| One expert says it in one line: "Anybody who plans | | | | student's computer knowledge limitations, etc. |
| to have an online education must be self-directed." | | | | Online classes need more discipline. The absence of a |
| The big reason is because online classes are very | | | | face-to-face attendance of classmates and |
| different from face-to-face classes, although the | | | | instructors can lull anyone into laxity. |
| intention to learn is the same for students of both. | | | | Work loads |
| Online education is really a new tool afforded by | | | | The flexibility of online education in terms of |
| current technology. It is beneficial especially to people | | | | schedules and other student demands does not |
| who might be unable to enter traditional schools but | | | | mean that the student will not exert any effort at all. |
| still want to pursue their educational goals. | | | | In online learning, the student cannot afford to be |
| The following are some of the criteria you have to | | | | slack or complacent. Work is the same as it is in |
| be aware of and be able to understand as well during | | | | on-campus schools, maybe more so because you can |
| your online studies. | | | | choose your time to work. The accelerated pace |
| Communications | | | | sometimes overwhelms the unprepared student. |
| All communications in an online class are in written | | | | Support system |
| text. Except for the occasional recorded video or | | | | A strong support system composed of your family |
| audio, most of the lessons, lectures, and assignments | | | | and friends (and employer, if there is) should be in |
| are written down, rather than spoken. | | | | place from the start. Your employer's support is |
| In addition, communications between teachers and | | | | critical if there are competing responsibilities in your |
| students (and among the students) are done via | | | | work and in school that will both demand for your |
| e-mails, chat rooms or newsgroups. For the | | | | time. |
| newcomer, this can be intimidating. | | | | Technical needs |
| Typically, online classrooms contain conferences, | | | | You need a very good working computer, period. It |
| folders, or discussion group or some similar forms. | | | | is THE most important instrument in your online |
| They comprise all of the online class materials needed | | | | studies. |
| within the time frame of the course. | | | | Your Internet connection should be fast enough and |
| Time management | | | | you can search online for your class needs without |
| In an online course, the management of personal | | | | being dropped all the time. If you are in chat sessions |
| time is of prime importance, even critical. The student | | | | in your class, your online platform should not drop |
| must have the discipline and perseverance in allotting | | | | your connection. |
| time for study, discussion, "attending" class, and | | | | Technical issues are normal (and expected within |
| communicating with everyone. | | | | tolerable limits). What you cannot afford is having |
| This also includes time with family and friends and | | | | your computer leave you when you need it most |
| personal business outside the "classroom". Support is | | | | (sending assignment papers or chatting with the |
| badly needed from family and friends to keep one's | | | | instructor, etc.) |
| motivation up. Burnouts are frequent. | | | | All in all, these are some of the important |
| Deadlines | | | | considerations you must live with if you plan to get |
| Meeting deadlines and time frames are the sole | | | | an online education. Preparation, as always, is a big |
| responsibility of the student. There is no one or | | | | step towards success. |
| nothing to blame - not the instructor, not the | | | | |