Taking High School or College Courses Online
In an era defined by technological innovation and rapid change, the way we access education has evolved dramatically. Gone are the days when we had to be physically present in a classroom to gain knowledge and skills. Instead, the digital revolution has ushered in a new era of learning, one where high school and college courses are just a click away. In this blog post, we are sharing how taking high school or college courses online may prove to be a transformative educational experience for high school students.
Why Take High School or College Courses?
Oftentimes, students will opt to take high school or college courses during the school year or, more commonly, the summer. Students usually take a course for one of two reasons: advancement or interest.
Advancement is common in underclassmen, where a Sophomore or Freshman will ‘skip’ a course over the summer so that they can take a higher level of this class the next year. One common example of this is taking Geometry over the summer and then taking Accelerated/Normal Algebra 2 the next year. The main purpose of advancement is so students who are qualified to take a higher level of any course are not forced to stay in the lower levels. Advancement is also commonly used in science classes, where students skip the normal/honors level of the course and go straight to the AP course. This is so qualified students can reach the course's AP level without going through the honors level.
The second reason for taking a course over the summer is interest, when a student takes a course purely to explore one of their interests. This is the recommended way to take a course online, as students who take a course for advancement often do not learn the material properly and struggle at higher levels. Without a high level of interest and dedication, learning the full material of a year-long course over 6-8 weeks and retaining that information is incredibly difficult. However, students who take a course for their own interests are more likely to put in effort and dedication and reap the benefits.
Learning Technical Skills
In today's technology-driven world, proficiency in digital tools and online platforms is essential. By taking high school classes online, students become adept at utilizing various digital resources, communication tools, and learning management systems. They learn how to navigate online interfaces, submit assignments electronically, and collaborate with peers and teachers through virtual platforms. These technical skills are not only valuable for academic success but also prepare students for higher education and future careers, where digital literacy is increasingly crucial.
For students who are interested in computer science, we highly recommend you participate in our live online programs at Inspirit AI. AI Scholars Live Online is a 10 session (25-hour) program that exposes high school students to fundamental AI concepts and guides them to build a socially impactful project. This Python programming course covers key technical skills and knowledge to prepare students for research jobs, internships, and college applications. Taught by our team of graduate students from Stanford, MIT, and more, students receive a personalized learning experience in small groups with a student-teacher ratio of 5:1.
College Courses for High School Students Online
WHERE TO PURSUE COLLEGE COURSES
College courses are fast-paced and cover more material than high school courses, but completing them over the summer or during the school year is still possible. To take a college course over the summer, you can either take the course at a local community college or as part of a pre-college program that runs in the summer.
SCHEDULING
Courses at community colleges may have meeting times, so consider this and balance your schedule with school and any other commitments you may have. Pre-college programs are may be much more costly. You will need to do you research to determine which program is the best fit for your needs.
IN-PERSON VS. ONLINE
Taking courses in person is a good way to learn about the rigor and experience of college. If you enjoy the college that you take the program at, then considering the environment around that college that enabled you to succeed might aid you in your future college search. But, taking courses online can also have a number of benefits (we’ll share more on this later!).
FULFILLING REQUIREMENTS
More importantly, taking college courses as a high schooler will usually allow you to get past some of the graduation requirements your school has for certain courses. For example, taking AP Government and Politics somewhere like UC Scout allows you to put it on your transcript(if allowed by the district) and clear the Government course requirement on your school's transcript, if it has one. This would allow you to minimize your workload over the school year and allow you to focus on extracurriculars that interest you, while also helping your GPA. Finally, even if your high school does not allow you to input courses taken at a community college or a pre-college program, you still have to send those transcripts to colleges, who will factor them in when they recalculate your GPA.
Who Should Take High School / College Courses Online?
Anyone who wants to advance through a course over the summer or is interested in a subject their school cannot satisfy should take high school and college courses online. These courses can be taken in the school year, though it will add an extra level of difficulty with the already packed schedule and the work from the course. High-achieving students who have a desire to go further should take college courses, as it may provide the rigor that they seek and allow them to be productive over the summer if they have the time.
For students that want to advance, talking to your high school counselor would be better, as they will be able to provide you with an online portal, like UC Scout or BYU, that allows you to complete the course at a high school level and lets you advance over the summer. However, many counselors will warn you that advancement is difficult and that the year after summer will be harder. This is true, as advancement crams a year of learning into 6-8 weeks, and taking an AP course right after is an entirely different pacing and difficulty level.
Benefits of Online Courses for High School Students
Taking an online course can be helpful for several reasons:
Flexibility: Online courses offer a high degree of flexibility in terms of when and where you can study. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for individuals with busy schedules, such as working professionals, parents, or students with other commitments. It allows you to fit learning into your life rather than the other way around.
Accessibility: Online courses can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection, making education accessible to people who may not have access to traditional educational institutions. This is especially valuable for individuals in remote or underserved areas.
Variety of Courses: Online platforms offer a wide range of courses on diverse subjects, including specialized topics that may not be readily available at local institutions. This variety allows learners to pursue their interests and career goals effectively.
Self-Paced Learning: Many online courses are self-paced, allowing learners to progress through the material at their own speed. This accommodates different learning styles and allows students to spend more time on challenging concepts while quickly moving through material they find easier.
Cost-Efficiency: Online courses can be more cost-effective than traditional in-person education. There are often no commuting or housing expenses, and course fees can be lower. Additionally, many resources and materials are available for free or at a reduced cost online.
Interactive Learning: Quality online courses often incorporate various interactive elements, such as quizzes, discussion forums, and multimedia content, to engage students and enhance the learning experience.
Skill Development: Online courses can help individuals develop essential skills, including self-discipline, time management, and digital literacy. These skills are valuable in both educational and professional contexts.
Global Networking: Online courses often bring together participants from around the world, allowing students to connect with a diverse group of peers and experts in their field. This global networking can lead to valuable collaborations and insights.
Career Advancement: Many online courses offer certifications or credentials that can boost one's resume and career prospects. These credentials can be especially valuable in rapidly changing industries where up-to-date knowledge is essential.
While online courses offer many advantages, it's essential to choose reputable platforms and courses, maintain self-discipline, and actively engage in the learning process to reap the full benefits of online education.
Conclusion
Overall, there are benefits to taking courses over the summer and during the school year. However, if you do not manage your time and leap into these courses haphazardly, they will do more harm than good. After a certain deadline, you can no longer drop the course, and it will appear on your transcript that you are mandated to send to colleges when you apply. Make sure to consider your time and your ability when taking these courses. Finally, remember that there are only 168 hours in a week!
About Inspirit AI
AI Scholars Live Online is a 10 session (25-hour) program that exposes high school students to fundamental AI concepts and guides them to build a socially impactful project. Taught by our team of graduate students from Stanford, MIT, and more, students receive a personalized learning experience in small groups with a student-teacher ratio of 5:1.
