Learning Anytime, Anywhere

You may have heard friends talk about online colleges or seen ads for a number of schools and programs. But what do you know about online education? Like traditional universities, online courses bring content, instructors and students together for the purpose of learning. The curriculum of an online program may be similar to a traditional academic or career program, but the delivery is very different. The primary difference between online and traditional colleges is use of the Internet to deliver course materials and manage communication and collaboration.

Is an online program right for you?

If you are considering enrolling in an online program, this is a question you will have to answer based on your educational and career goals. There is a lot of information out there, so understand the benefits and challenges and do your research!

The Advantages of Online College

• Convenience – You can attend class at home, in an airport or out-of-town, as long as you have reliable access to an Internet connection.
• Access – You may live in an area where the program you need or prefer is not offered by the traditional institutions. Online access can open up a world of options.
• Flexibility – Online courses offer flexibility not often found in traditional programs. Having access to course materials online, 24/7, means that you can schedule the majority of your study and course review time around your other commitments, such as work and family.

The Challenges of Online College

• Skills required – Becoming a successful online student takes practice and specific skills and characteristics. Are you self-disciplined? Are you skilled with technology? How are your time management skills? Computer skills are a must as well as the ability to work independently and stay focused.
• Scheduling – While online courses do offer a lot of scheduling flexibility many also have strict deadlines for assignments. Online courses may also require that students attend online events held at specific dates and times during the term. You may even have to go to a testing center to take proctored exams. Blended courses and clinical experience or internship requirements mean you will have a face-to-face component in addition to online materials and interactions.
• Expectations – What kind of a college experience are you looking for? Being a student at an online program is a different experience than that of a traditional, on-campus student. The online experience is focused on the courses while a traditional program is focused on courses but also offers extracurricular activities.

Ask Questions

There are several critical areas you should research before making a decision about an online program.

• Accreditation – Understand the accreditation status of any program you are considering and be aware of the importance of this process. What type of accreditation does the school and/or program have? Is accreditation important to your career plans?
• Finances – Know the total costs associated with an online program in addition to any other purchases you will have to makes such as furnishing your own computer and Internet connection. Find out about the availability of scholarships, grants and loans. Are you eligible? Is the program eligible? What is the process for applying? Research Federal Student Aid options.
• Class interactions – Ask if you can review any of the course syllabi. How will you access your course materials? What will be expected of you in the course? Will there be scheduled meetings?
• Support services – What assistance is available to help you be a successful online student? Ask about academic advising, career and placement services.

What to Expect

The requirements vary from program-to-program and course-to-course, but you can expect online learning activities that encourage you to connect with the course content, your classmates, and your instructor, in pursuit of specific learning objectives.

• Many online courses are developed for delivery in a learning management system, such as Blackboard or Moodle, providing a portal for you to access course materials, join discussions, and post assignments via the Internet.
• Learning materials may include, but are not limited to textbooks, video demonstrations, interactive lessons, PowerPoint presentations and other web-based resources.
• Depending on the nature of the class, you will most likely have online learning activities to complete as well as reading and graded assignments.
• Assignments may include written essays and papers, comments on discussion forums, individual or group projects, and quizzes and tests.
• You can expect to spend at least the same amount of time in an online class as you would in a traditional class.

Evaluate Your Goals

Online college students are a melting pot of people all working towards the same goal – to get a degree. From high school graduates working towards their first degree and young professionals taking classes to advance their careers to parents who want to work, attend school and raise a family, online colleges provide options for many people. It is important for you to evaluate your education and career goals. What are your reasons for pursuing an online program? Your reasons are unique to you and could range from personal to professional, from achieving a life's goal to changing careers or seeking a promotion.