The convenience of today's online classes provides a great way to take many of today's fully accredited courses, degrees and certifications. But, despite what so many think, online classes are not a way out. For many, online classes can be much more difficult than taking the same classes in a traditional college setting. While online classes have many advantages, they are not for everybody.
If you are considering taking online classes there are a few things you need to consider to make sure that you have the right mindset and temperament to be successful with online learning. Online education isn't for everyone. Online classes typically require a great deal of reading and writing. Whereas you may get by in a college classroom by listening to the professors talk, online learning requires a more active role. For this reason, however, those pursuing an online education often learn more and retain their knowledge much better than those in a more traditional setting. Every word that you learn in an online classroom is archived for retrieval later in your studies and this can help you greatly when it comes time be tested.
If you're serious about an online education, you'll need to make sure that you are able to use basic computers tools and have reliable access to high-speed Internet. Are you able to use a web browser? E-mail? Do you know how to download and install any additional software you may require for your online studies? If you can handle the basics with your computer, you should have no trouble with the technical aspects of online learning.
When considering an online school, you'll want to make sure that the program is accredited and that the completed course offered will match your educational goals. Talk to those who have advanced beyond your current position in the workplace and see you whether or not these classes can help you reach the next level in your career.
You'll, of course want to make sure the online educational institution provides the very best value for the money you spend. Be sure to look through their website to learn as much as you can about what they offer. This is especially important for those who may not ever set foot on campus. You'll need to have access to technical support when you run into problems, counseling, financial aid, and the online library and bookstore.
Today, many traditional community colleges have branched out into online education. These can be a great option for the online learner since you will also have access to the traditional local college. This is something that is worth considering when researching an online educational institution. Consider the many advantages you would have with an online school that is also accessible locally. For many this is the best of both worlds.
The online classroom requires hard work and participation just like any other classroom. There is interaction with the instructor and your fellow students just as there is with a traditional classroom. You should plan to spend at least 6 to 12 hours per week on each class. The amount of time you spend will depend on the particular class, its difficulty, in your own abilities. You will be expected to check your e-mail and log into that classroom several times throughout the week. You'll be expected to participate in video chat and forum discussions.
You'll need to make sure that you have reasonable expectations for your online classes. Of course you can schedule your time around your active lifestyle including your family time in your work time, but you'll need to schedule consistent blocks of time for your classes. Online classes must be taken as seriously as a traditional college class. You have a lot of leeway with online learning but you can't put it aside for everything else that pops up in your life. If you know there is going to be a problem and you'll need to miss a deadline, you'll need to talk to your online instructor about it.
Saturday, June 30, 2012
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