Ditch classes, go online

We’ve all been there.

Sitting in a classroom for almost two hours listening to your professor read from a PowerPoint presentation that’s already posted on Blackboard. If not for an attendance, you most likely wouldn’t show up.

Rather than wasting time in these classes, a better option is moving these classes to online only.

With highly accessible technology and tuition at an all-time high, this seems like an efficient alternative.

With the recent pending $500 million budget cut to the CSU systems, tuition could be raised by as much as 32 percent starting fall quarter 2011.

These costs do not include other expenses such as books, supplies and parking permits that need to be additionally purchased.

In addition to the flexibility and ease of use, online classes are considerably cheaper for students and the university in comparison to classroom instructed courses.

To start, students would spend less gas traveling to school. Now that the gas prices are higher and expected to increase, driving to school has now turned out to be an expensive hassle.

Online courses could also offer more opportunities for students urgently needing a class. Not having to be limited smaller enrollment capacities, students could get their classes done on time with no setbacks.

Some students I surveyed in the library and Santos Manuel Student Union agreed that online courses would be easier and more timely.

“It’s self-paced and timely,” said student Phil Morrison. “I took all my prerequisites at Barstow Community College online and found it easier. As long as it’s all online and not having to go back and forth it’s fine.”
However, there are mixed reactions among students and professors about the option of having more online courses.

“I would not say they work best for me,” said Psychology professor Kenneth Schultz. “I am doing it primarily to help students who are not able to attend regular on-the-ground classes. I personally would prefer to do in-person classes.”
People who opposed the idea of online classes believed that you learn more attending class rather than completing work through a computer.

“You have a better chance of learning in class,” said student Bridgette Garcia. “Online you get distracted.”

By distracted, it could mean browsing the latest videos on YouTube, checking e-mail and even replying to comments on your Facebook wall instead of finishing school work.

“I don’t think I’d like it,” said student Korben Corbett. “Teachers being there clear up what computers can’t.”
Though taking classes online has its flaws, I feel that they are necessary for many classes. More particularly for those classes in which PowerPoint lectures are the primary educational method.

“I would like to see a few more online options for students, but my personal preference, would be to continue to have the majority of classes be in person,” said Shultz.

I couldn’t agree more with Schultz. There needs to be involvement to make one’s college experience an actual experience.

General classes where 200 plus students don’t get any face time with professors or interaction with students should be online, while major specific classes should always be in class.

The entire school shouldn’t be turned to a complete hybrid campus; however, more online classes should be offered to save time and money for everyone.