An Introduction to On-Line Learning

If you are contemplating taking an on-line course during the coming school year, you're in good company. A Sloan Consortium survey (http://connect.educause.edu/Library/Abstract/MakingtheGradeOnline Educa/37118?time=1215902836) released in November, 2006, showed that nearly 3.2 million students were enrolled in one or more online courses during the fall 2005 term, an increase of more than 800,000 from the prior year.

On-line classes appeal to many learners from different walks of life. Taking classes on-line rather than in a college classroom can save gas, parking fees, wear and tear on your car and travel time.

Participation in on-line classes can be accomplished from just about anywhere. Coursework can be completed around your work schedule and without the need to hire a babysitter for those with young children.

On-line classes, however, are not for everyone. Those for whom the visual style of learning works best will find on-line classes very beneficial. Those who can do without hands-on instruction won't miss time spent in a classroom or lab setting. Students for whom social interaction with classmates is very important may find on-line classes lacking. And, finally, people who are not self-starters and independent learners may find that on-line classes don't provide them with the sense of urgency and motivation necessary for a successful academic experience.

Tips for beginning on-line learners:

1. Confirm that the course you wish to take is offered by a respected, accredited school, ensuring that you will receive quality instruction.

2. Once you have registered for your class, check the class website early and often to see when required textbooks and other materials are posted. You will probably be ordering these on-line and will need to allow for delivery time before the course begins.

3. Bookmark the class's site for easy access. Post any passwords necessary in an easy-to-access place.

4. Begin the coursework at the beginning of the semester - even if there are no early deadlines to be met. Time tends to slip away when you are not aided by daily verbal reminders in a classroom setting.

5. A first assignment for many on-line classes is to post an introduction for your instructor and classmates to read. Take this assignment seriously and complete it as soon as possible. This requirement serves not only to give your teacher and fellow students insight into you as a learner and as a person but also as practice in posting information to a drop box and/or discussion board. If, for some reason, you are going to have "technical difficulties", it's best to find out early on in the semester.

6. In your postings and assignments, use proper "netiquette". It may be tempting to harshly criticize another students' postings as you don't know him or her as a person and may never meet face-to-face, but you must keep your comments respectful. Refrain from using text-message-type abbreviations such as lol or jk as this is not appropriate academic language. Do not use sarcasm in your messages as it is nearly impossible to "read between the lines" through the computer, and it will not be appreciated in this setting.

7. Use your instructor as a resource. He or she can supply valuable information for aspects of the class about which you may be confused and also for information about on-line courses in general. And many courses allow for private communication between you and the instructor, in case you're afraid to post what you fear may be a dumb question for the whole class to read.

From 2005 to 2007, I was one of the ever-growing number of on-line students, and last winter I donned cap and gown and ascended the auditorium stage steps to receive my master's degree at a local university. It was one of the few times I set foot on my school's campus while a graduate student as I had taken only one of the required classes for my degree in a traditional classroom setting at the college.

It's difficult to say whether I could have completed my program without being able to take advantage of the benefits of on-line learning. I can, however, state with certainty that on-line learning made the whole process more efficient, less costly and the less disruptive to my family life.

Source: http://connect.educause.edu/Library/Abstract/MakingtheGradeOnlineEduca/37118?time=1215902836