When I started taking classes with Granite State College (formerly CLL), the idea of online classes was just taking hold. The notion that online learning could be just as effective and fulfilling as face-to-face classes was up in the air. I remember there being a lot of controversy about it. Would online classes be more work? What would be missed by not having the dynamic of spontaneous classroom discussion? Would online student-to-teacher interaction limit learning?
Through all of the years at Granite State College, I've taken about ten classes online, and what I discovered was that there's no one way to answer those questions just like there's no way to answer them when you compare different classroom-based courses. Every class is different. Some online courses were much harder and others were easier. Some online courses offered little value in class discussion and some classes were surprisingly insightful.
The thing that I liked about Granite State College is that they offered such a big variety of both types of classes, in addition to weekend intensives and independent learning contracts, so I had plenty of options. Online classes afforded me more flexibility and the opportunity to study subjects I might not have been able to if the course was offered outside of my area.
One thing's for sure about taking online college classes-- "going to school" while wearing my pajamas was delightful!
Through all of the years at Granite State College, I've taken about ten classes online, and what I discovered was that there's no one way to answer those questions just like there's no way to answer them when you compare different classroom-based courses. Every class is different. Some online courses were much harder and others were easier. Some online courses offered little value in class discussion and some classes were surprisingly insightful.
The thing that I liked about Granite State College is that they offered such a big variety of both types of classes, in addition to weekend intensives and independent learning contracts, so I had plenty of options. Online classes afforded me more flexibility and the opportunity to study subjects I might not have been able to if the course was offered outside of my area.
One thing's for sure about taking online college classes-- "going to school" while wearing my pajamas was delightful!
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