By Chase Toy
My experience as a fully online student at Tri-C has been very unique and multifaceted. It has offered a level of flexibility and autonomy that is unavailable in an in-person learning setting. Online learning makes it easier for me to find a balance between school and other activities. I’ve had the ability to more or less make my own schedule but unfortunately, there are some significant challenges I’ve faced as an online student. Unfortunately, there is often a lack of communication with professors and peers, and it can be harder to stay motivated and focused. There are also the occasional feelings of isolation.
I was homeschooled all the way through high school, so my experience is probably different from most because the self-directed nature of online learning is something I was already accustomed to. However, I also did my entire first year of college in person at the Western Campus at Tri-C, so I’ve experienced learning in both online and in-person settings. College-level coursework introduced new challenges that required me to enhance my time management and organizational skills. I had to learn how to create a structured routine. Setting specific goals became crucial to staying on track with my studies.
Probably the most significant challenge that I’ve faced as an online student is the limited interaction with professors and peers. In an in-person setting open conversation and immediate feedback is readily available but online communication is oftentimes much more formal and infrequent. To counter this, I’ve made a conscious effort to actively engage in discussion boards, attend virtual office hours, and do my best to keep an open line of communication with my professors via email.
Coping with feelings of isolation is another hurdle that I’ve faced as an online student. The absence of face-to-face interactions can sometimes lead to a sense of disconnect. To combat these feelings, I actively seek out opportunities to engage with other college students and with my peers. I stay as active as I can in my life outside of school as well as in my student life so that I’m never feeling isolated. It is helpful to stay involved with fellow students who are also navigating the struggles of college life.
Having experienced both in-person and online learning at Tri-C, I can appreciate the unique benefits and challenges of each setting. Both experiences have contributed to my growth as a student, and I’m grateful for the skills I’ve learned to combat the challenges of each learning mode. Overall, my journey as a student at Tri-c has taught me the importance of self-discipline, proactive communication, and finding balance in a flexible learning environment. These lessons will undoubtedly continue to shape my academic and professional endeavors in the future.
