intro blog

My Experience as an Online Student

Past Online Classes

Last semester, I took an online courses, and it turned out to be a mix of challenges and unexpected benefits. I decided to take it online because I was working full-time and needed the flexibility to balance my job with staying on track for graduation. The class covered consumer behavior, digital marketing strategies, and social media analytics—all topics I was genuinely interested in, which definitely helped keep me motivated throughout those hot summer months when I’d rather have been hanging out with friends.

What I Loved About Online Learning

What I loved most was the flexibility to structure my day around my own schedule. I could watch lectures at 10 PM after work or knock out assignments early in the morning when I’m most focused and productive. The discussion boards were actually more thoughtful than in-person classes because everyone had time to really think through their responses instead of just blurting out the first thing that came to mind. I also appreciated being able to rewatch lectures when I didn’t understand something the first time—that’s a luxury you don’t get in a traditional classroom. Plus, not having to commute to campus saved me so much time and gas money, which was a huge bonus .

The Downsides I Experienced

Still, I didn’t like not getting quick feedback or feeling disconnected from my classmates and professor. If I didn’t understand something, I couldn’t just ask a question and get an answer right away. I had to wait for emails or office hours, which sometimes meant I invested hours working in the wrong direction. I also felt isolated since I never really got to know my classmates beyond their posts on the discussion board. I missed the relaxed chats before and after class that help you build real connections. Sometimes, it felt like I was just completing tasks to finish the course instead of really interacting with the material and the people.

My Strengths as an Online Learner

I’m pretty self-motivated, which really helps with online learning. I don’t need anyone to push me to get my work done, and I’m good at managing my time and keeping monitor deadlines. I use a planner and set reminders so I don’t miss anything. I also like that online classes make you communicate clearly in writing, which has actually improved my career communication skills in ways that I didn’t expect. Working on my own and solving problems by myself has made me more resourceful and confident.

Where I Struggle

My biggest challenge is that I’m a social learner. I do best when I can share ideas with others in real time and feel the energy of a classroom discussion. In online classes, I sometimes procrastinate more because there’s no set routine or physical space to put me in a school mindset. I also have trouble staying focused during long video lectures since it’s easy to get distracted by my phone, social media, or other open tabs. Not having to show up in person makes it easier to put things off until the last minute, which doesn’t lead to my best work.

Would I Do It Again?

If I had to take that class again, I’d probably still pick the online version, but only in the summer when I’m working full-time and need the flexibility. I prefer live classes because I get more from face-to-face interaction, and going to campus helps keep me focused and accountable. I chose the online class because it fit my summer work schedule and was the only way to stay on path for graduation without losing income. The experience showed me I can do well in online classes, but I have to be more intentional about it.

What I’ve Learned About Myself

Going forward, I’m trying to contact more to classmates and professors to build the connections that happen naturally in regular classrooms. I’ve learned I need to give online classes the identical structure as in-person ones by allocating fixed times to watch lectures and do assignments instead of just fitting them in whenever. I’m also working on cutting out distractions by setting up a study space and using apps to block social media while I study. Online learning has shown me I’m more capable and disciplined than I thought, but it’s also made me realize I need to work harder to stay engaged and connected. It’s about knowing yourself and adjusting your approach to use your strengths and work on your weaknesses.

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