BENEFITS AND EXPECTATIONS

BENEFITS - There are many benefits to taking courses online, such as:

1. The ability to work when you want to work.  By taking classes online, you log in to your online class at times that are convenient to you rather than having to meet in a specific classroom at specific times during the week.  You can log on late at night, early in the morning, or whenever you have the time.  You will have specific deadlines, however, for when assignments and tests have to be completed.

2. Saving money and time.  Taking classes online means you don't have to waste time driving to and from campus, finding a parking space and getting to class.  You also save money on all that expensive gasoline or public transit.

3. Being able to take time to think.  In online classes, you have time to read material carefully and as many times as you like, rather than having to hurry and take notes on a lecture you'll hear only once.  More importantly, you can read comments posted by the instructor and classmates and take as much time as you need to formulate a meaningful response.  And when you type your response, you have time to reread it and edit it, so you say exactly what you want to say, without being put on the spot.

EXPECTATIONS - Read the expectations below before you make your final decision about taking a fully online course.

1. EXPECT to spend as much time, or MORE, working on your online course than you do for a typical on-campus course. Think about how much time you spend in the classroom for a traditional course, plus the added time of reading the textbook, studying for exams, and completing assignments. You should expect to spend the same number of total hours per week on your online class. To maximize your chances for success, schedule at least two hours of study time every week for each credit you are enrolled in. Example, for a three credit course, plan on spending at least six hours per week online and completing assignments.

2. EXPECT to log in to your online course at least four times a week. On some weeks, you may need to log in more often than that. The best way to ensure success is to set aside a specific time at least four days a week to work on your online course and stick to the schedule.

3. EXPECT to make the same grade in your online course as you do in traditional ones. Online courses are not easier than on-campus courses. They are based on the same materials, assignments and assessments as their on-campus equivalents.

4. EXPECT to have regular and reliable access to a computer and the Internet. A high speed connection at home is preferred. If you do not have a computer and Internet at home, make sure you have several options for logging on elsewhere.

5. EXPECT to know basic computer skills. You should feel comfortable logging into the Internet, using e-mail, sending attachments, creating and managing files, and handling basic trouble shooting tasks. If you enroll in an e-learning course before you have mastered the necessary technology skills, you will be confronted with a double learning curve – one for the course content, and the other for the technology – making your online course more difficult. You may want to consider taking a basic computer course before your enroll in an online class.

6. EXPECT to do a lot of reading – online reading, i.e., on your computer screen. You’ll be reading course content, instructions, e-mails, and discussion postings by fellow students and faculty. You won’t be hearing “lectures” but reading them. The good thing is that you can read at your own pace and you can read things multiples times, if you need to, but you will be expected to understand what you read.

7. EXPECT to be able to communicate clearly in writing. In the virtual classroom, nearly all communication is written, so it is critical that you feel comfortable expressing yourself in writing. Also, you will be expected to write in a professional manner and check and edit your writing so it is relatively free of errors.  You should also expect to use basic etiquette, showing respect and courtesy for others.

8. EXPECT to be proactive regarding keeping track of course requirements and assignment due dates rather than waiting for the constant verbal reminder you may be used to hearing in class. Print the course syllabus and the list of assignments and assessments and check each requirement off as you complete it.

9. EXPECT to ask questions of the instructor as soon as you need help. Online teachers are not logged in at all times and may not be able to respond to your question right away. Possibly a fellow student in the class can also provide clarification. Don’t be shy!

10. EXPECT to be self-motivated and self-disciplined.  When it comes right down to it, this expectation summarizes them all.  With the freedom and flexibility of online learning comes responsibility.  The online process takes real commitment.  Once you fall behind, it is VERY difficult to catch up.