How does leaving school early sound? To go home, kick off your shoes, plop down on the couch, open your computer and…go to class?

Online classes, now offered at PVHS include World History, US History, and Gov/Econ.

The online program is predicted to grow to include a greater number classes in the future. Chris Wilson, an AP European History teacher on A days, doesn’t physically attend school on B days to teach his online courses.

So how does this work for the students? According to Wilson, “students can work from any mobile device of their choosing either at home or on the go.”  

Students use the website FuelEd for information including their textbooks, PowerPoint slides, workbooks, discussion forums, tests/quizzes and assignment due dates.

Though the course and tests are completed online, students are required to be at school in Wilson’s classroom to take the semester final.

There are about 65 students enrolled in online classes currently, but that number is expected to grow.

With this new option, students must compare the pros and cons of these online classes, and ask themselves if they are responsible enough to work well on their own.

Wilson said, “If you are a self-starter and work well on your own without prompting, you might consider taking the class. Students who procrastinate and need constant reminders will not.”

It’s important to look at one’s study habits and figure out if online classes are the right fit.

One of the most obvious reasons to take an online course is the convenience. Students can study and take classes from anywhere that they have a computer and an Internet connection.

This is especially helpful for students who travel, play sports, work, or students with other “on-the-go” types of activities. Students can study on their own time and adjust their time for class around their activities.

Another benefit is the break students get from the long six-hour school day. Students who may have trouble sitting in school all day may enjoy the break that online classes provide for them by leaving school early.

However, there are cons. For example, although students can seek out help during Wilson’s office hours or email him, most of the learning is independent.

There are no lectures or discussions with classmates in person; the entire course is online. This means that students must be able to work hard without being monitored and have the ability to learn quickly without much outside help.

For some students this may be easy, but as previously mentioned, for others it may not.

Overall, online classes have benefits as well as drawbacks. Independent students will likely enjoy the option of an online class, while others who struggle and need more help may find themselves lost in the material. With all of these pros and cons to keep in mind, it is essential for the student to ask him/herself if they have the ability to succeed in these new online courses.