Samantha
Is Online College harder than IRL College?
I have been taking online college class for a few years now. However, I start at SFA in the fall of 2019. Will IRL classes be a lot harder? #college-advice #college #college-bound
3 answers
Lillian Wang, LMSW
Lillian’s Answer
It's hard to say without knowing exactly what classes you're talking about. Both the hardest and easiest classes I have ever taken were both online classes. IRL college classes vary just as much--some are incredibly difficult while others are a breeze.
However, now that your classes are in-person, the most life-changing advice I can give you is to take advantage of the in-person format by going to your professor's office hours to ask questions or clarify class material. Professors that see you often will remember your name/face and see from your presence that you are dedicated and are working hard to do well in their class. This can make the difference between a failing grade vs. a passing grade. Additionally, if you get to know the professor well, that's a future recommendation letter for scholarships/jobs/graduate schools as well.
Richard A.
Richard’s Answer
In person learning gives you the advantages of being able to see, hear, and touch things in your classes. You can participate in labs and meet other with whom you can study, which can improve your learning experiences. However, this also comes with the disadvantages in the form of distracting peers. Having a more accessible social life while living near classmates can distract you from your learning if you don't have the discipline to set time aside for yourself to study.
There are also more disadvantages to in person learning that are the benefits from online classes. Online classes are much more convenient to schedule, and there is no travel time involved. You don't have to account for these things if you can learn from the comfort of your room.
Furthermore, it certainly depends on what type of learner you are. Some people have a much easier time with physical assignments rather than completing them electronically. Some people appreciate the chance to speak to professors in person, while the presence of a teacher can make others nervous.
Overall, whether or not online college is harder, whether or not those advantages outweigh the disadvantages will depend on what type of person you are.
Meridyth Mazer
Meridyth’s Answer
Hi Samantha,
This is a great question and has been followed by some good advice. Please consider your learning style when taking classes online or IRL. We all learn differently and we need understand how we can learn best to get the most out of the class. Do you like to see things written down? Do you learn by listening? Do you learn by putting things together? Classes IRL and online are similar in which they both require reading, writing papers, group work and so on. It takes a lot discipline to learn online. The one big difference is the in class time which will be mostly lecture. Make sure to fine tune your note taking and study skills as some of the things being said may not be written down in any of the books or resources.
Find your learning strengths and work with them to make sure you get the best experience in your college classes. Good luck!