Education Mentor

Every virtue demands a sin. Every cause requires an effect. This is the truth of all things — even education.

Online courses are without flaw: this is the assumption of students. Their convenience, ease and immediacy ensures that knowledge is earned without delay. This can’t be denied. It can, however, be countered with certain realities – all of which must be noted by those who are just beginning their university paths:

Lack of Aid

Online college classes seem perfect. Their digital boundaries offer isolation, ensuring that all knowledge is secured without the usual complications (the slow-minded classmates and weary professors). They ensure that communications are instant, allowing students to decipher words at their own pace. This is an undeniable advantage, but also a potential concern because there’s a lack of support found in virtual classrooms and many may be overwhelmed. Information must be mastered alone. This can be challenging.

Scheduling Difficulties

Balance is the intention of online courses, with students able to interrupt their normal schedules with occasional classes. An education is earned through designated blocks of time (rather than devoting entire days to campuses). This is a value – but also a worry. Students may discover that redefining their lives is problematic. It becomes the duty of the individual, rather than the school, to stress the need to study

Distractions

Battling statistics from home is ideal. Online college classes allow students to stay within the comforts of their living rooms, memorizing facts without the traditional concerns. Those concerns can be replaced, however, with other distractions – the virtual world, family and more. Without classroom structure focus is difficult to achieve.

Expectations must be reshaped for online courses so that students recognize potential concerns and prepare for them. This will offer success.