Online Classes Merit Consideration
Chose an Online Course Format to Match Your Learning Style
Jun 7, 2009
When contemplating an online college course, consider the computer technology, the course requirements, and your learning style.
Know How to Download, Upload and Post
The basic computer savvy needed for most online classes is the ability to download, upload, and post. Instructors post information, such as the course syllabus, which students typically download to their personal computers. Examples that you may have previously downloaded include pictures and music. The process is the same for any type of information. You click a link and then you are asked if you want to save, open, or cancel.
Class assignments are submitted via computer. One method is to upload a file. To upload, a browse button typically is provided, making the process fairly streamlined. You click on the browse button then select the folder where the information for the assignment was created and saved. Click on the file. The next step is very important and sometimes over looked, you then need to attach the file. Confirm that the file has successfully attached.
Students Interact on Discussion Boards
Many online instructors prefer that students interact. A key element of teaching is student interaction. Online, student interaction occurs in forums or discussion boards. Often the instructor provides a prompt, which is a question or topic. Students then are instructed to provide a response, typically both to the prompt and to comments made by other students. Posting involves clicking on a dialogue box, entering text, and then submitting.
Online colleges use software that sometimes requires the downloading of a specific web browser. An Internet connection is required with broadband being highly recommended.
Learning Online Requires Attention to Detail
If you need a college-level algebra class and you barely got through your high school course, then an online class may not be a good match. In-class instruction allows for immediate questions and illustration by the instructor prior to moving on to more difficult material. Online instruction typically is self-directed and then measured through tests, with some processing of information through posts.
Online instruction typically requires careful reading of assigned texts. Currently, very few publishers make available audio textbooks. More textbooks are becoming available in digital formats for download. However, many online classes still require students to purchase hard copy books as part of the course.
The ability to process details is even a higher priority online. Confirming understanding is not as immediate as raising one’s hand and asking a question. Since the instructor is not there to make sure you fully understand assignment content or multiple due dates, you must provide this self-check throughout the course.
Students Work at Their Own Pace Online
The advantage of the online course is the ability to do daily and weekly work at your own pace. There is more of a need in the classroom to accommodate either slower paced or more talkative students. For those who learn better with less interaction with peers, online forums often are a good fit.
