Research indicates that enrollment in on-line college courses has increased 29% over the last several years. More universities are offering courses and full degrees online. The quality of these courses is improving. While many students are taking advantage of these opportunities, there are several things that you need to consider in deciding whether or not an on-line course or education is right for you.
Work. If you currently have a job, it may be difficult to stop working and go to school full-time. If you are in this situation, on-line courses may be for you. You can keep working at your current job while you take classes on-line. You can study in your spare time, in the evenings, and on weekends.
Housing. You can stay where you currently live. You don’t have to move if you take online courses. You don’t have to move to a different city, live in on-campus housing or live with roommates you don’t know.
Computer Skills. Consider your computer skills. Can you type fairly fast and accurate? Do you know how to send e-mail? Would you be comfortable in a content management system, participate in on-line discussions, and upload documents? These types of skills help make you successful.
Self-Discipline. How much self-discipline do you have? Can you easily prioritize and manage your time? Do you complete assignments in a timely fashion? Can you work with minimal directions? If so, you will probably be successful in getting on-line education.
Reading skills. A great majority of the material for your class will come from your textbooks and from the material online. Good reading skills and the ability to comprehend subject matter is essential.
Social Interaction. Face-to-face interaction with your professor and classmates will be minimal. Sometimes it will be non-existent. Do you need to see facial expressions, hear tone of voice, or need to express yourself verbally to help you learn? If so, you may not feel satisfied with an on-line experience.