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Show or classmates." The relative anonymity of an online classroom can result in less social pressure and fewer personality clashes, thus alleviating anxiety that some students feel in a traditional classroom setting. Pro #3: Control of Surroundings. This was a commonly cited "pro" that I hadn't thought of before asking for my students' perspectives. Some students find it difficult to learn in a traditional classroom setting. Perhaps it's the uncomfortable seats or the lack of air conditioning; maybe it's the need for a quiet surrounding or some background noise. But whatever the reason, students love the online classroom because they can create and control their own physical environment. Here's one of the most colorful descriptions I received: "The online media allowed for me to sit at home and complete my assignments from our exceedingly comfy couch while watching the original version of Miracle on 34th Street, and baking and decorating seasonal cookies. That same class also allowed me to participate while I sipped hot cocoa next to a log fire in Tahoe after taking a few runs down the slopes. If it wasn't obvious, the ability to be anywhere and yet still be in class is one of the major perks to the online experi ence." This student likes her creature comfortsâ€"and she can have them in the online classroom. Another student found the ability to go somewhere quiet a plus: "In a classroom of sometimes 200 students, there are a lot of distractions. This leads to a lack of concentration when people are walking in and out of class, text messaging and talking. If you are at home, in the library or at work, you can control your surroundings much easier." Yet another student found the control of his physical Students are responsible for accessing the interactive website, turning in assignments on time, and asking questions about anything they don't understand. For many millennial students, jumping from high school (where, as one student said, they are "spoon-fed information") to an online course in college is a drasticâ€"and unwelcomeâ€"change. surroundings important because he could control the speed in which he digested information: "You can see all of the information in front of you on the computer screen and take more time to see everything. This works well if you are more of a visual learner than listening to someone talk. In class, you have to listen to your professor and take notes at the same time. They rarely repeat themselves so trying to catch up while listening is difficult. With online classes, the information is all in front of you so you can go back and reread something as many times as you want." If you're looking for comfort, quiet, or time, online classes are ideal. While flexibility, less anxiety, and control of physical surroundings are benefits of taking a course online, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider. Con #1: Responsibility. An online course requires students to shoulder more responsibility than a traditional class. Students are responsible for accessing the interactive website, turning in assignments on time, and asking questions about anything they don't understand. For many millennial students, jumping from high school (where, as one student said, they are "spoon-fed information") to an online course in college is a drasticâ€"and unwelcomeâ€" change. One student said, "Not only do you need to make sure you do your assignments and turn them in, but you need to make sure you're staying on top of when the assignments are actually due and any additional information your professor may have posted online. I cannot tell you how many times a friend has come into my room and said, 1 completely missed an assignment lessons | fall 2007 9 |