| Just a few short years ago, the idea of | | | | courses almost always cost the same whether |
| taking a college course through the Internet | | | | you take them on-campus, or online. Colleges |
| was something online "techies" considered. | | | | have to buy the software, train their |
| Now that people realize how convenience it is | | | | faculty, and offer student services after |
| to take a class without leaving home, more | | | | hours - so expecting online courses to be |
| and more people are taking advantage of using | | | | less expensive is not reasonable. |
| their computer to learn. | | | | |
| | | | On the other hand, the same financial aid is |
| But while the technology used for online | | | | often available for online classes, just as |
| classes is so simple just about anyone can | | | | with campus classes. So, money should not |
| become an online student, you should ask | | | | stop any student from furthering their |
| yourself the following 5 questions first - | | | | education! |
| and save yourself a lot of stress! | | | | |
| | | | 4) Do you have the right technical skills? |
| 1) Do you have the time? | | | | |
| | | | Fortunately, you don't have to be a computer |
| Many people think - mistakenly - that online | | | | "genius" to take an online class. The |
| courses are "easier" than traditional campus | | | | technology has become very simple for |
| classes. But most online classes require | | | | students and teachers to use, so that |
| regular participation. So, you must have the | | | | students who can "surf the Internet" and use |
| time to "log on" to your course several times | | | | email usually have the necessary technical |
| each week, complete the assignments and do | | | | skills. |
| your homework, and interact with the other | | | | |
| students. | | | | Before getting started, the school offering |
| | | | the course should have a sample course, |
| All of this takes time...and, you have to | | | | tutorial, or other training to help you |
| account for the time you would normally have | | | | determine if there are any skills you need to |
| spent in the classroom. If you have the | | | | learn, so you can become a successful online |
| time, you will find taking an online class to | | | | student! |
| be very convenient! | | | | |
| | | | 5) Do you have the right computer equipment? |
| 2) Do you have the discipline? | | | | |
| | | | Since most online classes are taught through |
| Sure, most online classes don't require you | | | | the Internet, students usually don't need any |
| to be on the computer at a specific time | | | | special computer equipment. However, most |
| (although some do). So it is up to you to | | | | online classes require students to have |
| make sure you check in on your class several | | | | reliable access to the Internet, an email |
| times each week. With a busy work schedule, | | | | account (and the knowledge to use it), a word |
| sports, hobbies, housework, kids, it's easy | | | | processor (such as Microsoft Word), and |
| to put your class low on your priority list. | | | | antivirus software. Check with your school |
| And that could mean big trouble when it comes | | | | to see if there are any other requirements. |
| time to get your grade. | | | | |
| | | | A high speed internet connection is usually |
| It's not the teacher's job to remind you to | | | | not required, but if instructors use |
| keep up with your work - that's your | | | | graphics, videos, audio lectures, or other |
| responsibility. A simple way to make this | | | | big files, a high speed connection (such as |
| work is to create your own schedule, so each | | | | DSL or cable) will help you open the files, |
| week you know exactly when it's time to "go | | | | and do you work, more efficiently! |
| to class"! | | | | |
| | | | Are you ready now to take your first online |
| 3) Do you have the money? | | | | class? Then it's time to contact your local |
| | | | college, or search the internet for an online |
| While there are many free or low-cost online | | | | class directory, and see what online courses |
| "self help" courses available, college | | | | you can take! |