I have decided to take four classes this summer. It’s crazy because I am now registered at three different community colleges in order for me to graduate this year or at least complete my courses. With COVID-19, classes are not as plentiful (in my opinion) and the classes they do have, fill up quickly. At this point, I am over community college and really want to transfer to a four-year university. I am ready to work on my core classes only. The general ed classes have taken my stress level to 10 and it’s just not healthy. I know it’ll be worth it in the end but right now, it’s messing with my spirit. On top of not being able to get the classes I need from one college, the schools are conducting virtual classrooms using Zoom.
My Geography class started Monday, June 1. To date, I have attended two virtual classes. The hours for the classes are 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and meeting with the professor from 12:15 p.m. to 12:45 p.m. For two days straight, we have had class from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The three meetings overlap and the instructor has so much information on the canvas portal that navigating it is very overwhelming. My counselor recommended him and his classes fill up easily. He has the best reviews so I know I am in good hands as far as learning. The problem is he is not an online instructor. He’s definitely not a “Zoom” instructor. He’s a lecturer and likes to engage with his students. For this reason, he is struggling to keep the class times within the designated time frames. Is it his fault, absolutely not. However, it’s hard. I have so much homework to complete by the end of the week that I’m already overwhelmed.
My other three classes start on June 8 and June 22 so at least it will give me time to focus on my Geography class. I am also taking Social Problems, Statistics and Abnormal Psychology. I’m not even sure if I will be able to keep up with the course load. I may have to withdraw and add one to my fall schedule. I am going to push through at not let it get the best of me. I don’t think that virtual classrooms are very productive to learning. I feel it’s either all online or classroom setting. Even a hybrid class would be better. Right now I know this is the new normal (at least until the end of 2020). Good luck to all the students and teachers who are feeling the pressures of virtual classrooms.
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