Online Learning: What You Should Know

The trends are unmistakable: more high school students are taking at least one online course, and more and more college students are taking mulitiple online courses, are considering taking online courses, or are earning their degrees online.  And students who choose online learning are benefitting according to recent research. The Sloan Consortium’s study reports that “students who took all or part of their classes online performed better, on average, than those who took the same course through traditional face-to-face instruction.”

Why do students choose online courses?
There are a variety of reasons that students select online learning:

• They prefer the online environment to seat time in a face-to-face classroom
• They have a comfort level with technology, using programs like MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and iTunes
• They want the convenience and flexibility that online learning affords, being able to complete assignments online and avoiding scheduling conflicts
• They want to be able to go at their own pace, to catch up or to get ahead in coursework
• They want time and cost savings on gas, parking, baby sitting, etc.

Is online learning for everyone?
No, not by a long shot.  Here are characteristics of a successful online learner:

• Self-motivated
• Enjoy reading and writing
• Good organizational and time management skills
• Not a procrastinator
• Have access to or own a reliable computer and high speed Internet connection
• Technical skills necessary to access course information, submit assignments, and communicate with the instructor or participate in online discussions with other class members

What are some of the most common misconceptions about online learning?

• All online courses are created equal – online courses can vary from school to school, subject matter to subject matter, and teacher to teacher
• Online courses are easy
• Online courses require less work and time commitment
• There are no due dates in online courses
• Online courses never meet during specific times/dates
• Just because you are pretty good at using the Internet, you will automatically do well in an online course
• You communicate with your teacher the same way as you communicate online with your FB/IM buddies – ur teacher is not ur bff

How to be successful in online courses/programs

• If you are looking at completing a college degree online, make sure you choose a college that is accredited by an regional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.  You can start your search here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/  Not all colleges are accredited and not all accrediting agencies are recognized by the Dept. of Ed.  Beware of diploma mills!
• Contact your teacher early on
• Ask questions when you don’t understand something, need clarification, or need assistance
• Read the syllabus and assignment instructions carefully
• Follow instructions
• Know the due dates
• Do not procrastinate
• Realize that technology sometimes fails, so don’t leave anything to the very last minute

Dr. Edit Szanto, Vice President of Student Services, Planning and Grants Development at the College of Southern Idaho

Adult Learners . High School . Middle School . Non-Traditional Students . Online Learning . Students