A In-depth Look at Online Classes: Understanding What the Fine Print Says

Going back to college or pursuing another degree is a huge undertaking. There are many things you have to take into consideration before committing yourself to a school and to classes. One of those things is your time. Many people are so busy, they can't imagine having the time to go to a traditional classroom. Online classes sound like the perfect solution. You can take your classes, but there is not the face to face contact or the set classroom hours (in theory). However, there are some things people usually do not take into consideration when taking the plunge with distance ed classes.

First, online classes will have a lot of freedom. In many cases, you just have to follow the timeline outlined by the instructor and the rest of time you spend on the class is at your discretion. Sometimes there are other factors involved. Some classes have required chat sessions where you are required to be online participating in live chat events at certain times (like every Monday at 7:30). Other classes have proctored exams. That means that you will need to go to a testing center to take the test. If your school is nearby, or has a campus nearby, you can use their testing center. If it is not, then you will have to find a distance ed testing center that will proctor your test. In either case you will need to make arrangements to be at the testing center during their office hours.

Another thing to think about is what if there are group projects involved? Group projects are messy enough in face to face classes. Now you may be on the other side of the state (or farther) from your group mates and you still have to all work together on this project. This can be very frustrating and time consuming.

Finally there is a certain level of focus and drive a distance ed student has to have. They have to be able to force themselves to log in and to do the work they need to do. There isn't a set class time. You have to make the time yourself. You need to be able to block out all the distractions of the internet (Myspace, Facebook, Ebay,...the list could keep going) and keep focused on your work. The distance ed student must be self motivated and have a great deal of discipline to make the online classroom work.

Distance Ed can be a great option, but students need to look at the whole picture before committing to the classes. If not, money will be wasted, the student will get discouraged, and it may even push them away from going to school in the future.