“Earn your degree in your living room.”
“Train for a new job without leaving the house.”
These are just some of the slogans used to promote online learning, where students from all over meet through the Internet to get the education they need to earn college credits or get job training. Also known as e-classes, online classes give you many more choices to continue your education, since a student in California can take online classes offered by a college in Connecticut—or China—and never leave their home.
Online classes are getting a lot of attention—but are they right for you? Thinking about these important points can help you decide:
Do you need flexibility?
While some online classes require all students to be on the Web at the same time, many more operate on a project or checklist basis, where a new folder of activities is posted online each week, and students have to complete them before the next folder is posted the following week.
These activities may include reading, writing, quizzes, and participating on a blog, but they can all be finished when you have time during the week, and you don’t have to do the work all at once. Talk about freedom!
Can you handle the flexibility?
Some students find online courses challenging because there’s too much freedom. If a folder isn’t due until next week, it’s easy enough to think you’ll do the work “later”, and then later never shows up. Some students meet this challenge by scheduling a regular time to complete the work—and since they’re doing it when and where they want, it’s perfect for them.
On the other hand, if it’s hard for you to stick to a schedule you make for yourself, getting the work done could be something to consider before enrolling for an e-class.
Is it easy for you to ask for help?
Instead of standing in front of a large class for three hours, teachers are available to you throughout the week to answer the individual questions you have. Since you get to ask them directly to the teacher, this is like a one-on-one class! The key? You have to be willing to ask for help when you need it.
Online teachers provide comments on the class Web site that provide tips for everyone, but if there’s part of a homework project you just don’t understand, you have to have the desire to ask, or it’s likely your question won’t get answered.
Are your computer skills strong?
Your entire class experience in an online course is through a computer, so you want to make sure you have a computer and Internet connection that won’t bog down. Even if your computer is strong, make sure you have a backup plan– like using the computer at your local library—if your computer is giving up when a deadline is coming up.
What about a combo course?
If you’re not sure that an online course is for you, think about taking a class that meets in person one week, then online the next. This kind of course is called a hybrid course, and it’s a great way to get a feel for online learning—if you get confused, you can ask the teacher for help when class meets in person.
Technology is just one of many factors to consider when signing up for a class, and like every other factor, personal comfort is a must if you want to realize success. Think about what’s right for you, and don’t be afraid to ask a counselor for more help.
