A new format of class is met with mixed results

Many college students at some point encounter the opportunity to take an online college course. Online classes are offered at most colleges, including here at Northern Essex.

A variety of online classes are offered including history, writing, math, etc.

Online classes can be very beneficial to people who may not have time to sit in an on campus class due to children or other time consuming responsibilities they may have. Maura McCarthy, a Northern Essex liberal arts student says, “Taking an online class was nice because I was able to go on at my own time instead of a specific time like an on campus class.”

As McCarthy states, online classes typically don’t have a specific time or day that you have to log on at. You just need to make sure that all your assignments are done for the due date. Most classes require that you spend a certain amount of time doing work for the class, but doesn’t have to be done all at once, it can be spread out throughout the week.

Although online classes can be good for some, others may not enjoy it so much. Another liberal arts student, Sheryl Contarino said, “ I felt like online classes were not for me. I am more of a hands on learner and if I have a question, I like to ask the professor in person versus having to email them and wait for a reply.”

That is one downfall when it comes to online classes.

All communication is typically done through emails.

Typically, the professor is usually good with getting back to their students as soon as possible but it could take a few hours for a response.

You could go and talk to your professor during their office hours as well but you don’t have that class time where you can talk to them in person if needed. You do a lot of group work as well between discussions and projects.

Sometimes during that group work it is found more difficult because you’re essentially working with people who you’ve never met before and all your communication is done through the computer. For people who like to be able to talk to one another in person, this can be very difficult for them.

Something that a lot of students think before they actually take an online class is that it is going to be much easier. That is false and is something you’ll realize very quickly.

A  nursing student, Courtney Barlow said “ I did awful in my online course. I felt that it was actually a lot harder than my on campus classes”. What most students don’t realize is that in an online class you sort of have to teach yourself. Yes, you have a professor and they’ll usually have notes for you. But, it requires you to read all notes, read the assigned textbooks, and make sure you have an understanding of it all. Online classes require a lot of your time and tons of reading. Although there are some benefits to online courses, there also is some downfalls.

Offering video field production class

Experience is everything for a college student. The partnership between NECC and HC Media, give Communication majors that and more. Offering a video field production class and a chance to create a podcast that is professionally produced by the members at HC Media; the partnership works as a resume builder for students.

With the video field production class taking place at the new Harbor Place location, the class gives you a sight of what your career could look like in the future. The class takes place on an official news set with a beautiful backdrop of the new harbor walkway. The tv station has used this setup for current and prior video packages for local television in Haverhill, Mass.

While students are getting hands-on experience behind and in front of the camera, they are also learning the art of editing their work. Former student of the class, Kiley Broadhurst talks about how she benefited from the class “the course has given me the opportunity to work hands-on in video production and editing, while also allowing me to gain experience in the field.”

If a student does not want to work with the visual side of journalism, they are still getting the practice in asking the right questions to make enticing and interesting stories as journalists.

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“The Video Field Production class is a great jumpstart to your career…”
– Deidre Darling

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Students are also gaining intangible traits that will help them in all aspects of life. Confidence, for example,  is something that the students are going to be able to build and take with them throughout their career.

Whether it is in asking their interviewees questions or creating their own content.

NECC student Deidre Grant, says “The Video Field Production class is a great jump start to your career, especially if you want to go into social media.”

Grant, also known as Deidre Darling; a local YouTube star from Reading, Mass goes onto say “because of this class I will learn more about how to edit and be able to create better content for my viewers.”

Not every student who takes the course is going to have a YouTube channel or be a content creator.

Carney Woelfel found the course to be one of the more valuable ones he has taken in his career at Northern Essex.

“The class gives all communication majors a huge advantage. It’s like having an internship built into your curriculum, which is always helpful,” Woelfel said.

For the students who grow a liking or have an interest for the video production side of journalism, there are opportunities that go further than just the classroom portion at HC Media.

The staff members are always looking for volunteers from the class to help out on camera when creating content for the town of Haverhill and actually choose the top two students in the class and offer them a paid internship at the company.

The opportunities to get into video production and gain experience are endless for Communication majors at NECC.