“Online classes are not easier. Online classes are not faster. Online classes are not for everyone.”
This statement is bold and underlined on a lot of colleges’ websites that offer online classes.
According to a report posted on SloanConsortium.org, more than 6.7 million students were taking at least one online course during fall 2011, an increase of 570,000 students over the previous year. Thirty-two percent of higher education students now take at least one course online.
Despite these large numbers, research has discovered that course completion and retention rates are “generally lower” in online courses than in face-to-face courses.
The reason for this may be that online courses tend to attract more non-traditional students (those 25 and older who may have families and/or a job). These students tend to struggle with technology, time management and self-discipline.
What are the characteristics of a successful online student? Here is a list of the top traits.
Online students don’t have to be computer geeks, but they need to know how to open a web browser and download email attachments.
More than just knowing how to open a web browser, they should know how to conduct a proper online search. Additionally, it wouldn’t hurt to understand how to use common computer programs, such as Microsoft Word or Power Point.
Many times a professor will want something in a “pdf” or a “doc” format so it is expected that the student knows how to use these programs.
Online classes very well might demand more of your time, which can be really difficult because you can always push off watching a lecture or doing an assignment because you have “another day” or “one more hour.”
Because of this online students need to be committed to succeeding in their classes and be amazing at managing their time.
Anyone taking an online class needs to be a self-motivator because there is no professor you have to listen to if you don’t go to class. The only person you have to prove something to is yourself (and possibly a parent or partner).
Maybe you are motivated but just not in a group setting. If this is the case then create an online support group or a group from your class that meets once a week or before a big exam.
Are you just over your online class completely? If you are, just visit https://www.onlineclasshelpers.com.
