Lake Superior College, or Nah?
by Sarah Jackson
The decision to go to school can be hard. This is especially true for those of us who need to work or have families that require our attention and care. When will you find the time? How will I balance this with work and my family? Everybody is busy. It’s just the way of the world now. Personally, I have been able to maintain three part-time jobs, a full-time course load, and taking care of my three children and pets thanks to the flexible learning options at LSC. At Lake Superior College, you are offered the flexibility to take classes in-person, online, or a combination of both. This allows busy parents, employees, and traditional students alike to personalize their experience at LSC, making the dream of being a college graduate attainable for a wider array of people! I would not be able to maintain all of these responsibilities while getting an education if it wasn’t for the flexibility that this great school offers.
So, how will you decide if online learning is right for you? There are a lot of factors to consider. One of the most important things to think about is whether you have self-discipline. There’s no classroom to attend every week, where a teacher will clearly outline what you must do day by day. You need to have the motivation to log on, figure out what you need to do, read the materials, and turn in the assignments on time. This can be hard for people who have not yet mastered self-discipline. I, personally, find it helpful to log in Sunday evenings or early Monday mornings and make a weekly to do list, picking dates I’d like to have assignments done by with the due date outlined. This way I can look at it all on one page, instead of navigating through each section of each class to find out what needs to be done day by day. As someone with a busy schedule, this really helps me to stay focused and organized throughout the week, while balancing my home and work life! Your teachers will be there for you via email or during scheduled meetings if you need assistance or clarification, but there is a lot of independent work you are expected to do, which may not be right for everyone. If you are on the fence, I suggest taking a few online classes mixed in with a few in-person classes, to see which one suits you best.
Another advantage to online learning is the flexibility! With online classes, you don’t have to show up at a certain time, you can participate in education on your schedule. Do you have a sick kid? I do right now, as I write this from home! Not having a set class time with online classes really works for people who already have full lives outside of school. At Lake Superior college, online learning enables you to customize your school experience to you and your family’s needs. I would not be able to attend school if it wasn’t for online learning, but its not for everyone.
There are some downfalls to online education that must be considered before making that commitment. There isn’t anyone in front of you, on a weekly basis, reminding you of what to get turned in before the next class, so it takes a lot of intrinsic motivation, and discipline to get to the work done. Also, I have found that there is typically a larger amount of homework compared to in-person classes, to ensure that you are learning the material, and making up for the discussions you will miss within an in-person class. If you aren’t self-motivated or think you might lack the discipline needed to work independently for the majority of your time in school, then online classes might not be the best option.
No matter what your education path is, there are a variety of options to make it happen at Lake Superior College, online learning being the most flexible. This method of learning truly makes it possible for those who might not have been able to attend due to other obligations in their lives, and I am living proof that even the busiest of people can prioritize their education and still have a full life!
