By J.D. Eddy, Editorial Editor
Online college classes have advantages for many people, especially for individuals who are involved in sports or other activities.
When I started my master’s courses, I did not realize the amount of course work that doesn’t happen in-person. I have always been a more in-person type of student. By tha,t I mean I learn easier when my class is face-to-face. I retain information better than when it’s online.
I’m studying things such as discussion boards, analysis papers, reflections and watching the information on a recorded Zoom call. That is what my class schedule is right now. I am playing football again, taking pictures and at the same time writing for this paper.
Having all of my courses on Blackboard is convenient, allowing me to optimize my schedule around these papers I have to write.
Now, I know I have mentioned that there are positives to having classes online. But there are definitely negatives that surround this as well: forgetting the assignments that are due, not checking spelling or having specific feedback on your work, not being able to retain information as well and not being adjusted to the differing workload that you now have.
When I say “feedback,” that is referring to the professor making comments on the post after it is submitted, and this can really affect you. If you are like me, then you do not always check the feedback that shows up on your graded paper.
Most of these assignments show up on Blackboard in your calendar, and some do not, so you have to be adamant and check for the due dates. There are times when we forget that things are due. It happens to the best of us, but most of the coursework will show up on the calendar.
So, do not get lazy and forget to check Blackboard for new announcements about work.
There are ways to offset these negatives. For example: hanging a calendar on the wall where you write down what is due, having a planner you write in daily, setting a reminder on your phone and having your roommate help remind you if you have the same class schedule.
These are just basic things that I started to do so I will not get behind on my coursework. Now more than ever, it is imperative that I get my work done in order to stay eligible. If you are an athlete, you have the same issues: constantly keeping your grades up, not getting behind on homework and balancing this with your social life as well.
This is not to tell you to have all of your classes be online, or to tell you that they need to be in-person.
You as an individual student need to determine what is best for you. This is a way to optimize your school work, stay on top of your grades and balance your life and learning all in one.
As always, thank you for taking the time to read my article and the campus paper. If you want to voice your opinion in the paper, write a letter to Northwestern News. We would all love to hear what the student body or faculty have to say.