Many students at OHS have been choosing to take online classes, whether through Aspire or Rio Salado, for a number of reasons. From freeing time on a schedule, to reducing stressful environments, or simply not having to interact with other students, any reason is valid.
Aspire and Rio Salado are both programs that OHS offers for students to participate in classes online. One program Rio Salado offers allows students to take classes throughout their high school career, while also gaining college credit that counts towards an associate’s degree–which is also called dual enrollment. Meanwhile, Aspire allows students to take typical high school classes and electives online, instead of in-person classes, or in addition to. Regardless of what program students take, both allow students to personalize their schedules.
“I got to choose another elective I wanted, and it gave me more credit for classes,” said London Jackson, sophomore.
In addition to helping students reach the needed number of credits per year, online classes can also assist in furthering a student’s academic plan by helping them achieve more than the minimum amount of credits. However, this convenience can come at a cost to some students who may find online classes to be more stressful than their in-person counterparts, whether due to digital coursework or otherwise.
“I wish I took it in person because it was a lot. It applied more [stress] to my schedule,” Jackson said.
Underestimating the work and dedication an online class can take may be detrimental to finishing the course. With that said, that does not mean that in-person classes are free of causing stress for students.
“Sometimes I do have some stress with many classes or assignments, especially classes I’m not good at,” said Mia Lopez, sophomore.
The key to limiting the stress induced from classes – whether in-person, online, or hybrid – is to find a balance.
“I don’t think [the stress] has been too bad. I think it’s just learning how to balance taking online classes and in-person classes,” said Jaquelyn Samora, junior. “Learning that balance can help let the online classes not overtake you.”
Finding that balance helps reduce stress. Part of managing a healthy balance between classes is staying on top of assignments – something that online courses, such as those at Rio Salado, allow a student to do thanks to how the work is assigned.
“The workload online, you can prepare in advance what you want to do–you see your schedule for the whole week, and you can go in and pick when you choose to do everything. I think that is huge with the workload,” said Cindy Garraway, OHS and Rio Salado teacher.
The increased workload that online classes bring can certainly create questions and confusion for students, which makes contact with a teacher crucial.
“I like in-person classes a lot better because you get the attention needed. I think reaching out to teachers, [and]the teachers online definitely respond, but getting that attention, you know, that one-on-one in person [is helpful],” Samora said.
For students who prefer the collaborative environment that the classroom brings, an online class may not be something that they wish to include in their schedules. On the other hand, independent students who do not need much outside assistance and wish to move at their own pace may benefit more from an online environment.
“People who like to work a little bit more independently and individually might thrive more in an online environment, but those who like the aspect of collaboration, teamwork, and needing direct access to the teacher at all times […] would probably like the in-person class better,” Garraway said.
All in all, stress can be found in any classroom, regardless of whether it is on or off a screen. For those interested in gaining more credits – may it be for an earlier degree, an altered schedule, or otherwise – as well as those interested in a course where they can take things at their own speed, then online classes may be beneficial; though each student must come to their own conclusion.
“Even though I might experience some stress with in-person classes, I wouldn’t take any online. They seem stressful and more work for me,” Lopez said.
