The following is a guest blog post from a former online health student who attends Neuqua Valley High School. In this post, the student shares her thoughts about participating in a virtual course by offering answers to seven questions. Thank-you to the student for sharing!
1. Why did you enroll in the online class?
I enrolled because I have never taken an online course before. My curiosity about learning online and the opportunity to try something different led to my decision.
2. What aspects about online learning did you appreciate and why?
I enjoyed the flexibility the most. I loved working on homework, tests, and projects based on my schedule. It provided me with extra free time, and I also learned a lot about time management and prioritizing.
3. How did you interact with your teacher and peers? Did you feel like you were learning in isolation?
I chatted quite frequently with my teacher. She stayed in contact with the students using email, and discussion boards. The discussion boards allowed us to talk to every other student in the class. I didn’t feel disconnected from the class because I talked to so many students on the discussion boards. My teacher was always available for help when I needed it.
4. What were some differences between the online and your brick and mortar courses?
Scheduling was the biggest difference. In a traditional class, your classwork and homework center around the teacher’s schedule. What I liked most about the online class was the ability to work on my own time. I could spend time doing much work on the weekend or stretch out the work during the week depending on my other classwork and activities.
5. What advice may you offer for students new to online learning?
You can’t procrastinate. Your teacher tells you all the work you need to do each week and you are in control to get it done. Doing all the activities at the last minute won’t work just like it won’t in a typical classroom setting.
Also, stay in contact with your teacher and ask them the questions you have. Don’t be afraid to share your opinion with other students. If they’re all saying “A”, say “B” to start a discussion. You will learn a lot more through discussing topics with the class.
6. Based on your first online course, would you take another at high school or college?
Of course! I found the online classroom to be a lot less stressful than a traditional one! I had a lot of fun being in it!
7. What was your favorite assignment and why?
I liked the financial planning project. It was a real eye opener to the realities that alot of teens experience in their lives.
To learn more about the online environment and the options you have for participating, please visit www.eloconsortium.org.
