It was brought to my attention after last week's class, that there seemed to be a divide as to if online assignments were beneficial or not. There were clear points made from both sides. On one hand some students feel as though online assignment are very convenient as they are not required to hand anything in and are able to technically do the work without even being in class. On the other hand some students believe that online assignments handicaps them from being able to really justify their work before turning in the assignment (this directly relates more to science and math classes) and the fact that there is a possibility that the internet server may shut down for whatever reason and leave that student unable to complete their assignment[s] poses another handicap.
Personally I feel as though classes such as math should not have mandated online assignments. Many online assignments will not give partial credit (as showing your work is collateral damage in the process of completing online assignments) and therefore gives physically turning in homework somewhat of an advantage. However, I also believe that with some subjects, like English or Sociology, where writing is frequent and abundant, should have online assignments be mandatory. Online assignments are not only convenient for the student as far as turning in a paper, but are ecologically beneficial for the environment as well, as many sheets of paper and ink are being spared.
The innovative ideal of enabling a student to turn in assignments virtually has become reality and has sparked conflicts almost as complex as the ideal itself. Whether online assignments are a glass half full, half empty scenario one thing is certain, the world is becoming more innovative everyday and many significant, socialized establishments are attempting to keep up, so to speak, with the times.
I totally agree. Depending on the assignment and class it can be a advantage and or disadvantage. I do kind of like the fact that not every homework for math is on paper. But, at the same time i found out that it kind of easier writing something down and turning it in. Also, I personally learn better if i write out something. English subjects should always require online hand ins. The only bad thing about that is sometimes if you have to turn your assignment into safe assign it won't always work. Some teachers won't give any credit to you, even if you emailed them the whole paper.
ReplyDeleteI personally prefer online class than regular class due to my work schedule. I am currently taking one online class(history) and one hybrid math class(most of the assignments are turned in through online, but class meets in a classroom once a week). In my math class, our professor gives us online homework and at the same time requires hand-written homework, tests and projects to be handed in. I think what he does is fair enough. I agree with you that there is a possibility that the server may shut down and leave the students unable to complete assignments.
ReplyDeleteThe benefits of online assignments depend on the subject, the teacher, and the student. I have never taken an online math or science class but feel as though they would be difficult subjects to complete assignments online. Solving math equations or science problems may be difficult to show work unless there are some programs out there that make it easy. However, classes where a majority of the work is written assignments and papers are easier for online assignments. But ultimately it comes down to the teacher. I have had teachers that still barely know how to check their email and then there are teachers that can make corrections to papers online without making a mark on the hard copy. I personally like online quizzes and exams that have the answers programmed in because it produces an instant grade after completing. The technology and ability is there in order for online assignments to have more advantages than disadvantages, but do we understand how to use it in order to maximize the advantages?
ReplyDeleteIn my chemistry class this semester, we have assignments that have this type of homework, not because of the material itself, but because of how the program is setup. The online system does not facilitate easy use. Superscripts, subscripts, scientific notations- all of these have codes that you have to put in. I find it takes longer to input all the information using this method. In math classes and some science courses, I think it's important to have a paper trail of the work you've done, as you're able to review. Also certain programs will not allow you to continue to the next problem unless you've solved the previous, which sucks if you want to skip a problem and come back to it. I agree that certain classes are better suited for online work. I took a hybrid English course and I thought it was very well structured, and user friendly.
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