Purple Haze
A look at online classes
By Elizabeth Thomas

February 3 , 2011

_____You might have noticed that the internet is becoming a regular tool in today’s society, whether that is providing us with information, means of communication, or even opportunities to earn a college degree from home. In the case of seniors at Northern High School, online classes are an option for the student who needs to leave school early or wants to finish their class before the end of a semester. Some students claim that there are benefits to doing online classes, but that they do come with a lot of hard work.
_____Students can choose to take an online class in any core subject, such as math, science, English or history, and (based on recommendations from their previous teachers) they also choose the difficulty of the class, such Honors or Advanced Placement. _____Advanced Placement is the most difficult level because the class covers a year’s worth of information in one semester. The work involved in an AP class, such as AP Government, includes many essays, quizzes, discussion boards and book reading. Some students who took AP Physics claimed that this class was especially difficult because they had to do lab reports on their own, some of them lasting about 12 pages. Those who took a less challenging course, such as Honors Government, were given less strenuous material that spreads over an entire year. The class does not have any time limits, but all homework and tests must be complete by the end of the marking period. _____Some find that this can be helpful if one is busy the night before and can finish the class in their free time, but it can also be a dangerous opportunity to procrastinate.
_____So, is there an argument to be said between online classes and physically attending class in school? It all depends on the type of person and what their schedule includes. _____Seniors who have internships probably find it helpful to take an online class because they can leave school earlier and complete the class when they have time. For others, especially those involved in many other activities, it can be a challenge of responsibility to complete so much work in little time. Still, other seniors prefer to engage in an actual classroom environment where they can see their friends and ask questions from the teacher.
_____Regardless, it seems like online classes can be one beneficial option that today’s internet has to offer.