ARE ONLINE CLASSES A GOOD FIT FOR ME?

Keys to Succeeding in Online Classes

  1. Prioritize time management
  2. Possess basic technology skills
  3. Ask for help if needed
  4. Communicate well through writing
  5. Show self-motivation

Is Online Right For You?


 

Five Advantages of Online Courses

Five Disadvantages of Online Courses
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1. Online courses are convenient.

An online class is theoretically available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There are weekly modules each week with the tasks you have to complete. Outside the instructor’s due dates, you make your own schedule for completing the tasks.

2. Online courses can offer you more individual attention.

You will have direct access to your instructor within your Canvas class. You can email your instructor directly when you need help without the whole class knowing.

3. Online courses help you meet interesting people.

In a campus class, many times we don’t get to personally know our classmates. In an online class, you will interact with them through discussions and assignments. Your classmates may live anywhere in the United States. Some may even be international students.

4. Online courses teach you to be self-disciplined.

In an online class, you will quickly learn the importance of doing things on time or even ahead schedule. Learning responsibility comes from you alone. Meeting learning deadlines will not only bring you class success, but you can these new skills will be highly valued at work too.

5. Online courses have financial benefits.

Online learning is cheaper than paying for gas to get to campus, eating out, paying for childcare, and missing work to make a campus class. Being able to live at home rather than campus can save a lot of money too. While the cost of a computer and monthly internet may sound expensive, if you cost it out, you could save a lot of money.

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1. Online courses require more studying time.

Online means you are responsible for accessing and learning everything on your own. To communicate with your instructor and other students, you must type messages and responses. As you can probably guess, typing is slower than speaking.

2. Online courses require good time-management skills.

To be successful online, you will have to manage your time. No one will be telling you what to do. You will need to set aside chunks of time to complete your studies. Taking an online class means that you have to make studying a priority and not let others interrupt or interfere with your study schedule. Sometimes, it means making difficult choices.

3. Online courses can feel lonely and isolating.

Studying at a computer can be lonely and let’s face it pretty easy to play “hooky”. Be sure to reach out to your instructor if you are struggling with motivation or accessing material. Reaching out to other students in the discussions help you build friendships. Be sure to post and if you need more socialization, you can post more than what’s required (minimum).

4. Online courses require you to be responsible for your own learning.

No one will force you to complete the class or make you study. Instructors share their knowledge and experiences. Reach out for technology support right away, if you have trouble using Canvas, getting your online textbook and any of the learning tools. The spark and desire to pursue your dreams must be yours.

5. Online courses require strong reading, writing, and technology skills.

If you struggle with reading, writing, and using technology, you might reconsider online learning. There is tutorial help available, but they cannot do your work for you. It’s still up to you to read the textbook on your own and understand what it’s saying. There is a lot of typing (communicating) in Canvas. Your instructor may have other technologies you need to use in addition to Canvas. You will need to be part detective/sleuth to figure things out. You cannot be afraid of asking for help!


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