Things to Remember for Online Schools
The ability to get an education and degree online is one of the most exciting opportunities created by the telecommunications revolution. You’re no longer restricted by geography or schedules: you can learn wherever you want, whenever you want. It’s an incredible breakthrough, but in order to make the most of online classes, there are a few things you should keep in mind before you crack open your laptop and sit down for the first lesson.
Make sure your computer meets the minimum requirements
Distance learning programs will publish minimum system requirements for their courses. Often, these requirements will be the same for all courses offered through a particular program, but it’s best to double-check. Certain online courses may utilize software or video formats that other courses do not. Generally speaking, if you have a computer that’s less than a few years old you’ll be fine, it’s worthwhile to make sure. You don’t want to sit down to watch your first class only to learn you can’t play it on your machine.
Make sure you meet the online course requirements
Many people make the mistake of thinking that online courses are less demanding than regular courses. In some cases this may be true, but as distance learning programs continue to mature, online programs have become just as challenging – and in some cases more so – than courses you take on campus. Don’t assume you can ignore the pre-requisites just because it’s an online course.
Familiarize yourself with the syllabus
Take the time to look over the course syllabus and make sure you understand what kind of course it’s going to be. Some courses have weekly schedules, and expect you to watch lecture videos and complete assignments on a regular basis. Many online courses require participation in discussion forums. Others let you go at your own pace entirely, and just require you to have the final assignments completed before the final due date. Make sure you know what you’re getting into, and make sure to budget enough time in the months ahead. Particularly if it is a course that lets you set your own pace: plan everything out, don’t leave everything to the last minute.
Give it some (online) space!
Set up folders for your course on your computer, and set up physical space for course files on your desk or in your office. Again, you want to treat it like a regular course. You know how you work best, so set yourself up as you like to work. If you prefer taking notes on your computer, set up a folder. If you prefer taking notes by hand, make sure you have notebooks. Generally speaking, even for an online course, it’s a good idea to have not only a folder on your computer for all course materials, but also a physical folder – chances are you’re going to end up printing some stuff out to read it away from your computer. And make sure you write or save your login and password information in a safe, secure location – you don’t want to forget how to get into class!
Get to know your online classmates
Getting to know the other people taking the class can be an odd experience in online courses – your classmates could be across the street or literally on the other side of the planet. Many online courses, in addition to discussion forums, will have a space for students to write brief introductions about themselves, their backgrounds, and their goals. Take the time to try to get to know your classmates – even if they’re a world, away, they can still provide help during the course, and can even become valuable contacts down the road!
Have fun and work hard
The simplest advice is always the best: go into your course expecting to work hard, learn a ton, and have a good time doing so. Don’t expect to coast through, don’t expect it to be a cakewalk, but certainly don’t dread it. Online courses are a great way to learn – have a blast!
