When I was thinking about where I might want to attend college, one of the things I looked for in potential schools was a robust virtual/hybrid program that would allow me to take virtual classes each semester. I ended up taking at least 50% of my classes virtually each semester of undergrad, and eventually finished my degree entirely through virtual classes, which allowed me to balance my interests in academics with the demands that come with living with a chronic illness. While I know virtual classes aren’t everyone’s favorite, here is why taking virtual classes in college or having a hybrid schedule can be an aweosme option for students, especially students with disabilities and chronic illnesses.
It’s easier to schedule classes
I had trouble finding a history class that fit my schedule and didn’t meet super early in the morning or super late at night, when I have more trouble focusing my eyes. Virtual classes often meet asynchronously, meaning that students can log on any day(s) or time(s) during the week that work well for them. Some students may prefer to self-schedule a block of time to work on assignments for their virtual classes, while others may check on their class throughout the week and complete assignments when they have time. Taking a few classes virtually can also help students fit other in-person classes into their schedule that they might not be able to otherwise- for example, I took a virtual accounting class so that I would be able to fit pep band into my schedule, which was an important social outlet.
Related links
- How To Schedule College Classes
- College Scheduling Hacks For Students With Chronic Illness
- How To Choose General Education Courses In College
- Playing in GMU Green Machine Pep Band With Vision Impairment
Students can work ahead on assignments, or catch up more easily
When I am having a good day/week with managing my chronic illness, I can often work ahead in my virtual classes and complete assignments for multiple weeks in advance, so that I don’t have to worry about falling behind. Conversely, if I have an emergency procedure or otherwise can’t work on my classwork, the self-paced nature of virtual classes allows me to come back to the class when I am ready and catch up on missed work. Since virtual classes do not typically involve group assignments, this works well for me.
Related links
- What If I Get Appendicitis In College?
- How To Handle Medical Emergencies In A Dorm
- How I Attend College Classes Remotely With Chronic Illness
Textbooks are often available online and/or in accessible formats
If a class is online, there is a strong chance that the textbook is too, or at least available in a digital format. Since I can’t read standard print, I rely on digital copies of materials to access information, and have never had any issues with getting accessible copies of a textbook for virtual classes. On the rare occasion where I can’t find a book through Bookshare or another accessible library, my college’s assistive technology specialists can make any of my course materials into an accessible format.
Related links
- How To Request Accessible Textbooks In College
- What To Know About College Assistive Technology Specialists
- What I’ve Learned About Print Disabilities
Lectures and notes can be easily accessed or replayed
All of the instructional materials for virtual classes are posted to the class website and can be replayed or accessed by students whenever they need them. This is especially helpful when sitting through video lectures, as I like to slow down the recordings so I can take notes or zoom in on the screen as needed.
Another helpful resource that all of my virtual professors have included in their video lectures is transcripts and captions for all video content, which is great for students to follow along with. I like to copy and paste examples directly from the transcript into my notes to save on typing time.
Related links
- Quick Ways To Improve Accessibility For Virtual Learning Materials
- Creating Inclusive and Accessible Video Lectures For Visually Impaired Audiences
- Ways To Get Accessibility Support For Virtual Learning
A chance to work with productivity applications
Being proficient in word processing, presentation, spreadsheet, and similar productivity applications is an important skill for the workplace, and virtual classes provide students with multiple opportunities to use these tools for assignments. Students who are interested in showing off their knowledge in productivity applications may be interested in pursuing Microsoft Office Specialist or Google GSuite certifications, which are industry-accredited certifications that look great on a resume.
Related links
- Ten Tech Skills Every College Student Needs For Virtual Classes
- Designing Accessible Documents With Microsoft Word
- How To Create Accessible PowerPoints
- How I Use Microsoft OneNote With Low Vision
- Why Every Student Needs Microsoft Office Lens
- Microsoft Office Specialist Certification and Low Vision
- Earning The Google GSuite Certification With Low Vision
Students can work from wherever they are comfortable
When it comes to working on assignments for math classes, I prefer to use my desktop computer instead of my laptop because of the larger screen size. For this reason, virtual math classes work well for me because I can complete all of my assignments, including tests, using my own personal technology settings in an environment that works well for me. I can also use my iPad more easily for completing other assignments, which can be done while I am sitting in a recliner or in another comfortable setting without a ton of bright overhead lighting. I found that I scored much higher on math assignments that I completed at home or in my dorm compared to in the classroom because I didn’t have to deal with eyestrain as frequently.
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- Tips To Stay Organized In Virtual Classes
- How I Set Up My College Desk
- Taking Online English Classes With Low Vision
- Taking Online History Classes With Low Vision
In-person activities and services can complement virtual classes
While a lot of my classes were virtual, my professors were often on-campus or connected students to other on-campus resources for extended learning, so I always felt like I could reach my professors or get help as needed. I could also meet with other students from my classes on campus, or take virtual classes with friends so that I had someone else to talk to about assignments.
Related links
- Ways To Get Accessibility Support For Virtual Learning
- Ways To Use Visual Assistance Apps For Virtual Classes
Students can handle their own disability accommodations
One of my favorite things about taking virtual classes in college is that I can get accessible copies of classroom materials without having to ask my professors, as I can make a lot of digital content accessible on my own. I still give professors a copy of my Disability Services accommodations sheet at the beginning of the semester, but often find that I don’t have to think about whether something will be accessible or if I have to think about other environmental accommodations. I can just focus on learning new things.
Related links
- How To Create A Disability Services File
- Why You Should Get A Disability Services File
- Ways To Practice Self-Advocacy In The Virtual Classroom
- Seven Unexpected Disability Accommodations For Virtual Learning
Other benefits of taking virtual classes in college
- Many virtual classes are taught by adjunct faculty that are active in their industry, which can be helpful for finding internships or getting recommendation letters
- Some virtual classes have shorter/accelerated sessions that allow students to finish a class more quickly
- Students taking virtual classes may be eligible for free or discounted software/subscriptions
- Last-minute registrations are more lik to be accommodated in virtual classes, which have more flexible class sizes
