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