Most students and instructors agree that an online course requires more time and work than a seated course. An online course necessitates written communication skills, not just in writing, but in being able to understand and follow written directions. It requires good time- and project-management skills, self-motivation, discipline, and commitment. If choosing between a seated class and one online, the following may be helpful in deciding if an online course is a good alternative to a seated class.
Basic Requirement for Taking an Online Course
The Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) or Course Management System (CMS) is the software that colleges use for providing distance education classes. Blackboard, D2L, eFront, LAMS, and Moodle are just a few of the most common applications used, and some colleges have proprietary software. Most colleges will post on their website the computer system requirements and type of Internet connection recommended to take an online course. Different learning applications may have different requirements; however, an online student should be comfortable working on a computer and have ready access to one.
A list of frequently asked questions should be available on the college’s website to provide answers to basic technical, course, and registration questions. Some colleges will provide an assessment test that can be taken online to determine a student’s aptitude for online learning. Reviewing the FAQs and test assessment questions will help in deciding if an online course is a viable option.
Before registering for a course, the student should become familiar with how a course works. Most colleges offer a hands-on demo course featuring all the functions of a regular course. The demo course will usually have samples of the communication methods for the class, how assignments and lectures are accessed, and a sample test or quiz.
Appropriate Courses to Take
Difficult courses may be even more difficult online. It’s important that the person taking the course has a good assessment of his or her capabilities in the subject. Colleges provide student advisors to help with deciding the correct courses to take to fulfill degree requirements. A good way to determine strong and weak courses is to review the grades of prior courses taken.
Some colleges will have the syllabus for each online course posted. This will allow the student to review it and decide if the required coursework is manageable. Most colleges provide email addresses for faculty, and a request to view the syllabus or questions about the course can be sent directly to the instructor. All email correspondence should be professional, courteous, and grammatically correct. The initial contact will set the tone for the teacher-student relationship for the remainder of the course.
Keeping Up With Assignments
An online course offers flexible options to a seated class – most significantly, a student can attend at the times more convenient for her or him. Commuting, being stuck in traffic, searching for a parking space, and worrying about getting to class on time are eliminated; but more time will be spent at class on the computer.
In addition to any written assignments and tests, most online classes require participation in discussion forums. Instructors should provide detailed information on posting requirements, most specifically how many messages a student must post, the content and required length of each message, and the deadline for posting messages. This information should be available with the course work and will help a student in determining a study schedule. Some instructors will deduct points or not accept late assignments, so it’s best to plan to complete all assignments at least two days before they are due. This way, just in case something happens, the extra time will provide some leeway in meeting the deadline.
Deciding to Take an Online Course
Students should do some homework before registering for an online course. Read the college’s FAQs about online classes and take the assessment and demo course. Interest in a particular subject and an understanding of the course requirements are important to consider when selecting an online course.
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