History major Zeke Chavarin broke his knee during the summer and almost didn’t take any classes this fall. He was worried about how hard it would be for him to get around campus on crutches. But rather than get behind, Chavarin decided to take two online classes.
“It’s convenient. The idea is good, especially for non-traditional, injured or disabled people,” Chavarin said.
Trying to balance school, work and a personal or family life, some students are finding online classes a convenient alternative to traditional classroom-style learning.
An online class, or Distance Education, is defined as “learning at a distance from the instructor,” according to the DE Web site. These classes still follow similar time restraints as regular classes, lasting 10 weeks in length during spring, summer and fall quarters, and requiring all work be completed in this time frame. Some classes also have deadlines for taking exams.
“The most important thing is being comfortable with the technology,” DE program assistant Zachary Biggs said.
Because the content of online courses is computer-based, students who don’t feel comfortable using Web-based services may struggle. Biggs said there is some amount of interactivity in many of the classes by use of virtual classrooms, e-mail and group projects.
The DE program is offering 15 online courses this term and 18 during winter term. These classes are open to admitted and non-admitted students — non-admitted students can register through the Community Education Program.
Tuition for online classes varies depending on the admission status of the student, the number of credits the student is taking and whether the course is under regular tuition or self-supported fees.
Biggs said one of the greatest advantages of taking online courses is the flexibility. Online courses allow students to work at their own pace without being tied down to a fixed schedule. Also, the student doesn’t have to be physically in any given area, as the course work can be done from any computer with access to the Internet.
Multimedia major Sarah Giffrow agreed the flexibility is great but said it does require some amount of self-discipline.
“I liked being able to pace myself on things,” she said.
Giffrow has taken one online course but said she would take the classroom version in the future because she likes having a professor talk to the students.
Chavarin agreed, saying the lack of a live instructor is the biggest downfall of online classes.
For more information about online classes, contact DE at 346-4231.