Do you think taking college courses online is effective?
Question:
Serious replies only. Thank you so much.
Answer:
Online classes are similiar to traditional classes in two ways:.1) If you put a lot into the course, you'll get a lot of it, if you don't interact much in the discussion area or keep up with your assignments and tests, you won't learn much. 2) If you have a teacher who is a good communicator, is organized, and gives consistent feedback, you'll learn alot. If your teacher can't write well, is disorganized, unfamiliar with the material or online software, you will have to work a lot harder to learn.
I'm taking my masters online, and administer some online programs, so this is what I'd think about before committing to 5 online classes (5 is a lot of classes no matter how you take them!)...we provide this checklist for students wondering about whether they should take online classes:
Online Learning Readiness Checklist
To help you decide if you are ready for online course work, respond to the following statements by clicking "Yes" or "No." Be as honest with yourself as you can
1. I am self-motivated and self-disciplined. Yes No
2. I am a good "time manager." Yes No
3. I am comfortable with e-mail and word processing Yes No
4. I can read analytically and critically. Yes No
5. If I set my sights on an end result, I usually achieve it. Yes No
6. I am confident in my academic abilities. Yes No
7. I do not give up easily, even when confronted with obstacles.Yes No
8. I believe I am responsible for my own education. Yes No
9. I have commuting problems. Yes No
10. I have conflicts with work, athletics or child care and school activities. Yes No
11. I have convenient and frequent access to a computer with an Internet connection. Yes No
12. I am willing to try something new. Yes No
13. I am willing to express my thoughts and opinion in writing Yes No
14. I am willing to actively participate in the learning process by doing tasks, projects, etc. Yes No
15. I am willing to interact with my peers in a collaborative learning environment. Yes No
16. I am willing to work in a loosely structured environment Yes No
Number of Yes answers:
Number of No answers:
If you answered "Yes" to fewer than 13 statements, rethink your reasons for wanting to enroll in an online course. You may not feel comfortable with this style of instruction and may not be capable of learning this way.
If you answered "Yes" to at least 13 statements, online learning may be right for you!
Good luck!
I have taken numerous online courses and they can be just as effective as taking courses on campus. However, a person has to be dedicated to doing their work and not slack off on it, but honestly the same can be said for classes on campus. I liked my online courses and some of them were pretty challenging. It depends on the course but most of the time it is no better or no worse than classes taken on campus. Just work hard and do all the assignments.
I took 1 1/2 years of typical brick and mortar residential college. I decided to take a break and work full-time. During that time period I enrolled in Thomas Edison State College which offers complete online degrees. I loved the convenience of the online courses. They do take dedication because professors aren't going to chase you around to tell you that you missed class or an assignment. I loved that I didn't have to sit and listen to a lecture and that I could logon to classes when it fit my schedule. If you are a person that can teach yourself and keep up with the syllabus online courses are a great idea.
I really enjoyed online classes. I didn't have to site in a boring classroom..I didn't even have to get dressed.. I was not real motivated which hurt me a lot..I had to force myself. Take classes which you are interested in ..for me they were social work classes. If u are interested..they will b easier..Don't take courses that you struggle with in regular univ..If u hate to write don't take English 2 (research papers), etc. any course in which you might need a lot of help one on one..stay away from online...
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