Bethany Fischnich (Speicher)
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Online classes gave me a way to make it to my events on time and gave plenty of time to get assignments, essays, or tests done.
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– Bethany Fischnich (Speicher)
I believe that blended or online classes can bridge learning gaps for students as a way to overcome difficulties with academics. Students can fall behind in their academics from challenges that include, scheduling, absence of support, or other obstacles. Online or blended classes can help by being accessible, self-paced learning, cost-effective classes, and support systems. These classes can be accessed easily at home or on the road through technology at our fingertips. The learning is self-paced and can help with scheduling challenges. Some online courses are cheaper because textbooks and fees are limited to an online basis. Lastly, most online classes have online tutoring that acts as a support system that helps students with their subjects that are difficult.
When I was offered to do online or blended courses, I was extremely thrilled. The characteristics that were ultimately chosen were the cheaper prices for courses and self-paced learning. I tend to move very fast in my academics and the self-paced programs allowed me to experience a better learning environment. When comparing my learning experience in a traditional classroom to the time spent in an online or blended course one thing is remotely different to me. Traditional classrooms caused me to have more stress when it came to tests compared to online courses. When taking a test online, I remained calmer due to the environment. I was able to have less distraction when alone at home to focus on each question. Also, I was able to achieve less anxiety without a time limit hanging over my head as I would have in a traditional classroom.
Also, when comparing the two types, I have found that scheduling has given me a better advantage when dealing with school activities and my job. With traditional classrooms, you have to be at a specific place at a specific time. This caused me to stress about making to my job or after school activities on time. Online classes gave me a way to make it to my events on time and gave plenty of time to get assignments, essays, or tests done.
I take courses at The University of Akron. Most of the courses were blended or online entirely. Therefore, I am very familiar with online classes. We used a learning portal called Brightspace. This portal gave easy access to the professor, quickly updated grade reports, and the ability to see assignments due dates whenever we need to see it. This portal is very helpful among others that are used when students take online courses. This is just one of the many ways that online courses helped me achieve my fullest potential at school. Therefore, I believe that blended or online classes give students a new world of learning and can create solutions to struggles found in a traditional classroom.