-person classes is having a face-to-face lecture with the instructor and being able to bounce ideas off each other in real time. When you move into the online environment you lose the in-person connection.

Instead, you learn mostly off the text and videos posted to the Blackboard class platform. You lose the collaboration and ability to ask and get answers to your questions in real time.

Personally, I absorb information better when it is told to me instead of just reading or listening to it. Online sessions also erode the chance to really communicate with your peers in the class. When people taking classes need to study, many turn to their peers to help study and work on homework. However, it is harder to approach classmates over the internet. This makes it harder for people to study and succeed in these classes. I must address the elephant in the room, though: What is stopping people from taking online classes and cheating? In short, nothing.

Nothing will stop me from going on Google during an exam on an online test and finding the answer. This obviously lowers the effectiveness of learning because you are not actually learning the material.

However, cheating is the student’s choice. The problems outlined earlier are more of a problem with the format itself.

It is important to understand that online classes do have a place in education. They provide individuals who may not otherwise be able to attend Mt. Hood the opportunity to take classes. They make college classes more accessible, something we should be striving for.

The problem for me comes when I am forced into online classes where I am getting subpar learning experience, as explained above. That is why I believe classes should have at least one in-person section before adding an online section. Another strategy that could be used is having a hybrid class that meets in-person with the Zoom option.

To provide the most effective education to more students, Mt. Hood Community Colleges needs to provide more in-person classes.

What are your thoughts on online classes? Are you sick of them, or do you prefer them? We want to hear from you. Fill out the survey so we can gather the campus’s thoughts on the issue.