Studies have
repeatedly shown that successful distance learners are a different breed of
cat. One of the greatest predictors of success for a distance learner is if
the student has investigated the differences between distance learning and
traditional classes, then made an honest evaluation of whether or not Web
education is for them.
So,
what's different between a regular class (face-to-face, or F2F in online lingo)
and an online class? Let's look at a few of the differences:
-
Obviously,
the most glaring difference is that when taking an online class, you don't
have to show up at a particular place at a particular time. This is important
if your work schedule or family obligations prevent you from committing
to a particular block of time at a particular location. Shift workers, homebound
mothers and others greatly appreciate this convenience.
-
Keep
in mind, however, that online classes are not normally open entry/exit courses.
They begin and end on particular dates, and most require that you submit
assignments by a particular deadline. In most, you can finish early and
continue on with your work; you just can't finish late. In addition, in
some cases you may have to be online at a particular time for online chats
and/or office hours.
-
The
interaction with your instructor and your classmates will be virtual instead
of real-time. You won't have the feeling of presence that you do when you're
in a classroom full of students. If classroom discussion is important to
you, you'll be working the discussion area of your class hard.
- Online classes
put a premium on being able to work independently without constant input and
supervision from others.
-
You
don't have to get dressed up to go to class, and no one's going to jump you
for eating and drinking in the lab.
- It is your obligation
to maintain a valid Internet connection, email address, and operating computer.
As someone once said, two cans and a string won't cut it.
- Are you a good
reader? That's important when taking an online class. Current technical considerations
require that most material be delivered visually, and that means that most
notes and lecture points will be available as documents, either on the Web
or for download. However, more and more classes are taking advantage of course
specific CD's to deliver audio and video. There is hope!
- Staying current
with your work is vital. It's easy to put off until just a bit later that
assignment you should be tackling because your favorite TV show is on! Heck, you can always rip out that six page paper when
the movie's over at 2 AM.
- It's been said
before, but it's true. Successful completion of a distance education course requires that the student
take much more responsibility for his or her learning than in most F2F classes.
It's easy to be a day or so late with an assignment when you don't have to
look the instructor in the eye and deliver an excuse. It's easy to rationalize
that it's the computer's fault instead of taking responsibility for either
figuring out how to do a troublesome task or finding an alternative solution
to whatever the problem might be. The reward is that when you've completed
the class, you know for certain that you did it on your own.
