Why Online Learning is the New Norm?

It was time to make a choice

As someone who wakes up at six o'clock early in the morning to prepare for her class at seven and sit all day throughout the entire class until four of the afternoons, it was a new change of pace for me when the school had announced for online classes to proceed.

I remember being excited and terrified at the same time about everything that's going on with the world and this new changes that's being laid out in front of me.

When I entered a new chapter in my life, I realize all the changes all around me and how it will leave an impact on me. I have to think of a way to pave my future by choosing the right decision today.

The struggles of face-to-face classes

Studies have shown that waking up early in the morning to attend a morning class tends to make students lose their attention during class hours, feel tired and groggy all day, and impaired judgement that would result to bad decision making. It also has a risk health factor to students that may cause obesity or hinder brain function due to lack of sleep.

A lot of people, especially parents, usually blames technology, computer games, and mobile phones are the reasons why children and teens are staying up late at night and losing sleep when that's not always the case.

There are students that sleeps early and has perfect eight hours of sleep to prepare for the next day, only to find themselves feeling tired and exhausted already.

So, why is that?

There are many factors why a person feels tired in the morning: it can involve with dealing social pressure and responsibilities as their everyday battlefield, mental health issues or an undiagnosed recurring mental health problems, lack of financial support to aid their everyday needs such as transportation expenses, food, school supplies, and other fees to be paid in extracurricular activities since students (like myself) are basically broke and relying on parents or relatives for paying their education, or others who have to work a full-time job in order to attend a class and build their future.

I graduated high school through a Zoom call. I was lost and afraid of what my future would be if I choose the wrong option now. It was time for me to get into college but I didn't know where to start.

I took a part time job to help cover some bills and expenses I need to pay by the of the month since I'm living on my own trying to find ways to help myself and my family since we're neither rich nor poor, just barely getting by.

It became difficult for me to find a right school for me without letting go of my job since I need to sustain my living expenses and rent, even if it means I have to skip a year or two in college so I have enough money saved up.

I was about to give up college and considered working throughout the years until I found a college that suits my every needs. When I told them about my situation, they offered me options that gave me hope.

Luckily, I got enrolled to College of Contract Management, a college of high-quality online learning and took a Web Design course there.

Why I chose to study online throughout the semester?

The College of Contract Management gave me the opportunity to study their online courses without having to worry about spending tons of cash on eating out and commuting back and forth on a bus or train, then end up feeling drained as soon as I fall into my bed. Not to mention the studying, assignments, and projects I have to finish until midnight.

I can wake up early in the morning without having to panic of being late in class. I never have to skip breakfast anymore because of that huge change in my life.

Every day, I am excited and full of energy to attend classes at my own pace without having to stick to an 7AM to 5PM schedule. I love having to manage my time by working a full time job, studying my preferable course, and working on building a future for myself.

The instructors and teachers are friendly and well-rounded individuals who eventually became my role models. They created a deep impact in my life for sharing their knowledge and experiences in their respective fields and expertise.

It has been a struggle for me to learn Web Design and Web Development since I'm not familiar with coding and other technicalities that were new to me. However, my online instructors are patient and kind enough to try their best in making me understand the lessons until I was able to catch up with the rest of the class.

Of course, there are pros and cons when it comes to distant learning, as all things are not perfect.

There's less time for me to spend on meeting new people and social gatherings except family reunions which I always prioritize when it occurs.

Sometimes, my internet slows down and I get disconnected from my online class. I've experienced technical difficulties with my laptop and had to repair it on a shop for a few days that made me end up skipping classes.

Despite the drawbacks I have to deal with when it comes to online learning, it is still worth it compared to going to a class without a few coins to spare on my pocket while skipping breakfast to save money for lunch the next day.

Conclusion

Don't be afraid to make changes and trying new ways to learn and sustain your happiness. When I became a student at College of Contract Management, it became a huge beneficial part of my life. Online learning improved my performance in class, gave me the time I need to earn for a living while pursuing my degree, and becoming financially independent and prepared for my future as a Graphic Designer.