The Challenges of Online Classes

I've taken many online classes myself, and have had the chance to research how students do well in online learning situations. Here are some ideas I'd like to offer for your consideration.

1. Online classes are easier in that you can access material on your schedule -- at night, on weekends, on a break at work, at a friend's house, whatever works best for you.
   
   
2. With that courses flexibility comes a down-side! Online classes require much more self-discipline than on-campus classes.
   
   
3. It is really easy with an online class to neglect your studies because of personal or professional circumstances. Having a compelling reason for taking the course will help motivate you to stick with the course. Making a schedule and sticking to it is also very important. See my hints for success for suggestions on a study plan for our class.
   
   
4. Some people learn best by interacting with other students and instructors in social, group, and on-campus settings. Others learn better by listening, reading and reviewing on their own. Online courses might provide less opportunity for group interaction than most on-campus courses. Ours, however, will include lots of discussion postings to hopefully keep you interested in sharing with other students.
   
   
5. Online classes require you to work well from written directions. Print materials (web-pages and textbooks) are the primary sources of directions and information.
   
   
6. It may take some time to get comments back from your instructor in a large online class. But you should always feel able to email me with questions about your grade, your work, or the course in general.
   
   
7. Online classes require at least as much time as on-campus courses. Students surveyed say that online courses are NOT easier than on-campus courses, just more flexible.
   
   
8. Some students prefer the independence of Online Courses; others find the independence uncomfortable and miss being part of a classroom experience. Which are you?
   
   
9. Students who are successful with Online Courses often find it difficult to come to campus on a regular basis because of their work/family/personal schedules/transportation problems.
   
   
10. Students who do well in Distance Education courses are usually comfortable contacting the instructor as soon as they need help with the course.