natetastadENGL320

This Fall I took multiple online classes. Online classes can be extremely helpful, but they also have their downsides. One online class I took this semester was pretty similar. This class was AGEC 246: Introduction to Agricultural Finance. It was a class that I took that is required for my Ag Econ major. It was all about providing background in farm and agribusiness credit use and evaluation. Along with discussions of specific financial conditions on farms and in agribusiness. Overall, I learned new and useful things, but there were still some definite downsides.

While there were some aspects of the class I enjoyed, there were others I did not. And I believe that most of what I did not like holds true in most online classes. So, think of this post as a critique less of this specific class, but all online classes. To start, I disliked how exams worked in the class. Exams were on Honor lock browsers and didn’t allow anything off-screen, like paper or a calculator, which is just fine. The problem was that it made it difficult to do much of the math required for the class. The instructor only allowed Excel and online calculators for the exam. This made for extra hassle during the exams which no student wants.

This class also had some other aspects I disliked. When it came to learning the material in this class, or any other online class, it was difficult. Not being inside the classroom makes it much harder to learn than attending class in person. For most online classes I’ve experienced, the student takes the burden of basically teaching themselves the content. It’s not usually the instructor’s fault it’s just what comes with online classes. It’s hard for an instructor to connect with students and pass on information as clearly as they can when it is an In-person class.

Although I don’t like taking online classes, there are some obvious upsides like schedule flexibility and accessibility. In my personal experience, I liked the flexibility and accessibility of an online class. The option to do the work whenever and wherever is very beneficial. You can work late into the night or knock out an assignment right when you wake up. And the option to do the class wherever is so nice. The student could be on a road trip or be on break during work and still be able to complete the class requirements.

Overall, I would try to get an In-person class if possible. The quality of learning is much improved in-person. Online classes are very beneficial for students who need to schedule around work and other activities like sports or clubs. Online classes are not for people who have lots of time and can make it to class daily. Each student should make a decision based on their circumstances. Online classes can be great for those who need them, but they can also hinder students who are better off in an In-person setting.