Tips for Online Course Survival
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Equipment - Do you own or have access to required technologies? You must have access to a computer with a modem or direct Internet connection. In addition, you must have a basic suite of software that includes web browser, word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation programs, such as MS Office.
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Skills - Do you have or are you willing to learn basic computer skills? At minimum, you should be able to navigate the Internet, type in a word processing program, save and retrieve files, and use email. The online course interface is usually uncharter territory the first time you take an online class. You must be willing to spend time at the beginning of the course to learn to navigate and find your way around the interface. Most sites are perceptive and easy to learn, provided that you have basic Internet navigation skills.
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Online vs. Face-to-face - A common misconception is that online courses are easier than traditional courses. Understand and accept the fact that online courses are not easier than face-to-face courses. In fact, you will find that an online course may require more time and a greater commitment on your part. Unlike a face-to-face course, where you have a predetermined meeting time, an online course requires you to determine your own "meeting times," that is, times that you will work on your course. Expect to devote five to ten hours per week to each course, and log in every day if you can to catch announcements and check email. If you are a procrastinator, an online course will be a huge challenge.
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Time - Set aside uninterrupted time and space to work on your online course. Have someone else watch the kids, close your office door. Look forward to the quality time you spend in this class. Treat this just as you would a regular class where you must be free to concentrate on the task at hand.
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Find out - Read everything carefully! Then, read it again! Success depends on your ability and willingness to read carefully and follow instructions.
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Participate - Be willing to participate, and understand the rules of participation. For example, in the "online" world of communication there are codes of etiquette (netiquette) that you should familiarize yourself with. A good guide can be found here.
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Keep up - Keep on track and don't fall behind. If you fall behind in short session courses, it will be extremely difficult for you to catch up. Find a calendar tool that you can live with and use it to chart your entire course of due dates and assignments. Word has a Calendar Wizard that does the job thoroughly and inexpensively. Set deadlines for yourself and stick to them. It's easier said than done, but the reward is that you will save yourself a lot of frustration and anxiety!
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Follow instructions - Make sure to follow the instructions for all assignments. Print the assignments pages to use as a checklist and take notes as you complete each assignment. Learn how to evaluate and cite Internet resources. Your instructor may provide more information about this as part of the course.
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Library resources - Don't forget the library. If you are writing a research paper, you should use the library - physical and online. Many full text databases are available through online libraries that enable you to conduct solid research remotely.
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Problems - Since your instructor does not see you every week, it's harder for your instructor to assess your progress or recognize any problems you are having. If you are having technical difficulties or problems understanding the course assignments or material, you should let your instructor know by email or phone.
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Is online right for you? - Remember, you must be self-motivated and disciplined, and devote the necessary time to the class! If you can't meet these guidelines, then you may want to consider a face-to-face course.
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The Best Things about Online Courses:
Not to discourage anyone from taking an online course, the survival tips bring reality to light. The following items mention the positive things about online courses and why people find them so convenient.
- Flexibility—for those unable to attend a regularly scheduled course, you will not be restricted by time and place - you get to do the weekly coursework when and where you want to do it.
- The discussions allow everyone to have his/her say on the issues, and students can take the time to form thoughtful and clear opinions before sharing them with the rest of the class. The online environment increases student interaction.
- No commuting to and from college: while others are driving in inclement weather or running through rain and snow to make it to class, you can be warm and dry working from your home computer.
- No transportation or parking problems to worry about.
- No need for childcare.
- Student-centered teaching - every student has their own way of learning that works best for them. Some learn visually while others do better when they "learn by doing."
- Course material is accessible 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Students have the ability to read and re-read lectures, discuessions, explanations, and comments. Often in a regular class, spoken material passes students by due to distractions, missed classes, tiredness, or boredom.
- Using the internet to attend class, research information and communication with other students teaches skills in using technologies - 21st century skills!
- Participating online is much less intimidating than "in the classroom." Anonymity provides levels the playing field. Students can also think longer about what they want to say and add their comments when ready. In a traditional class room, the conversation could have gone way past the point where the student wants to comment.
- The online environment makes instructors more approachable . Students can talk openly with their teachers through online chats, email and in newsgroup discussions, without waiting for office hours that may not be convenient. This option for communication provides enhanced contact between instructors and students.
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What to Take
Many college courses and other training make good online courses. However, if a subject requires a lot of hands-on demonstrations from the instructor, the online environment is not the best. Subjects that can be self-taught with guidance, subjects that use lots of research (online and offline), and subjects with good textbook instructions are good subjects for online instruction.
If you are considering an online course or degree, compare and contrast the different online colleges and distance learning programs out there. It might not be a bad idea to take a few "easy" courses online before you tackle a difficult subject. Another consideration is that if the course is vital knowledge for your career, it might be best to attend a traditional classroom course.
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