Pace Paw Print

Ever wonder what it would be like to just sit in the room, go on Facebook, check e-mails, have music playing in the background, and get three credits for it? It is called an online class.

Online courses have never really been spoken about, due to the fact that they were never really offered much up until recently. Although there is much controversy and questioning about how much can really be learned from an online course, but one would be surprised.

What some do not realize is that information for research papers, term papers, and even just simple essays is retrieved from the web. Learning online isn't anything new. People do this everyday, even by simply reading the news, and they just don't realize it.

So what's the difference between searching the internet and taking a class on Blackboard? Not that much at all. The situation with Blackboard is that many people consider it a hassle. The funny thing is that it is so easy, and people tend to think it is too complex due to its simplicity. Everything is mapped out and laid out on the side bar. The Assignments tab, Course Documents, and mainly the Discussion Board tab are the most used functions. For nursing majors, Blackboard is something used constantly.

Freshman nursing major Yukiko Watarai states that "It's much more convenient because everything is laid out for the students."

When taking an online course, Discussion Board is probably used the most. This is basically the classroom. Although Blackboard may seem that it does not get personal enough, it does. Unlike in class, it allows students to speak up. For some students, class discussions can be both discouraging and intimidating. Many feel that speaking up and stating opinions is just going to make them look like an idiot. When it comes to taking a course online, students have the power to read others' posts and either agree or disagree with them, without having to stress about it.

Another good thing about Blackboard is the freedom to simply do whatever one desires during class time. Unlike a real class, online classes never really have a set time. Deadlines have to be met, which makes it a normal class, but it's much more lenient. Students can research answers to the discussion questions and check Facebook and e-mails all at the same time. That's the magic and beauty of an online course.

The freedom that online classes offer is a major perk. Many professors are strict about having food in class, and students obviously can't listen to music or pick up that ringing phone. Online, students can do all of the above and much more.

Although there are a lot of positives, just like everything else in life, there are drawbacks. Many people already have a negative outlook on Blackboard, and some of these reasons may tell us why.

When taking an online course, it is difficult to get in contact with the professor. Unlike in a regular classroom where students and professors can talk one on one, online classes are strictly web-based; no office hours. Another problem is the Digital Drop Box function. Many users have encountered problems with this, even students in regular classes. Students have to send the professor assignments through Digital Drop Box, and often times it does not work. Not even that, but many times through Digital Drop Box, one feels that they are sending it but only to realize that they just saved it to the Drop Box. And yes, the professor will penalize students for this despite the students' best efforts.

Another problem with Blackboard is simply Blackboard itself. With the new Windows Vista, there have been problems logging in. Many students have had to complain because some Professors depend on Blackboard to notify students of assignments. Things have been resolved and DoIt has even put a message directly onto www.blackboard.pace.edu as soon as one tries to log in.

The last complication with online classes is the fact that DoIt is always working on the Pace site, and on occasion, Blackboard is down when the assignment is due and professors either do not realize or are unaware of this issue.

"They expect you to always post on the Discussion Board and you always end up doing more work than in a classroom," said junior Reuben Petty. Petty makes a valid point, but it's like that with all online courses, and it goes back to real classrooms. Discussion Board equals class participation. If one doesn't speak up, how can they prove that they understand what is being taught?

"I took four online courses in high school, I'm not scared of taking an online course. You just have to be disciplined. I would only take it if nothing else fit my schedule," said sophomore Vanessa Bairos.

Students often take online courses during winter and summer sessions as well. Since many students aren't from the area, online courses are offered so students don't have to worry about commuting or yet again dorming during their break.

Online courses seem to be a popular alternative, when nothing else fits the schedule. In reality, online courses are pretty much what students have always seemed to wish for. It's the freedom to do whatever you want, and at the same time students are learning and doing the assignments. So, why wouldn't one sign up?

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