Online College Course

College students should consider benefits to online courses

Higher education continues to change at a fast pace to keep up with the everyday demands of both traditional students and adult learners. Whether it’s through traditional classes, hybrid offerings or online courses, there are a variety of avenues for which a student can further their education.


More and more college students are selecting online courses as a part of their regular college curriculum. According to eLearningindustry on net, about 46 percent of students took at least one course online in 2014.

“With the popularity of online courses increasing, it has been necessary for colleges and universities to adjust to the demand,” said Dr. Leslie Worthington, dean of academic programs and services at Gadsden State Community College. “In the fall, we had over 2,800 students taking online courses.”

The number of courses offered online at Gadsden State has increased by 20 percent since the fall semester of 2014. This summer, the College is offering 74 online courses, from U.S. history to basic math to physical science to general psychology. Students can still register for Summer Mini Session III through July 7 with the first day of classes being July 8. Registration will be open for traditional courses as well as online courses.

“We are seeing an increase of students taking online courses because they can learn how they want, when they want and where they want,” Worthington said.

The benefits for taking online courses are many:

Comfortable Learning Environment

Students are sent lectures and other materials electronically.  “Materials can be reviewed and assignments completed in the comfort of their own home, a library, their office or any other comfortable, quiet place,” she said.

Enhances class discussion and student concentration

“Students who are reluctant to speak up during class may increase their interaction during online class discussions or chats because they’re uncomfortable talking face-to-face,” said Dr. Teresa Rhea, dean of enrollment and retention. “Online courses allow students to concentrate easier because they are not distracted by others or by their surroundings.”

Flexibility

“Online courses allow students to juggle a full-time job and a family while furthering their education,” Rhea said. “Because the classes are not on a set schedule, students can plan their study time around the rest of their day.”

Promotes self-discipline

It is important that students not procrastinate in fulfilling assignment requirements or completing tests while taking online courses.    “You don’t have a teacher at home telling you to go online and study,” Worthington said. “You have to be self-disciplined enough to take responsibility for your studies.”

Credits transfer to other colleges or universities

Students from other colleges and universities can take Gadsden State online courses to save time and money because the credit hours will transfer to public colleges in Alabama.  “Students at other colleges who are not taking classes this summer or are taking a light load can take an online course at Gadsden State for $136 a credit hour,” said Laura Swann, director of career transitions. “That’s much less than they pay at four-year colleges or universities. They can also earn college credit while enjoying their summer vacation.”

Individualized instruction

Student in online courses have direct access to instructors via email and other online media.  “Students have the ability to ask more personalized questions; questions they may be reluctant to ask in a traditional classroom setting,” Worthington said.

Career advancement

Online courses can lead to certificates or associate degrees at Gadsden State, which will advance a student’s career.   “They can advance their career by taking online courses while they work part-time or full-time jobs; while they’re between jobs; or while they are raising a family,” Swann said. “No matter what you’re doing, online courses enable our students to continue their day-to-day activities while pursuing academic credentials.”

Improves technical skills

Online courses are offered at Gadsden State via cutting-edge technology that allows students to learn in a virtual classroom that includes video lectures, online texts and libraries and discussion forums. “Taking an online program can also advance virtual communication skills so that you are ready to conduct business from a virtual office if that’s the path you choose,” Worthington said.