Madeline Becker
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The exposure to multiple facets of education has improved my academic ability. After taking online classes, I saw an increase in standardized test scores, and well as more confidence in the classroom.
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– Madeline Becker
There is something to be said about living life with no limits. In truth, there are very few immovable obstacles that could stop someone from chasing their dreams. The key is to look outside the box and realize that perceived limitations can quickly be navigated around. My own pursuit of success required me to work around the limits of my small-town environment. Going to high school in a town of 5,000 people resulted in a school district that offered only a few Advanced Placement classes. Loving a challenge, I knew that harder classes were necessary to bring me greater fulfillment in my high school experience. More than this, I truly sought a deeper education that would prepare me for college and beyond. After voicing this concern to my guidance counselor, I was partially enrolled in the Online Iowa AP Academy. Since sophomore year, I have taken multiple Advanced Placement classes each year. This has allowed me to delve into my interests and create solid plans for my future. Furthermore, I am quite fortunate to have had online class experience prior to the Covid 19 Pandemic. I know that my previous online classes have been the root of my success during online school throughout the pandemic. My participation in online classes also enabled me to take courses through my local community college.
The exposure to multiple facets of education has improved my academic ability. After taking online classes, I saw an increase in standardized test scores, and well as more confidence in the classroom. It is clear to see that online classes have broadened my academic horizons, but how else have they impacted me?
Another benefit to online school is the freedom and the flexibility that it provides. My classes were accessible 24 hours a day which was ideal for my busy schedule. As a person who is deeply involved in high school sports and activities, online classes were a blessing. Oftentimes, I would need to leave school early to go to a game or an activity. Because my classes were online, I didn’t miss out on any instruction time, and could simply do the work when I was available. This choice to take classes online prompted me to get more involved as it removed the potential consequence of falling behind.
The online academy also helped me develop time management skills. When you alone are in charge of meeting deadlines, you become very good at making and executing plans. At the start of each week, I would look at what needed to be done, and then, I would designate a certain time to do it. I found that I really enjoyed this organization, and I have applied it to all aspects of my life. Every week, I plan ahead for school work, sports, social engagements, and more.
The combined impact of increased academic vigor, greater school involvement, and time management skills has better prepared me for my future. As someone who is interested in government and public policy, my online classes involving politics and economics directed my interests, while my participation in student government and other activities increased my social prowess.
Finally, online classes are different from traditional classes in several ways; while this may be cause for adjustment, it is not cause for alarm. The first major difference is the expectation of independence. My online classes had all of the units posted at the start of the semester. Each unit was composed of modules to be completed each week. While there were deadlines, there was nothing to prohibit working ahead. This is a major benefit because it allowed me to work until I was satisfied. Some concepts are better learned in quick succession, which is easily done in an online class. In traditional classrooms, you can not work ahead, even if you already understand the topic being covered in class. The next difference was the limited teacher presence. In my experience, the teacher’s role was to facilitate the class and to grade assignments. Most weeks, the material was self-taught- either through videos or readings. I enjoyed this aspect of online learning because I dislike being spoon-fed answers. The last difference is the assumption of responsibility. In a traditional classroom, it is easy to blame difficulties on the teacher or other students. In an online environment, you are solely responsible for your success or your failures. It is easy to succeed in an online class as there are fewer distractions and a more streamlined education path.
Overall, online classes have been a huge positive influence on my life. They have bettered my academic standing, increased high school participation, and prepared me for a successful future. Online participation has given me greater time management skills and the freedom needed to succeed. I know the skills I have acquired- including increased technological abilities- will help me to succeed in an ever digital world. Here is to surpassing limitations and achieving more than ever thought possible.