Good Essay On Online Writing Classes

Following the American Psychological Association’s Guidelines

Kate Keifer’s thoughts on students and online classes are thought provoking. Keifer examines the revolutionary direction online classes have pushed education toward, but questions if it is right for every person, as well as every subject. Specifically, she wonders if online classes give students the right environment for writing classes, allowing them to interact, thrive, and ultimately learn as they would in a traditional environment . While Keifer is correct in many of her examinations, and online classes do not present the best environment for some to better their writing, it is not true for all students. Furthermore, she makes assumptions about online classes in general, painting them negatively for those who live chaotic lifestyles, but still wish to continue their education. Keifer’s speculation shed light on the truth about online classes, but it is false that they are a negative asset to education in general.
While many of the arguments made were difficult to ignore, Keifer herself stated that online classes were initially designed on an individualistic format . Those who were less likely to interact in class, but were self-motivated, were more likely to excel in online classes. The idea is backed up by research published in Journal of Advanced Academics . While the author has seemingly has nothing but students who did not reply to discussion boards, nor engage with one another during the writing class, this is only further proof that the students do not want to interact. This is not indicative of their writing skills; and a further assessment would be needed. Moreover, Keifer’s decision that online classes in general are markedly an unspoken failure because some of her students were juggling her writing classes with a family, or a job is critical. One of the primary appeals of online classes is it is an education that one can work into their schedule . Granted, the individual she speaks of that wanted the classwork forwarded to her so she could travel around Thailand for a semester to work on “her” writing was too far . However, for the students who genuinely want to better themselves while living chaotic lives, online classes are a well-informed alternative.
It is difficult to understand why Keifer, and educator, is supportive of individuals who are trying to get an education by any means necessary. She is teaching a writing class, and understandably, the students should be writing. Nevertheless, some writing courses are required for general education standards. Students may be forced into taking her class simply to attain an Associate’s Degree in order to move on to their chosen major. Also as an educator, she must understand that part of the education system and by sensitive to the idea that future chemists may not have the desire or drive to write several paragraphs about themselves in a discussion board. They are not there by choice, but merely out of obligation, which is just another admirable stepping stone in their educational careers because it would be easier for them to give up. I am willing to submit that the marketing behind online classes is not always admirable. However, it seems clear that Keifer should recognize how difficult it is for many to get an education, that online classes are many individuals’ only option, and be supportive of her students.
In sum, Keifer has a firm understanding of how many students act when entering an online writing course. She is justified in her displeasure as an educator. However, painting with such a broad brush is inappropriate. She devalues her own arguments completely when she states that many individuals who take online classes are self-motivated and less likely to interact with others. Knowing this, she should not expect her students to interact very much with her, or one another. Furthermore, how much they choose to share about themselves or their chosen major should not be indicative of their writing skills, nor of how much they will be able to learn throughout the course. Instead, individuals who are attempting to get an education while using public computers, or juggling work and a family should be admired. While some of the points Keifer made are valid, many of her statements simply sound like whining.

References

Keifer, K. (2007). Do Students Lose More Than They Gain In Online Writing Classes. In K. Keifer, Brave New Classrooms (pp. 141-151). Peter Lang Publishing, Inc.
Yang, Y., Cho, Y., Mathew, S., & Worth, S. (2011). College Student Effort Expenditure in Online Versus Face-to-Face Courses. Journal of Advanced Academics, 619-638.