Student Readiness - Is Distance Learning for Me?

While there are many points to consider when making a decision about online learning, ultimately you are in the best position to know whether it fits your personal learning style and life style. If you have the right qualities to be a successful online student, you will probably find it to be a very convenient and rewarding alternative to traditional classroom learning.

Distance learning students can sometimes end up neglecting their studies because of personal or professional circumstances, unless they have compelling reasons for taking the course.

Online courses often require at least as much, if not more, time and commitment than traditional courses. Students report that distance learning courses are as hard or harder than on-campus courses. Completing course assignments and activities can take from five to fifteen hours or more per week. Class discussions or other activities may require you to be online almost every day.

Distance learning courses give students greater freedom of scheduling, but they can require more self-discipline than on-campus classes. In traditional courses, students meet face-to-face with the instructor and each other at least once a week. However, in online courses most activities and communication are asynchronous, meaning that students complete their assignments at different times throughout the day and week, depending on their schedule. An asynchronous course allows students flexibility and convenience, but requires responsibility. Without the structure of regular class meetings, it will be up to the students to pace themselves and keep up with assignments.

Some students prefer the independence of distance learning courses; others find it uncomfortable.

Print materials are the primary source of directions and information in distance learning courses.

If you are generally intimidated by technology and avoid it at all costs, an online course may not be right for you.

The personal computer is the primary learning and communication tool in most online courses. Students need to have basic technology skills (such as using word processing software and web browsing) as well as regular access to a computer with an internet connection.

People learn in different ways. While some students learn best by interacting with others, other students prefer to read and review on their own. Online courses vary in regards to the amount of opportunity for group interaction that they offer. Even high levels of group interaction in an online course will differ from interaction within a traditional face-to-face course. Students who feel that they will miss seeing and listening to their classmates and instructors, or want to experience campus life may not be happy taking online courses.

Distance learning courses require you to work from written directions without face-to-face instructions.

It may take as long as 24 hours to get comments back by e-mail from your instructor.