Expectations
1. Compared to an in-person class I expect an online class to be:
Online courses are often the same or more difficult than in-person courses.
Successful online students are able to work independently, stay on schedule,
and set their own goals with less direction and oversight.
2. Are you able to devote 1 hour per course credit plus 2 additional hours
per course credit of homework? (e.g. a 3 credit
online course will amount to 3 hours of work participating in the class per
week and an additional 6 hours of work per week preparing):
Online students should expect to spend at least 2 additional hours for every
credit hour doing coursework. For online courses with accelerated schedules,
students should expect to spend the same amount of time per credit, but over a
shorter time period.
Self-Direction
3. How confident are you in your ability to keep yourself on track and on time
with assignments?
If you have the self-discipline to set and keep a schedule, and complete tasks,
then distance learning should be no problem for you. Successful online students
are able to work independently, stay on schedule, and set their own goals with
less direction and oversight. `
4. When encountering technical difficulties, I tend to:
Given that online courses rely heavily on technology there might be times when
you encounter technical difficulties. If you are able to solve problems on your
own or ask for help you should be in a good position.
Learning Preferences
5. To what extend are you comfortable learning by viewing lecture videos, audio
recordings or podcasts?
Some online courses will require you to view video lectures or listen to audio
recordings. If you would miss interacting with your instructor in person, then
you should pursue a more traditional approach, if possible.
6. Do you prefer to read something in order to learn it?
Many online courses require you to read content on a screen by participating in
a discussion board or by communicating with your instructor. If you are
uncomfortable with reading as a primary means to engage in course discussions
and other interactions, then you should pursue a more traditional approach, if
possible.
7. Having face-to-face interaction with my instructors and other students is:
In online courses you will be interacting with others via the computer. If you
are uncomfortable with this and would miss regularly interacting with your
instructor and classmates in real time, then you should pursue a more
traditional approach, if possible.
8. How comfortable are you in having discussions with people in an online
discussion board?
In online courses, the discussion board often replaces discussions you would
typically have in the classroom. As such participation in the discussion board
is often a significant component of online courses.
Technical Requirements
9. When asked to use new technologies such as new software or to surf the web, do
you?
Many distance learning courses require the use of the Internet, special
software, etc. If you want to pursue distance learning keep in mind that this
might be required.
10. Do you have a reliable computer and access to the internet?
Distance Education courses require a reliable computer and internet. Not having
a reliable computer or internet is equivalent to not having the ability (such
as transportation) to attend an in-person course.
