One of Salt Lake Community College’s goals is to make education accessible for all those who want it.
Online classes are an effective way for people who have busy or unpredictable schedules, however, there are still a lot of students who are reluctant to sign up for online classes.
“The online class that I took I think worked really well,” says Jonathan Gibbs, an education major at SLCC. “It was gender and sexuality. I felt like with a lot of reading and the online discussions it worked well, but I can see it being harder, like in math, it’s harder because some people need the one-on-one instructions.”
SLCC offers more than 200 online courses. Some degrees can be completed entirely online, and on top of that, there is 24/7 tech support, free online tutoring, coaching and advising.
“I would take [another online class] because it’s easier with a work schedule. I would say if you think that you can be responsible in actually logging on and doing the work without a class to go to, then take it,” adds Gibbs.
With all these perks, why would people be unenthusiastic about registering?
Many students are just old-fashioned and prefer an actual class time, with the professor being available to talk right after, or before, class. Some simply don’t understand how it works — others are scared they’ll find no motivation to get things done if the class is online. There’s also limited social interaction in online classes, and a need for access to a computer. Additionally, it can take a while before the professor gets to a student’s pressing question.
Classes today heavily depend on computers, regardless of the subject. Most classes use Canvas, where students turn in assignments, questions, emails and even check their calendars.
Keeping that in mind, all classes are already hybrids at least; it is hard to run away from digitization in today’s world.
Professor Perparim Gutaj, who teaches both online and regular political science classes, says he doesn’t see any big gap in performance between them. He says he actually sees some really engaged students in his online classes.
When asked if a student on the fence about taking an online class should go for it, Gutaj says, “If a student has the intention of doing the work consistently then they should definitely try it.”
Students shouldn’t fear online classes. Many students have already experienced a class that is similar, if not the same, as an online class — there is no traffic and the student can access their class anywhere, anytime. An online class might meet or exceed their expectations.
Registration for summer courses is currently underway, and fall registration opens this week. Visit MySLCC for more information.
