Madison Holman
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Online courses give me the freedom to work at my own pace and push my educational limits
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– Madison Holman
In my experience of blended and online learning, I have been able to watch students from different backgrounds and walks of life come together to form a community of scholars. Every individual seeking an education is unique, and online learning allows students to expand their horizons to meet unique needs. By seizing the opportunity of the vast courses offered online, students are able to master their passions, discover new interests, and learn at a comfortable pace. Online and blended learning is for every pupil seeking to better himself or herself.
As a senior in high school, I have been able to witness the benefits of both blended and online learning environments, and I have chosen to take a total of eleven of these remarkable classes. The majority of the courses I made the decision to take share similar characteristics. As I attend a small high school, many uncommon classes are not offered at my school; however, blended and online courses have provided me the chance to take them. For example, I will be taking a film appreciation class this spring online through a state university. Because I am able to take this course, I am learning about my passions while earning college credits in high school! I enjoy challenging myself, and these courses exceed my expectations.
Throughout my four years of high school, I have taken primarily online courses and high school courses. I have only been able to experience one blended learning environment, but I enjoyed the time I spent in this class. My first year of high school, I chose to take Spanish I through South Dakota virtual high school. Through this course, four groups of students from four different schools across the state used a program to video call with our instructor each day. At the end of the course, I discovered that I had not only learned a foreign language, but I had also expanded my knowledge on the individuals that occupy my state and my society. If given the chance, I would take a blended learning course again; I do, however, prefer online courses. Online courses give me the freedom to work at my own pace and push my educational limits. Through online courses, I am able to tailor my learning journey to my own needs and desires.
As I have experienced blended learning, online courses, and a traditional classroom setting, I am able to see the benefits of all three. In many cases, I feel as if my learning can be hindered in the traditional classroom setting. I am not able to fully spread my wings to delve into my passions. Learning in the classroom has oftentimes set me back from my goals, while online learning has greatly pushed me forward. While classroom learning is incredibly beneficial in younger years to aid in social interaction, I believe that blended learning and online courses are able to shape the minds of older students. With technology advancing many aspects of life, I believe it can greatly advance the way individuals view education.