Is online learning for you?

Only you can make the right decision for yourself, but these questions may help you make that decision. Answer each question below as honestly as possible, considering the factors associated with each choice and determine if online learning is right for you.

How urgent is your need to take an Internet-delivered course?

As with all things, the greater your motivation to succeed, the greater the likelihood that you will.

This is certainly true with online education. Since you will most often be on your own as you learn, there could be times when you will be tempted to put things off. You'll need a high level of motivation to keep up with your work.

One of the primary reasons students drop from online courses is because they "get behind and can't catch up!"

Would you feel comfortable learning without having face-to-face interaction with your instructor?

By its very nature, online education has little or no face-to-face interaction.

That doesn't mean that there isn't any interaction, however. In fact, some online classes are even more highly interactive than some classes that occur on campus! Through chat rooms, threaded discussions, e-mail discussion groups and even telephone conferencing you are provided ample opportunities to interact with your instructors and other students. But if face-to-face interaction is very important to you, think carefully before enrolling in an online class.

Do you need classroom discussion to succeed?

Discussion is an integral part of most online courses, but you won't always have the spontaneity or "real-time" interaction you experience in a regular classroom setting. Additionally, most instructors require participation in the discussions as part of your grade, so you won't be able to sit back and just watch and listen as you might in a large classroom situation.

Can you dedicate a minimum of six to eight hours per week to participate in the online learning environment?

Many people who have never taken an online class mistakenly assume that it will take less time than a traditional, on-campus class. This is certainly NOT true.

An online class is just as demanding as any other class, and possibly more challenging. The only "time savings" you can expect in an Internet-delivered class is the time you would have otherwise spent commuting to and from the class. On the other hand, an online class does make it much easier for you to choose WHEN you spend your available time doing coursework.

With some classes, it doesn't matter whether you do your coursework at 2 am or 6 pm; it's entirely up to you.

Are you a highly self-motivated and self-disciplined learner?

To be a successful online student you will need to be highly motivated and self-disciplined in terms of arranging your time for studying and completing assignments in a timely and structured manner. Remember, you will not have the face-to-face reinforcement of an instructor to keep you on task. However, the instructors will follow-up with you via e-mails, phone calls, or letters.

Do you have good time management skills?

Excellent time management skills are a good indication that students will perform well in an online course. Due to the fact that the format of Online Courses are asynchronous, it is easy to fall behind or wait until the last minute to complete assignments.

Do you feel comfortable reading and completing assignments without immediate feedback from an instructor?

Because of the distance, and sometimes time, separating you from your instructor, it can be difficult for instructors to provide feedback quickly and frequently. For example: if you are accessing your course on the weekend and have a question for your instructor, you may not get a response until the following Monday. Of course, the amount of feedback you receive ultimately depends on your instructor's personal style (just as it does in any kind of class). An instructor who places a high priority on giving students feedback quickly can accomplish that regardless of the distance separating you.

Do you think that online learning is less or more difficult than traditional classroom instruction?

Online courses have the same rigor and depth of information as traditional courses. The differences are in the delivery design (asynchronous) in terms of no face-to-face interaction or scheduled physical appearance as in a traditional classroom. All of your instructions and assignments are entirely online. Remember, online asynchronous delivery is just one of the several options for students to obtain information. Some students find that attending traditional classes are best suited for their learning style.

Do you prefer solving problems on your own?

In classes in which there is little or no real-time interaction with the instructor, you'll be better off if you are willing to try to follow directions on your own. If you have problems, you'll always be able to ask your professor or fellow students for help via phone or email.