10 Things You Should Know About Online Courses
As people try to balance work, life and school, the popularity of online courses continues to grow. However, there are some distinct differences between a traditional and an online classroom.
Here are the top 10 things you should know about online classes before taking the plunge:
1. Courses are NOT easier than the traditional classroom setting
"Students who are thinking about taking an online class need to understand that online classes are not easier than traditional classes, but exactly the opposite - they are harder," said Corrie Bergeron, instructional designer for Lakeland Community College's online program. "Flexibility and convenience that comes with these courses does not mean they are easier and less work." Many new online students are shocked to find the amount of work and time involved to be successful.
Associate professor of accounting James Racic added "Online classes tend to be at least as much work, and probably more work since the student is tasked to do a lot of the work without handholding or visual presentations and live explanations. Some students do need to see it on a board. Just reading may not be as efficient for them in learning."
2. Expect a major time commitment
The computer will become the online students' new best friend. In a traditional classroom the discussion may be limited to one class period. The online version of a class discussion can last up to an entire week. That can translate into many hours of computer time at home. Many students should expect to spend nights and weekends at their home computer completing work for their online class.
Most online courses have an online bulletin board where the instructor will post discussion questions, which the class must answer and be graded on. Students and the instructor add comments each day. Students need to check back on the discussion board several times during that period to follow the discussion.
"It is very easy to blow off your online class since you do not have to be somewhere at a specific time," said Racic. "You actually spend more time covering the same material. To complicate matters further, in some courses there are multiple discussion topics per week. Plus, class discussions are just one requirement of several that you need to fulfill."
3. Procrastinators need not apply
"A student taking an online course must be self-motivated," said Perry Tonni, department chair of information technology and computer science at Lakeland. "There is no room for procrastination." In addition to online discussion time, students must find time to read the required texts. "By the very nature of the online class, a student becomes more responsible for their own learning," said Tonni.
4. You will need some decent computer skills and knowledge about software and hardware
While you don't need to be a computer expert to take online courses, it does require that you have access to a computer that is connected to the Internet and be comfortable using a computer. "Students must have the proper hardware, software, and a stable Internet connection," said Tonni. "They also need to have good working knowledge of how to use e-mail, attachments, and Web navigation."
4. You need good grammar and typing skills
Students will be judged and graded on their words. Since all classroom discussion is posted onto an online bulletin board type web page, how you write and get your points across will matter tremendously. "Poor grammar and spelling looks bad, and poor typing skills can really slow you down," said Golden. "Your classmates and your professor get to know you mostly through your writing."
5. Be prepared to buy a lot of paper and ink
Other than the textbook, all course materials are posted online. That means, if a student needs to highlight notes in handouts or the syllabus, he or she will have to print it out. Many professors also offer their own book or chapter summaries in addition to assignments, adding to the amount of paper and printer ink used.
"People tend to skim and scan text that's displayed on a computer screen," said Bergeron. "You can't read that much material on a screen. You'll need to print it out."
6. Learn how to navigate the virtual classroom
Students will need to master the virtual environment of the online classroom. "Spend some time - before any due dates - exploring your class site," said Bergeron. "The maze of links and pages for a class can be a source of confusion and frustration. Find and carefully read the syllabus, lecture notes, assignments, quizzes/exams, and the discussion forum. Learn how to contact your instructor if you need help." He also suggests making a list of important emails, phone numbers, and web addresses so you have a quick and ready reference.
7. Online classes offer convenience
Probably the most often cited reason for taking an online class is the convenience. Students do not spend time driving to campus or looking for parking. It is also very helpful when it is just simply too far away for a student to travel. Even if the student travels out of state for business or vacation, as long as they have Internet access, they can take part in their online classroom.
This convenience gives many students the chance to grow. According to Lakeland online student Keith Turner, "It gave me the freedom to learn at my own pace, and to better understand my abilities and skills. It was a lot of work, but well worth it. In the end, I learned more about myself, and that is the greatest lesson of all."
8. Online classes offer flexibility
The flexibility of online classes is also a draw for many. Students can go online for class whenever they have time, which means it could be at 2 p.m., 2 a.m. or both.
"I'm able to schedule learning sessions anytime day or night," said Lakeland online student Nancy Klenk.
9. Online courses level the playing field
Online courses force the "quiet student" who might not otherwise speak up in a traditional classroom setting to become very active in the virtual classroom. Instructors can count exactly how many discussions, responses, etc. that any individual student contributed to, and it becomes part of the grade.
10. Find out if online courses are right for you
The online education environment is not for everyone. It requires students to work independently without a lot of interaction and prompting from the instructor. That means it is the students' responsibility to process and learn from the information provided by their instructors. Students who are successful in the online environment are independent, self–motivated, self-disciplined, good at time management, and have a keen interest in the course.
Editorial content provided by Lakeland Community College.
