What is Online Learning Like?
Online learning is a convenient way for people with busy schedules to take courses. In addition to offering students far more flexibility in their daily routine, students who have many other commitments tend to find the distance environment an attractive alternative to the traditional environment. Some of the advantages of online learning are:
- Learners attend a “virtual classroom” so that there is no need to travel to the campus.
- Learners attend their virtual classroom at hours that fit their own personal daily schedule.
- Although there often are weekly deadlines to meet, learners can typically work on material throughout the week at their own pace.
- Learners work under the guidance of their instructors and are able to maintain regular contact via e-mail, telephone, and various other technologies.
Online learning is not for everyone. To be a successful online learner you must:
- have routine access to a computer, whether it is at home or in a lab with an internet connection. A fast internet connection is a plus, but not a requirement.
- possess good reading and writing skills, be disciplined and organized.
- be self-motivated and responsible to study independently.
- be able to set aside blocks of time weekly to read material, do assignments, and take part in virtual classroom discussions.
- be willing to adhere to the University policies on academic honesty.
Is Online Learning for You?
Online learners tend to be full-time employees, parents, students with special needs, students who live a great distance from the campus, or students with many other time commitments. All are highly motivated, self-disciplined, and able to follow and learn from written directions. To determine if you are suited to a cyber learning environment, answer the questions in the survey as accurately as possible.
Common Pitfalls for Learners Enrolled in an Online Course:
- Easily distracted by outside interference and get behind in their readings and assignments.
- Quickly jump into a course without reading the course documents and directions.
- Don't participate in the online classroom discussions.
- Don't take advantage of the supplemental materials often provided to them by their instructors.
NOTE: Online courses require as much work as traditional classes and tend to be more writing intensive; therefore, enrollment in them should not be taken lightly.