Tips for Succeeding at On-line College Classes

For over a decade now, on-line classes have become an integral part of a university or college. With the advancement of computer technology anyone who has access to a computer, proper college admission, and self discipline can take a class and never see the inside of a classroom. On-line classes are expanding at an astounding 30 percent a year with over 75 percent of American colleges and universities providing an online environment. [Lewis]

However, succeeding in learning and completing all requirements of a class demands commitment, discipline, a significant amount of on-line time, and excellent Internet/computer skills.

I have taught and designed college on-line classes since 1996, along with traditional classroom sessions, and find that students that succeed within the on-line class recognize certain aspects about learning through a computer.

What a Successful Student Must Do

1. Have knowledge of the Internet and use of a computer. You will access the class through the Internet. You should have a fast connection and a fast computer. Slower computers will not be able to move through the on-line class fast enough. Online environments require the use of a variety of software that runs in the background that can be memory intensive but for the most part all software to take a class is either provided or free through the Internet. Contact your local online university or college about requirements.

2. Self commitment. You will be required to complete assignments for the instructor in a variety of ways but completing the assignment on time is just as important as if you were in a traditional classroom. If you cannot log into a class frequently and be part of chats, discussions, and turn in assignments in the required format, it is likely you will find a traditional classroom more conducive to your learning. Ask yourself: Can I complete the required assignments on my own or do I need a real instructor aiding me with the class?

3. Weigh the advantages as well as the disadvantages of online classes. Below is a list of advantages of on-line classes. However, if you find that you need to be motivated to complete assignments and do not have the computer skills or access you need, it is best to wait for an online class until you have these key components to success.

4. Have the ability to write, read, and learn on your own. Most of your instructions will come in the form of on-line lectures, off-site readings, textbook readings, reserve library readings, video broadcasts, audio broadcasts, and a variety of other means that provides you instruction. Additionally, you may find a virtual office for you to ask questions of your instructor or a virtual Water Cooler to hang out and discuss topics unrelated to your subject. Your ability to learn this way will determine your success. You should have an excellent grasp of language and the ability to write well. You will be judged by your ability to write as much as anything within an on-line class. You should be able to research topics via the Internet and through a traditional library and be prepared to do interviews and surveys through the Internet and in person.

5. Have the ability to communicate with others in an on-line environment. Just as you need to discuss topics with instructors and other students in traditional classrooms, you must be able to effectively communicate, usually with writing, with everyone within the classroom or selected groups. Live chats, journal entries or threaded discussions will be part of the class, and how well you can express yourself within these environments will determine your success.

Advantages of On-line Learning

Stephanie Coleman, author of "Benefits of Online Learning" details advantages of online learning below. There are additional advantages listed in the article listed within the Sources.

1. You can "attend" a course at anytime, from anywhere. Among other things, this means you can attend classes regardless of your work schedule, you can spend quality time with your family, and if you travel (for business or pleasure) you can attend class from anywhere in the world that has Internet access.

2. Online learning enables you to choose how you prefer to be taught. Everyone has their own way of learning that works best for them. Some learn visually, while others do better when they "learn by doing."

3. Course material is accessible 24 hours a day 7 days a week. You have the ability to read and re-read lectures, discussions, explanations and comments. Often spoken material in the classroom passes by due to a number of distractions, missed classes, tiredness or boredom.

4. In an on-line environment, attendance to class is only evident if you actually participate in classroom discussion. This increases your interaction as well as the diversity of opinion, because everyone gets a say, not just the most talkative.

5. Past students often comment that online learning lets them attend class when fully awake and attend in increments of convenient time block, rather than rigid 2 or 4 hour stretches once or twice a week

6. Participating online is much less intimidating than "in the classroom." Anonymity provides you a level playing field undisturbed by bias caused by seating arrangement, gender, race and age. You can also think longer about what you want to say and add your comments when ready.

7. There appears to be increased bonding and camaraderie over traditional class environments.Because online courses offer "chat rooms" for informal conversation, there's an environment for you and your peers to discuss shared backgrounds and non-class discussions.

8. On-line classrooms also facilitate team learning by providing chatrooms and newsgroups for meetings and joint work. This eliminates the problems of mismatched schedules, finding a meeting location and distributing work for review between meetings.

9. Professors that teach on-line come with practical knowledge and may be from any location across the globe. This allows you to be exposed to knowledge that can't be learned in books and see how class concepts are applied in real world situations.

10. The on-line environment makes professors more approachable. You can talk openly with your teachers through on-line chats, e-mail and in newsgroup discussions, without waiting for office hours that may not be convenient. This option for communication provides enhanced contact between you and your professors. [Coleman]

Let the Student Beware

You may find that some of your classes are best suited for on-line environments and some best for traditional classrooms. There are universities that offer entire degrees that can be gained strictly on-line, but students should be aware of the amount of work required with on-line degrees and the obvious lack of one-on-one contact with other students and professors. Some universities and colleges require an additional fee for taking on-line classes. Though there is much research that is showing us that on-line classes are just as beneficial as traditional classes, and in many ways better, the student must be aware of all aspects of this unique learning experience.

If you are interested in on-line learning, it is best to start by asking a person who has completed a class some questions about their experience, and then contact the university or college and learn the technical requirements for an on-line class, and if there are any additional fees for enrollment.

Read some of the articles listed below for more general information concerning on-line learning.

Sources:

Google Scholar - Links to articles on pros and cons of on-line learning. http://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=benefits+of+online+classes&hl=en&lr=

Lewis, Regina. Earning a Degree Online. (2003) Retrieved from "http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/08/26/earlyshow/contributors/reginalewis/

main570268.shtml" August 14, 2005.

Stephanie Coleman. "Benefits of Online Learning." World Wide Learn, The World's Premier Online Directory of Education. 14 August 2005. World Wide Learn. 02 May 2008. "http://www.worldwidelearn.com/education-articles/benefits-of-online-learning.htm"

How Online Classes Work -- University of Colorado Denver link
http://www.cudenver.edu/Academics/CUOnline/OnlineCourses/HowItWorks/Pages/HowOnlineCoursesWork.aspx

University of Colorado Denver - "Life of a Student," http://www.cudenver.edu/ACADEMICS/CUONLINE/ONLINELEARNING/LIFEOFASTUDENT/Pages/LifeofaStudent.aspx