You have decided to return to school or begin school for the first time. You have also chosen on an alternative path to your degree rather than the traditional classroom setting. Maybe you feel like a freshman and are wondering what to expect from this new adventure. Wonder no more.
What I can Expect From an Online Class—Technology
- You can expect to have to meet certain computer requirements. You’ll definitely need to have an internet connection, as well as meet other requirements for installing this or that program.
- Most professors will have a requirement that you post on student discussion forums—they’ll generally give you a number, say, twice a week, three times a day, or four times a month. It should be something constructive that contributes if you want it to make a positive impact on your grade.
- One other thing: if you don’t have a fairly extensive knowledge of the inner workings of computers, you should keep your internet tech support and any other tech support numbers handy. Try putting them in your cell phone contacts. The last thing you want is to have a project due with your computer crashing.
What I can Expect From an Online Class—Academic Effort
This is not an easy version of the classroom class. You can expect to have to study, turn your homework/projects in on time, engage your mind, and hold yourself to deadlines. If you are not a naturally disciplined, diligent individual, you will need to brace yourself and develop some discipline immediately. Your teacher will probably check up on you, but without the pressure of face-to-face interaction and having the structure of classroom classes, you may be tempted to slack off. Don’t give in to the temptation. Hold yourself to the deadlines and put forth your best effort.
What I can Expect From an Online Class—When It Is Over
You can expect the same results as you would had you been in a classroom. Simply put, you get out of it what you put into it. This is the identical feature shared by online and classroom classes. If you study hard for your online class, you will meet the class goals and gain the knowledge that was intended. If you meet your deadlines and make thoughtful posts on discussion forums, you will benefit tremendously from the experience. Do your best, and expect the best!
