Education

The Benefits of College Credit & Online Learning

Being a high school student today can feel like a full-time job. The challenge of managing schoolwork, extracurriculars, and obligations outside of school may make students reluctant to take on additional academic opportunities. However, we suggest that students should take advantage of opportunities to get a start on college-level courses and online learning while in high school, and not just for the reasons you’d think. Read on to see what you’ve likely never considered about the value of pursuing college courses and online learning as a high school student.  

First, taking a college-level course in high school can give students an opportunity to become accustomed to college-level academic expectations, without the burden of a full freshman course load. Students just beginning their college experience can easily become overwhelmed by academic demands. College freshmen have unprecedented freedom to choose how to spend their time, which in itself can be a challenge. Students who have already completed a college-level course in high school will be better prepared to successfully balance their coursework with other demands as they the transition to college. 

Getting a start on college credit is also a wonderful opportunity for students to pursue their own authentic, academic interests. College-level courses that are offered to high school students are often more specialized courses on topics that students wouldn’t be able to study otherwise, such as criminal justice, web design and programming, or even culinary arts. When students are motivated to learn by their own genuine interests, they are learning for more than just a grade. Students can develop the kind of passion that will make them lifelong learners.  

Additionally, taking a college level course can prompt students to engage in deep personal reflection. This kind of reflection is an essential part of learning.  Personal reflection will allow students to gain the skills, knowledge, or understandings that can be critical to future college and career success. For high school students applying to college, they may find that the college application essay is the first time that they’ve been asked to reflect on their life experiences. Getting a start on college level coursework in high school allows students a much-needed opportunity to practice personal reflection.  

In addition to taking college-level coursework, students should consider completing online coursework in high school as well. These days, many college and even high school courses are being offered with a full or partial online component. Far too frequently, students write off online learning without realizing just how valuable these skills can be for their future. For example, the communication skills our students are learning, for better or for worse, will likely stick with them throughout their professional lives. Even when our students choose their online learning profile photo or join a class with their cameras on, students are communicating. Online learning provides students the opportunity to practice levels of formality mixed with various modes of communication. Our students must realize, especially in a comfortable learning environment, that what they say (or don’t say), and how they say it, matters.  

Much of a student’s success or failure in online learning can come from the choices a student makes about how to spend their time. Online learning requires students to develop self-management, focus, and personal accountability. A student who can plan and manage their time well in an online course (and without a physical teacher taking attendance) is often better prepared for higher education and their professional careers.  

College credit and online learning for high school students is becoming more and more available. When making decisions about how to spend their time, consider that not only will students be continuing their learning, but they will be gaining skills that will continue to benefit them throughout their professional lives.

WorldStrides offers a wealth of online learning opportunities, and options for college credit. Take a look at our website or email discovery@worldstrides.com to learn more.