Is on-line learning right for you? Online courses provide a great option, but make sure they fit your situation

Career World, April-May, 2004 by Mark Rowh

How would you like to earn college credits without attending class? No, we're not talking about some shady scheme--just exploring your options.

For students of the 21st century, more educational choices are available than for any other generation in history. You can choose from different types of colleges and also from a variety of learning options.

One such option is provided by on-line courses and programs. Made possible by the power of the Internet, they offer a convenient alternative to traditional studies. Instead of sitting in a brick-and-mortar classroom, students access course material by computer and complete assignments on their own.

Flexible Approach

How do on-line courses work? The details vary from one school to another, but the basics are the same. Instead of reporting to class several times a week, students work independently. Course information is accessed via the Internet, and students can work at any time they prefer, day or night. Instead of listening to in-class lectures, students read material on-line or in textbooks. They submit work via E-mail or regular mail. Deadlines may apply for papers or other assignments, but otherwise, students largely determine their own schedules.

"On-line courses and programs offer great flexibility and convenience," says Melody Clark, academic director of distance learning for the University of Cincinnati in Ohio. "They alleviate the need to attend physical class sessions on a regular basis."

Not having to attend class has a number of advantages. "Because on-line courses are often more flexible as to when and where they meet, students can take them when they're at home during the summer, working, or traveling abroad," says Rich Rice, assistant professor and extended studies liaison at Texas Tech University. "College students with families and heavy work schedules often find on-line courses helpful too."

At many colleges, "regular" courses are supplemented by online versions of the same course. Say you need to take business law, for example, but find that the regular class sections are full. If you enroll for an on-line version of the same course, you can complete it without waiting until the next term.

Or what if you would like to learn Russian, but your college doesn't offer it? Assuming that your adviser approves it, you might enroll for Russian 101 at a college located hundreds of miles away.

Improving Skills

Still another plus is that completing these types of courses can strengthen other important skills you'll need for overall success as a student. "On-line courses provide the opportunity to improve technology and Internet skills," says Tim Ely, director of instructional design at Harcum College in Pennsylvania.

By definition, these courses require extensive use of computers. This will include completing course work and communicating electronically with other students and faculty. In the process, most students improve their skills in these areas.

"On-line courses help prepare you in ways that face-to-face classes can't always do," Rice says. "They teach students to be functionally literate. If you can't communicate what you know or generate ideas using the tools of the workplace, and the tools are often electronic and Internet-based, then you're at a serious disadvantage."

Not for Everyone

Despite their obvious appeal, on-line courses may not be a good choice for everyone. First-time college students should take special care when considering this type of course.

"On-line learning takes more self-motivation than courses delivered face-to-face," says Rice. "More experienced students have developed motivation strategies, and they also realize the lasting impact of getting a poor grade and how important each class in college is more than most incoming freshmen do."

Working independently tends to isolate learners from faculty and other students. "A drawback is that you have no face-to-face interaction with peers and instructors, meaning you can't tune in and react to clues such as body language, facial expression, and tone of voice," says Ely. "A feeling of isolation and lack of community may also develop due to lack of human contact."

Most important, realize that this approach is seldom easier than traditional courses. "Do not think there is less work because you do not necessarily have to go to class," Rice says. "It can actually be more work."

Keys to Success

Keep in mind that on-line courses require a dedicated approach, as well as some specific skills. "To be a successful student in an on-line course, a learner should be self-motivated, independent, and hardworking," Ely says. "Basic computer skills and Internet searching skills are important, also."

A key factor is the ability to meet deadlines. "If you're the type of person who needs teachers to give you lots of reminders about deadlines, an on-line course may not be for you," says Rice.

Good language skills are also a must, according to Mark L. Parker, executive assistant to the provost at the University of Maryland's University College. "On-line learners must have strong English reading and writing skills," he says, "because almost all communication in on-line courses is written."