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What to Expect in an Online Class
Online learners learn how to prepare themselves to succeed
While online classes vary quite a bit from face-to-face classes, the intent is still the same: learning. Priest (2000) posited,
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Many people think that online education is an easy way out. I let those people know that if a person is planning to attend an online class, he or she must be self-directed. Online is a tool to assist those who are unable to enter the traditional college classroom but are motivated to meet their educational goals. As working adult learners, online students bring their goals, experiences, and desires to the classroom. They are motivated to bring something new to each and every class. They are prepared to succeed (p. 41 as cited in White & Weight).
Classroom Communicating
Communication is critical to any online class because your classmates can quickly intimidate you and/or their experiences may especially since you cannot see them. However, try not to let this happen. You will soon realize that one of the greatest things about online education is to not feel intimidated, especially by your classmates. Your professor will set up guidelines in your respective classroom for communicating.
Online education allows you to be yourself and let go of the barriers such as intimidation. Using the written text, you can communicate openly in your classroom sharing your professional experiences and adding to the knowledge of the classroom. Once you adjust to this new way of going to class, you will feel less intimidated. Communication in an online class "takes the form of written text through responses, feedback on assignments, and the classroom discussion process. Lectures and faculty perspectives are no longer spoken, but rather written. Student interaction is through e-mail, chat rooms, or actual classrooms (newsgroups) set up for the virtual learning process that takes place in Outlook Express (OE)" (Mertz, 2003, p. 37), Blackboard, WebCT, eCollege or some other proprietary software. Enjoy it!
Intimidation can scare any new online student from enjoying an exhilarating new experience-i.e., being a new online student. Being aware of this will help you to overcome it. A typical online classroom will include either conferences, folders, or newsgroups or something along this line that contain all of the online class materials and information you will need during your time in the course. These items will vary depending upon the university and its set-up. You should not have to go to various locations while in the classroom area. However, be prepared to work, and work hard.
Time Management
Be sure to set aside a significant amount of time for your online class and this includes time to study. Time management is critical and I cannot stress this enough.
Learning online requires discipline and effective time management.
In any online class, you will have to work harder than in an on ground class because everything in the online environment is written, not spoken. This requires more time than most students expect. Thus, there is a more significant time commitment involved with online courses. It is important that you set aside study time away from family members and distractions.
Online courses require more support from family and friends to keep one's motivation high since the online student is responsible for his/her learning outcomes. The online classroom will include lectures and like items needed for the class, but it is the sole responsibility of the student learner to read those materials, not the professors to be sure the student is spoon-fed in any way. Therefore, having family and friends support is critical. Many students fail to recognize this and in turn, blame the professor when something goes wrong or does not seem to fit their perceptions. It happens a great deal in online classrooms. Burnout occurs all too often.
Meeting Deadlines and Timeframes
Online classes require a lot of discipline from the student learner and motivation to get the work done. You must take full responsibility as a student in the online environment that learning is your sole responsibility. Meeting deadlines and timeframes is your full responsibility, not the instructor's. Priest (2000) posited, "it [online learning] does require commitment and particular characteristics of the learner. Although online learners do not have to be computer experts or have a complete understanding of the software, they do need a willingness to learn" (p. 40-41 as cited in White & Weight). You will become frustrated when/if you fall behind and then, as many students do, you could end up blaming your instructor or others for things that are not even his/her fault, but yours. It is imperative that you, the student, take ownership for your learning outcomes. Recognize this. Do not blame someone else for your inabilities.
Be prepared to work
Just because online education is flexible to meet the growing demands of adult students does not mean it is for students who do not wish to put forth any effort.
If you fit the slacker-type student, you will quickly find online education frustrating and place blame where blame should not be placed. I have seen it many times in several online universities, and also, during my days of being an online student, had other classmates who fit this profile. Some students realize this way too late into an online course and then drop out. In addition, isolation (not having the ability to see one's classmates or the professor) can lead to attrition. If you are not prepared to work hard and swift in your online classes, you will become frustrated quickly as the accelerated pace can sometimes overwhelm students.
Your Support System
As noted earlier, be sure you have a strong support system with family and friends in place. Having your employer support you will also be a great attribute especially when there are some competing responsibilities that bid for your time. Online learning does not sit still and patience does not last long. Deadlines are critical and excuses only go so far. Time management could not be more significant than in an online class.
Technical Considerations
Lastly, be sure you have a good working computer that is not on its last legs. Be sure your Internet connection is fast and that you have the ability to search online for needed items for your class without getting dropped all the time. If you must be in chat sessions in your online class, be sure your online platform is not dropping you off chats either. Having technical issues is expected (within reason) but when something is due is not the time to have technical issues. You will quickly find yourself overwhelmed, frustrated, ready to give up on online classes, and place blame on anyone you can find. Anticipate technical issues, work ahead and never wait until the day, or last minute anything is due to begin work on it. It is your sole responsibility, not the professors if you wait. Be prepared for the consequences. |
