Do you have a compelling reason
to complete an online course or telecourse? |
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Compelling reasons include inability to fit a traditional course
into your schedule, a work schedule that will change during the
term, or inability to get into class. A compelling reason can motivate
you to participate in your course work. |
|
Are you self disciplined enough to set your schedule and
work on your own? |
|
Self discipline is critical for success in a distance learning
environment. It's too easy for the undisciplined student to put-off
completing course assignments and meeting deadlines. |
|
Are you an active learner? |
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Active learners assume responsibility for their learning, eagerly
engage in their studies, are willing to take risks, and are dynamic
participants in their class. |
|
Do you like working alone? |
|
Many people dislike the “aloneness” of working by themselves,
much preferring the social interaction of a regular class. |
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Are you ready to spend four to seven hours a week per credit
hour? |
|
Are you realistic about the demands of distance learning? Granted,
you will not attend classes and spend time commuting to class, but
you will spend more time on class work than if you took a regular
class. Plan for a minimum of four-seven hours a week for each credit
hour of the course. Or, around 15 hours a week for a typical three-credit
course. |
|
Are you comfortable working with written instructions and
written interaction? |
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Telecourses do not have classroom face-to-face and verbal interactions.
Instead most interactions will be by computer email, telephone,
or mail. Online courses are similar except most interactions will
be electronically written. |
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Are you willing to participate in electronic interactions? |
|
Some courses require discussions and/or group projects that are
generally managed electronically. In most instances, students do
not need to be online at a specific time, but check with your instructor
for specific information about scheduled activities. |
|
Do you see yourself contacting your instructor if you have
a question or problem? |
|
Are you able to take the initiative to contact your instructor
via email, phone, or in person if you have a question or a problem?
Instructors in traditional classes often rely on body language to
detect students' questions/confusion. In a distance learning course,
where visual clues are not available, students must assume the responsibility
to contact their instructor when a question or problem arises. |
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Are you ready to handle delayed feedback? |
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Unlike a traditional classroom where you can raise your hand and
get immediate feed-back, in a distance learning course, feedback
will take at least several hours and may take up to a few days. |
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Can you cope with electronic glitches? |
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Technology can have its problems. Do you get flustered and ready
to quit when things go wrong? If you do, better reconsider enrolling
in distance education. |
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