Online Survival Skills
Do
I Have What It Takes To Go Online?
Motivation.
Although Online Learning removes many barriers to education, the lack
of a formal classroom environment requires student discipline and planning.
Faculty who design instructional materials and guide your study will not
be physically present to remind you to complete assignments. It is up
to you to make sure you set aside study time, to initiate the personal
contact and feedback you need — whether it's through e-mail, phone
calls, two-way video or in writing — to have a successful learning
experience.
Limitations.
You should be aware that some Online course offerings are limited to certain
semesters, and will require you to own certain computer equipment. Courses
at some colleges (but not Capital) may have some on-campus requirements.
Please read the listings of your preferred college or university carefully
so that you are aware of any limitations before you enroll.
Consider the instructional environment.
Some programs may connect students electronically to a live, real-time
classroom setting; however, students typically interact with one another
and the professor through computer conference and e-mail. The level
of student-to-instructor and student-to-student interaction is a critical
consideration for anyone involved in Online education. Therefore,
knowledge of e-mail and some basics of the Internet are needed.
Assessing benefits in Online Education.
Your goals will help you decide which Online course to choose. Even though
you may be personally more comfortable with an on-campus course, you
may decide it is far more convenient and beneficial to take a course
online for the reasons described above. Although conference calls, online
chat groups, and two-way video hook-ups provide opportunities for class
interaction, they may not be available for all courses or for every
assignment.
It's important
to know what you value most in a learning experience, and select a course
that is delivered by technologies that match your personal preferences.
Inform yourself about testing, evaluation, and assessment systems. It
is important to ascertain before registering for a course whether such
activities occur on campus or are also available close to home.
You also should be prepared for additional expense if you elect to take
your courses from home because of the reasons described above.
Aside
from these factors, you can be assured that the quality of a course
and its benefit to you is the same if you elect Online Learning from
Capital.
