5 Questions To Ask Yourself Before Taking Your First Online Class
By Kris Bickell
Just a few short years ago, the idea of taking
a college course through the Internet was
something online "techies" considered. Now
that people realize how convenience it is
to take a class without leaving home, more
and more people are taking advantage of using
their computer to learn.
But while the technology used for online
classes is so simple just about anyone can
become an online student, you should ask yourself
the following 5 questions first - and save
yourself a lot of stress!
1) Do you have the time?
Many people think - mistakenly - that
online courses are "easier" than traditional
campus classes. But most online classes
require regular participation. So, you
must have the time to "log on" to your
course several times each week, complete
the assignments and do your homework,
and interact with the other students.
All of this takes time - and, you have
to account for the time you would normally
have spent in the classroom. If you have
the time, you will find taking an online
class to be very convenient!
2) Do you have the discipline?
Sure, most online classes don’t require
you to be on the computer at a specific
time (although some do). So it is up to
you to make sure you check in on your
class several times each week. With a
busy work schedule, sports, hobbies, housework,
kids, it’s easy to put your class low
on your priority list. And that could
mean big trouble when it comes time to
get your grade.
It’s not the teacher’s job to remind
you to keep up with your work - that’s
your responsibility. A simple way to make
this work is to create your own schedule,
so each week you know exactly when it’s
time to "go to class"!
3) Do you have the money?
While there are many free or low-cost
online "self help" courses available,
college courses almost always cost the
same whether you take them on-campus,
or online. Colleges have to buy the software,
train their faculty, and offer student
services after hours - so expecting online
courses to be less expensive is not reasonable.
On the other hand, the same financial
aid is often available for online classes,
just as with campus classes. So, money
should not stop any student from furthering
their education!
4) Do you have the right technical skills?
Fortunately, you don’t have to be a computer
"genius" to take an online class. The
technology has become very simple for
students and teachers to use, so that
students who can "surf the Internet" and
use email usually have the necessary technical
skills.
Before getting started, the school offering
the course should have a sample course,
tutorial, or other training to help you
determine if there are any skills you
need to learn, so you can become a successful
online student!
5) Do you have the right computer equipment?
Since most online classes are taught
through the Internet, students usually
don’t need any special computer equipment.
However, most online classes require students
to have reliable access to the Internet,
an email account (and the knowledge to
use it), a word processor (such as Microsoft
Word), and antivirus software. Check with
your school to see if there are any other
requirements.
A high speed internet connection is usually
not required, but if instructors use graphics,
videos, audio lectures, or other big files,
a high speed connection (such as DSL or
cable) will help you open the files, and
do you work, more efficiently!
Are you ready now to take your first
online class? Then it’s time to contact
your local college, or search the internet
for an online class directory, and see
what online courses you can take!
Kris Bickell is the owner of Hi-Speed-Internet.com,
a helpful site for consumers comparing
high speed internet services. For information
on high speed DSL, Cable, and Wireless
Internet, visit: http://www.Hi-Speed-Internet.com,
and sign up for the free email course
"5 Simple Ways To Increase Your Computer
Speed". © 2005 Hi-Speed-Internet.com
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