Before anyone decides to take college courses online. I highly reccomend considering asking yourself a few of these questions.
Do I have a access to home internet?
If not do I have access to a place with internet?
Do I have a laptop?
Am I only considering taking online classes because they are easy?
Do I absolutely have to take my classes online?
The reason why I say that you must ask yourself these questions because despite what some may think, online classes are not easy. Students who take online courses have to put in extra work. For example, two weeks worth of work for a lecture student, can be condensed to one week's worth of work for a student who takes online classes. Students are expected to finish two assignments: including an exam in one week. I am not talking about multiple choice or self reflection journals either. I'm talking about research papers, power points, projects, etc.
A few important things to keep in mind before taking online classes:
Professors usually do not give extra credit
Professors usually do not except late work
Online classes taken at traditional universities follow the same break that lecture classes have, which means that you won't be able to take the class
Depending on the School, the online class may cost extra
If you like to be guided through the learning process. Online classes may not be for you. In online classes you are expected to read through all the directions, and even if you contact the teacher, there is a fat chance that you may not hear back from them until 24-48 hours. So, if you have a question, it is best to contact the professor 2 days in advance or at least 4-5 days before the assignment is due.
There are a tons of ways to save book money with online classes. All my classes this semester have been online, and since there is no pressure to have your book immediately in a online class, you can take the time to find the book online, or as a free pdf. Unless its a core class like math or science, most likely you do not have to buy the new edition of the book. Like most college classes, books are really what make college the most expensive.
Are you self motivated?
Are you okay with pushing yourself?
Are you ok with not having your peers talk to talk to about the class?
Ask yourself if you absolutely have to do online classes, if the answer is no, then I highly recommend doing lecture classes if you can.
If you want to transition into online classes, the best way to do this is to either take a hybrid class as one of your classes or take an online class. That way you can assess your academic learning needs without committing to 100% online classes.
What Girls & Guys Said
Opinion
1Opinion
Online classes don't work for me, and with all the cool stuff on my computer, it wouldn't be easy to focus: it would as productive as taking a diet class in the middle of a candy store, or taking a class in money management at Guitar Center, in direct sight of all the cool toys they sell. I'd need to buy a cheap poop-quality laptop and block girlsaskguys and Facebook.
I take online classes because I don't have a car. It takes me 90 minutes to get to school on the bus, so it really depends on your situation. Since I do go to a local traditional university, I will have to eventually take lecture classes because not all the classes are available online.
well done
perfect