Online college courses are here to stay

PARKVILLE, Missouri — Education experts at Park University in Parkville, Missouri, think online learning is here to stay.

Many schools, at all levels, have turned to online classes because COVID-19 has forced them to close their physical buildings.

This summer, Park University leaders will launch the “Online Early College Program.” It offers high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors the opportunity to take two college courses during the summer.

The provost said the purpose of the program is twofold: First, it gives high school students the opportunity to earn college credit. Second, it helps young students refine their online learning habits.

“Having the skills and the ability to learn in an online environment is something we can help students do,” said Michelle Myers, the university’s president.

Park University was one of the first universities in the country to offer online courses, starting in the 1990s.

Students can choose to take two of three courses: Introduction to Sociology, Public Speaking, or U.S. Government.

The university has chosen prerequisites which students can later transfer to any college or university. Classes begin June 8 and students can register online here.

Because the pandemic has forced families to tighten their budgets, Park University is offering classes in this program at a 75% discount.

“Both parents may have lost their jobs, one parent may have lost their job. We try to make it happen and let them know we’re here and we’re here to help,” Myers said.

Other universities have also adapted their teaching approaches to focus on online learning. The University of Missouri will add more 20 degree fields to its online catalog in the fall. Kansas State University published a list of resources to help current and future students get the most out of online learning.

Here is your summary of rebounds:

• Park University expects online classes to only increase at all educational levels.
• The university is offering college-level online courses for high school students this summer.
• Education experts suggest that students perfect their online learning strategies as early as possible.
• Online learning involves many of the same skills as in the classroom, such as note taking, time management, and reading comprehension.