So as you know, Shane is only 18 months old. He’s exactly 1/12 of the way to the age where he’ll be a “grown up”. I’m going to hold on to the remaining 11/12 of that time like you wouldn’t believe, but a bloggy friend, Ponn, has me thinking about when that time comes. More specifically- when college comes.
I’m in college now. I went to classes for 3 years before getting pregnant; since then, I’ve taken my classes online. So when Ponn asked how I felt about sending Shane to an online college, my initial response was that I would totally be on board, since that’s essentially what I’m doing now! But then I thought a little more about it. I’m taking online classes for a brick-and-mortar University. My college itself is not an “online college”, it’s a University that knows this is 2011 & offers online courses because of that. And my school has a lot to offer because of that; things I wouldn’t want Shane to miss out on.
The main difference is the social atmosphere. If Shane is like his daddy, he’ll be a total wallflower, but if he’s like me he’ll be a social butterfly. I couldn’t handle NOT being around a ton of people all the time & making friends everywhere- since starting school I have made friends in every single one of my {in person} classes, many of whom I am still talking to. &Most importantly, I joined a sorority. That in itself changed my life dramatically. It taught me lessons, showed me things, and instilled values in me that I wouldn’t otherwise have. &I want Shane to have the opportunity to experience that as well by joining a fraternity.3
- My sorority, Spring 2008
Should he decide on his own not to, I’m okay with that. But I want him to have the option. I want him to strike up a conversation with a pretty girl in his class. I want him to wave hello to the friends he passes in the halls between classes. If he attends classes for a year or two & decides to switch to an online-version, that’s fine with me. But I want him to have the opportunity to meet people and become a better person like I did when I was attending classes in person.
Although, can you imagine how awesome online college is going to be in 2028???
What about you? I’d love to hear your thoughts on your children attending online college!
I am participating in the Mom Blogger Online College Campaign organized by American Muslim Mom. I received compensation to facilitate this post. However, the views and opinions are my own.
I went to college online and loved it. It gave me the skills to open my own sewing business
I’m so glad I attended.
I’m following from the hop.
ecwrites.blogspot.com
Great perspective!
I totally agree–the blend of online and offline is what we recommend for our girls, but will ultimately leave that decision for them.
2028, huh? Exactly 20-years after the dated picture. “Feeling younger day by day”, right? hee hee LOL!
Well Shane & I are 20 years apart so it makes sense that he’d be in college 20 years from the date of a photo of me in college…
I teach an online college course. I think it is a great option for getting through college while balancing other facets of life (family, work, etc.)
But I don’t think it is the best option for someone seeking a traditional experience, right out of high school. You just don’t learn all the social things that you learn in a more traditional environment (and I don’t mean beer pong!).
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Blog hopping today and am your newest follower. I hope that 1 of my blogs interests you too.
http://tawnasplan.blogspot.com
http://btrbb.blogspot.com
http://tawnassecret.blogspot.com
I also do a weekend blog hop, you can link up on tawnasplan.blogspot.com open every Friday-Sunday!
Thanks
Tawna