What About Online Classes?
If you are having trouble fitting college classes into your busy schedule and enjoy using computers, online courses may be the answer for you. Online courses provide an alternative to taking regular college classes for the student who has work, family, and other obligations that are barriers to traveling to campus for the traditional classroom environment.
In an online course, there is no set class time, and you are allowed to work when you want. Online courses do, however, involve active participation and deadlines that require students to schedule their time carefully. An online student needs to be an independent worker and highly motivated to succeed in the course.
Software and Skills
Generally speaking, besides a fairly current word processing program, a student will not need to have special software unless required by the instructor. Students must have basic Windows or MAC computer use skills, which may include proficiency in word processing, creating directories or folders, copying files, copying and pasting text, using email, and switching between programs. Students must also have basic web-surfing skills.
Time Commitment
Most courses are offered on a term basis, which means specific start and end dates. There are assigned weekly activities and students should log on a minimum of three times a week to participate in class discussion, receive information from the instructor, and submit assignments. Students may expect to spend more time for an online course than they do for a traditional on-campus class, and be aware that you should be spending approximately 9 hours per week for each 3 credit class that you take.
Scheduling Class Time
In an online class you are allowed to work when it is most convenient for you. This means that you can "attend class" at two in the morning if you like, or every afternoon at 3:00 pm. There is no set time when you must appear online. However, your instructor will require regular and active participation, and will have deadlines for certain assignments and tests, just like in a course taught in a classroom. You will probably encounter one or two deadlines each week and some instructors give only partial or no credit for late work. It is an excellent idea to schedule your "class" for the same time each week and set up a personal calendar that keeps all assignments and deadlines in one place - the key is not to lose track of what needs to happen when.
Participate Actively in Your Online Class
In a traditional classroom, discussions are often an important part of the curriculum. In an online class, participation is a requirement and may be a significant factor in determining your final grade. Online interaction may seem impersonal at first because you are not communicating in person. However, not being face-to-face may actually make the discussion more open and relaxed. You needn't worry about how your voice sounds, if your hair is a mess, or if the other person looks intimidating. All that is irrelevant when you're online. Your ideas and the ideas of your classmates are what count. You will have more time to think about what you want to say and more time to reflect on what others have said, before you respond. Getting involved in a true exchange of ideas is exciting, but you need to participate for the full effect. This may seem risky at first, but once you start sharing your ideas, you won't want to stop. Participation allows students to create a sense of community and will make online classes much more enjoyable.
Get the Answers
If you are not sure about something, ask. Your instructor won't see the puzzled expression on your face, and then ask if you have understood. Instead, you need to take the initiative whenever you need information or clarification. Use the discussion board or WebBoard, email, or the phone to get answers to those important questions. Don't rely on someone else to lead you by the hand.
Read Carefully
Since all interaction online consists of reading and writing, it's important that you carefully read what others (your instructor and your classmates) have written. This will help prevent many misunderstandings, and will often allow you to answer your own questions about what someone has said, without having to ask, and then wait, for a clarification. Similarly, without any in-class lecture to help illuminate a topic, online instructors may rely more heavily on textbook readings and assignments, or other printed material, to provide information and to illustrate ideas. This means that you will need to read the material more rigorously than may be customary for you. Make notes of the parts that don't make sense, and be sure to ask for clarification online.
Let's face it, online classes aren't suited to every student, but if after reading the previous information, you think they will work for you, please check the available online courses list, then contact the Distance Education Office to see about registering.
