Skip to main content
Online Education

learning online

Is Online Learning Right for You?

When figuring out whether taking an online course is the right decision for you, it is helpful to understand what skills you need in order to excel in an online environment. Here are some questions to get you started:


How much time are you able to invest in an online course?

  • Similar to face-to-face courses you can expect an online course to take an average of 2-3 hours a week, per credit (so typically 6-9 hours). Although it may be convenient to eliminate commuting time and complete the coursework on your own time, it is important to assess whether you have 6-9 hours a week you can commit to for an entire semester.

As a student, are you able to work independently?

  • Online coursework is done at your own pace, and typically on your own. When you are given assignments you will usually have to read instructions and figure out what the assignment is asking on your own.

Are you good at motivating yourself and avoiding procrastination?

  • Online courses require you to take the initiative and login on a regular basis. You are expected to keep track of deadlines and participate in discussions. If you wait til the last minute to complete assignments or only login once a week you will not be able to effectively participate in discussions or receive the valuable feedback from other students in the course. Additionally, waiting until the last minute to complete assignments does not leave time to arrange a “plan B” if your Internet is down, or your computer is having problems.

Do you often find yourself thinking of things to say in class after the class is over?

  • In an online course, being able to pace yourself means you can process the discussion and content of the course in your own time, and may be able to make the comment you wouldn’t have thought of in time to say in a face-to-face class. This actually adds an additional component to online courses because students are able to hear all comments - including comments from students who don’t typically speak in a face-to-face classroom.

Are you comfortable using a computer on a daily basis to manage your classes?

  • Being familiar with using a computer is essential for doing well in an online class. You will be logging in on a regular basis and completing various tasks that require the ability to navigate web pages and software programs. If you are uncomfortable using the course website you are less likely to regularly participate in the class, and more likely to become frustrated with the course. It may be helpful to check out our sample Sakai course before signing up for an online course.

Are you able to communicate in writing/text?

  • Most communication with online instructors and fellow students will be done through the discussion boards and email exchange. It is important that you are able to articulate your thoughts and questions through writing in order to excel in an online course.

Do you use online social media (such as Facebook) to stay in contact with friends and family?

  • The use of social media to stay in touch with friends is a good indicator of how comfortable you will be communicating with instructors and classmates in an online classroom. Have you have tried the social media websites and struggled to navigate or follow your contacts? If so, you may want to “test the waters” with online communication (possibly through a blended course) before enrolling in an entirely online course.

Do you have limited accessibility to campus or more time to devote to a class in the evening or weekends?

  • One of the best perks of online courses is the flexibility of reviewing lectures and course content every week. For students who need to fit in courses and just can’t make it to the campus courses online courses are an excellent alternative. If you are motivated to complete your classes, and this flexibility makes it possible, you are more likely to take the time to work through the obstacles of an online course (E.g. less accountability for attendance, discomfort with online interface)

UPCOMING EVENTS

 

Enrollment for Online Summer Courses starts on February 25, 2013, check out what's being offered and register today!

 

student profile

smiling female in blue blouse, standing in front of greenery

Anna Vaccaro '12

Communication Studies

Gender & Women's Studies

"Because of online courses, I was able to finish my degrees despite having limited childcare available to me as a single parent. As a student, I strongly benefited from the way the online format encourages active participation skills. Passivity is not an option in a classroom style that requires you to consistently, meaningfully contribute to the class in order to prove your presence and earn your grade."

student resources

Available Courses

Disability Accommodations

Technology Support

Exam Procedure (PDF)

Online Study Tips/Tools

Frequently Asked Questions

Library & Research

Learning Home