Are Online Courses Worth It?
In the time of universities and colleges only offering online classes, are they worth it?
The short answer is yes.
The long answer involves understanding what e-learning is, what the shift to e-learning looks like, and how the Canadian government is handling the shift to online studies.
What is Online Learning?
Well, quite honestly, if you’re in high school or university you’ve probably already encountered different types of e-learning. The use of online learning platforms such as portals, blackboards, or other information-sharing centers to submit assignments, essays, and other work is part of e-learning.
Gone are the days of frantically scribbling down notes as PowerPoints and lesson tutorials are most likely available to students online. Online learning isn’t just Zoom calls as a class, or virtual labs- it’s the use of technology to create a learning environment.
What do University Online Classes Look Like?
They look like normal classes. You show up for lecture time, you sit around with a hundred or so other people, you take notes, and you listen to a lecture.
But what about classes and majors that are hands-on and require creating physical things for their degrees; such as film, fashion design, mechanics, technicians, or anyone in the trades?
Well, universities like McGill, UBC, Ottawa, and others have stated that while most of their classes will be held online there will be a select few that will be done in person.
This means that if you have a major that is 50% theory and 50% hands-on experience, there is a good chance that your university might be having smaller classes in person for your major.
While the effectiveness of online classes is determined by each individual student, the overall information and learning environment remains the same whether in person or online. There are also many helpful resources to ensure that you are set up for success when it comes to learning online.
What about Tuition?
With Covid-19, most students are worried about having the funds to go to university. But the government has created the Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB) to help.
CESB is an emergency financial aid fund for students and recent graduates who have missed out on summer jobs because of the virus, and as of May 15th, you’re able to register to receive funds monthly without having to pay any of it back.
While not a perfect solution, it can be a huge help to those who need it and are teetering on the edge of whether or not to continue their education.
With classes being taught online there’s a hesitancy towards paying the same amount for in-person classes and online classes. But, with the exception of those mentioned above, the only difference between in-person and online learning is how close you are to other people. You are receiving the same education, simply in a different format. You may even find you like it better, as there are many advantages to online learning.
Does it suck that you won’t be able to sit and study with your friends in the quad? Absolutely.
Does learning online mean that your learning will be impeded? No, almost surely not.
Online learning is not a lesser type of learning and is worth it.
Struggling to survive university? Check out our video on essential apps to help you stay organized and productive:
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