Students, faculty offer different viewpoints for online classes

Returning students are finding ways to decrease their work load, increase their GPA, and make more time for studying.

They have turned to taking online classes, but not everyone is taking them.

"Online classes cause more stress," said Steven Logan, a junior business management major from Forest City, N.C.

Online classes give students the ability to work at their own pace without feeling rushed or overwhelmed by the workload. Students who have chosen online classes are trying to find a new method to pass classes, but for others, it has turned out to be the contrary.

"I have heard a lot of bad things about online classes, most of my friends have failed them," said Kelsey Mobley, a junior mass communications major from Gastonia.

Instructors of online classes are as available to the students taking their course online just as they are for students taking classroom courses.

"Some are more determined to understand the information since they do not have a classroom to attend. If I had to estimate the percentage of online students that I actually have contact with it would be approximately 8 percent," said Jeremy Lane, a mathematics professor.

"I like online classes, but I would rather be in a classroom for classes like math," said Tiffany Walls, a junior biology major from Shelby, N.C.

Others have different opinions about online classes.

 "Online classes would be great; I won't have to walk up all these hills every day," said Bianca Smith, a junior molecular biology and biology technology major from Fayetteville.

Lynette Wood, an accounting professor, does not conduct any online classes and does not plan to in the future. She said she believes that students learn better in a classroom.

"They [online classes] are manageable for any student, non-traditional students as well," said Aisha Martin, a junior health care management major from Lexington.

Martin has two online classes this semester.

"Most online students tend to be non-traditional students.  Older students often take a different interest in their work than traditional aged students," said Sonya Miller, an English professor.