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Show for my online class!' After something like this happens, it is usually pretty hard to make a comeback." Online classroom horror stories are common. One student said, 'The first time I ever took an online class I had five other courses and a full time job. I got so carried away with everything else on my platter I completely forgot about the online class. I kept putting it off and putting it off until I was so far behind there was no catching up. I ended up having to get someone to drive me to ASU West. . . to track down my teacher and get his signature to withdraw from the class." While the increased responsibility placed on students can be a drawback, students can also benefit from it if the assignments are structured well. One student said, "I am currently in an online course call Media and Society. This online course . . . makes me stay on top of the reading by outlining each chapter, getting a better sense of the material. ... So far this online class has taught me a lot and I have engaged in critical thinking discussion questions." If students rise to the occasion and accept the additional responsibility of an online course, they can ultimately benefit from it. Con #2: Underdeveloped relationships. While students found it easier to share their opinions and communicate openly in an online forum, they also tended to find the lack of "face time" detrimental to developing relationships with instructors and students. One student said, "I feel like I am missing out on the 'personal' touch that teachers give, like personal experiences, or the emotions that go into the teaching career. Because so much of mass media depends on digital technology, and because the class depends largely on analytical skills rather than physical skills, the online Plus, isn't a big part of going to college meeting new people and interacting with students? How can you do that if you're cooped up at a computer?" Another student reiterated this concern: "The drawback of online classes [is that] you do not know your classmates. When you are in class and need a helping hand, it is easy to turn to your neighbor and swap phone numbers or email addresses for extra help. With online classes, other students are not as likely to help because they are talking to a complete stranger and do not know how well they can rely on them. I know that when I get an email from someone asking for help I am apprehensive because I do not know if I can trust them, and I don't know how responsible they will be with my information, both personal and academic." Interestingly, this lack of relationship with the teacher leads some students to doubt the ability of the instructor to accurately assess performance and grade fairly: classroom is a natural fit. The online classroom may not be a good fit, however, for subjects that are taught more easily with a hands-on approach. "The professor can not see how dedicated you are to the class because they can not see how you pay attention, how many classes you show up to, your participation in the class or very much of your personality. I have always been told that when I write papers I sound like a robot and no personality comes through. I am very opposite in real life. I am outgoing and easy going and I know my writing comes off as uptight and cold." The absence of face-to-face conversation in online courses makes personal relationships between students and instructors difficult to develop, potentially resulting in unsatisfactory experiences in the online classroom environment 10 lessons | fall 2007 |