For Taking Online Classes - 1

Good afternoon, thank you for allowing me to speak about a topic so relevant

to our education. Since we are moving towards a technology-focused age, it is

apparent we know how to use online databases. One online class can benefit with

time, teach more than class content and technology hacks. I want to give a quote

given by e-learner professional Bernard Bull. (Pause) In order to create an engaging

learning experience, the role of instructor is optional, but the role of learner is

essential.

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My first reason includes more flexibility and time for other responsibilities. Theres an

old saying, Time is of the essence, and for college students, that is our campus

motto. With other classes, jobs, organizations and our personal life, online classes give

students the freedom to learn and complete curriculum at their own pace. Each

student learns a different way, and online classes give time to understand the course

material and focus on different responsibilities respectfully.

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Entering into college, students have a background of prerequisite classes such as basic

U.S. history, pre-calculus or even intro to drama. If its not something youll use in the

future for your major, time could be spent on more interesting classes and ones

pertaining to your area of study. If you still need a general education course, why not

just take it online? (Pause) Before I state my next reason, I want to bring up the topic

of cost. Its no stranger to us, online courses cost more than traditional courses at

South Alabama.

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In the college of arts and sciences, web courses cost nearly 100 dollars more than

traditional style classes for 2017-2018 expenses. My question is, are you willing to pay

more money for a class you may or may not learn from? (Pause). To counter this

argument, I personally think online classes are worth taking if it will benefit you in the

long run. Students could be paying out of pocket or have student loans, but taking an

online course gives you more flexibility to strive for a higher GPA and not fall behind

on graduating.

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Since were focused on the long-run, I would like to present my second reason,

technology. Technology is going to be a major tool for the future. Everything in the

media nowadays has a technology base, and online classes teach us more how to use

it. Ill admit, trying to engage online with other students is difficult. Theres lack of

social interaction, self-discipline and vagueness to these courses, yet it is important to

keep in mind, technology is the root of communication and networking for todays

world.

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Our concentration, strategic communication, focuses on learning to

communicate to the public in all types of ways. If we arent able to efficiently

complete assignments for an online class, how will we be able to manage online

databases (Give Examples: Facebook, Hootsuite, etc.). This leads to my final reason.

Online classes teach career skills within the professional world. When we graduate

college, we wont have a professor to create deadlines or give exams and assignments

to complete. We are relying on our own deadlines and capability to get the work done.

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Online classes teach students how to be responsible and find other ways to

obtain information. Students who take online classes might even become immune to

the laziness surrounding an online class. I understand theres more to college than

studying and learning about trivial information, but what we take away from these

courses carries over to how we work and learn in any subject. Working in media, we

are going to end up using online skills in more difficult situations. Even if it is a

meaningless art history online class, it will teach us the skills needed to succeed as

communication professionals, (Pause) just in another way.

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I mentioned at the beginning of the speech where professors dont make the

learning experience engaging, its the learner. I agree with this wholeheartedly. The

only way to gain the information and benefit from a class is to input yourself to learn

how youre going to do your job in the next year or two. Ill say again, each person

learns differently and we cant all connect with the professor or method of teaching.

However, what are we going to do the next time our supervisor gives us (emphasis on

one) one (Hold up one finger symbol) day to learn new material and all of it is online?

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The one online class I took for my current major was Communication

Research with Dr. Rockwell. I had heard this class was going to be difficult and

contain confusing material. Yet, I needed this class to get back on track to graduate on

time. When summer classes began, I went into this course already having negative

prejudices. I looked at the first assignment post, and it read, write a story arguing

whether you believe or dont believe in ghosts. I made a 95 on the paper. I left the

class gaining new skills and a better outlook on online learning.

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Online classes are flexible, they remind you how important technology is, and

they teach you important traits to excel in any professional atmosphere. College class

structures may change, but the actual content and the role of a learner doesnt. We

need to be proactive in adapting to different styles of teaching. Its difficult, I

understand, but take an online class not for what you will learn, but for how you will

learn.
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References

Barrington, Kate. (2013). Are Online Courses Better Than Traditional Classroom Courses?

Community College Review. Retrieved from

https://www.communitycollegereview.com/blog/are-online-courses-better-than-traditional-

classroom-courses

Chamberlin, Jamie. (2009). Are online classes for you? American Psychological Association. Retrieved

from http://www.apa.org/gradpsych/2009/11/e-learn.aspx