Every semester Hillsborough Community College students are challenged with choosing classes from the class menu as well as adjusting to a new schedule. With gas prices rising and a spiraling economy; it is easy to see why many students are taking more online classes now than ever.

  Online classes also known as Distance Learning are becoming increasingly popular among students. Taking an online class involves discipline and determination for success. Taking part in an online class typically involves the student taking his or her desired class over the internet. Online classes may also be taken in real time with the use of web cameras, chat rooms, email, and discussion boards.

  Hillsborough Community College offers many online courses to students including but not limited to classes such as: Math, General Psychology, Understanding Visual Art, and Journalism.

  Full Online and Hybrid classes are two types of online classes that are offered at HCC. Students enrolled in full online classes are not required to meet on campus throughout the semester. However, students are required to perform all assignments, essays, discussions, readings and exams online.

  HCC also offers Hybrid classes which are a combination of a traditional in-class atmosphere built upon discussions, active group work, and live lectures. The students enrolled in hybrid classes are required to perform all assignments, essays, quizzes, tests, discussions, and exams with the use of web-based educational technologies.

  According to students, online classes have unique benefits. “At the time I was traveling a lot and didn’t want to miss a full semester so I took four online classes… online classes were beneficial to me because they allowed me to keep my studies going,” said Ashleigh Cooley, Current HCC Student.

  There are many reasons students choose to enroll into online classes. After conducting interviews with several HCC students; online and hybrid classes allow students to continue and expand their education while still treading through everyday life. Holding a job and keeping an active social life with friends is now made possible.

  “Many students who enroll in online classes have a better opportunity for a well-rounded social, work and academic lifestyle,” Said Christopher Rivera, Current HCC Student.

  Needless to say, technology has allowed many students to continue working toward their degrees even when they cannot afford the gas or bus commute.

  The ability to enroll into online classes has helped many students with saving gas and money. “Being able to afford gas just to commute to and from campus alone is an ongoing struggle for me,” says Miranda Santiago. “I spend about 30 dollars on a good week for gas never mind when the prices skyrocket.”

  Students today usually live a very busy and stressful lifestyle. Many students are full time students and hold full time or part time employment, allowing little to no time for actual studying and social events.

  “Online classes have been lifesavers to me,” said Rivera. “When I had to enroll in classes late, there were little to no options left for me to choose from, so I turned to online classes. There were tons of options. Online classes helped me to take classes I wanted and I was still able to maintain a well-balanced life with work and friends.”

 This form of convergence has been very helpful to many students, and as online classes continue to grow and expand so will the opportunity for involved.