About Online Classes

What an Online Class Is:

Online classes are an opportunity for self-directed, dedicated learners to take a class.  Online courses are taught in a variety of ways and may involve communicating via e-mail, discussion board, or live chat.  Online classes involve a dedicated amount of time for you to read/view lectures and work on related assignments.  In addition to assigned readings, lectures may be viewed on the computer screen or printed out.

What an Online Class Is Not:

Students sometimes believe that online courses are an easy alternative to the traditional method of classroom instruction, and that there won't be as much work. In most instances, this is simply not the case. Online courses are just as rigorous as any on-campus course, sometimes more so because this method of instruction places more responsibility for learning on you, the student. In addition to your course material, you must learn in a different environment. You do not have an instructor physically in the classroom to give you your next assignment or to remind you of due dates. You also lack immediate feedback and instant answers to your questions. However, you do have access to these essential elements via your computer and the Internet.

An online class in not for everyone. Take some time to do some self-evaluation. Look at some of the tools in the "Am I ready for Online?" section to help you make a good decision.