Is Online Learning for Me?
Center for New Learning students appreciate the flexibility that comes in online courses.
Online courses aren’t taught at a specific time or day each week. Instead, students log in when they have time to check class announcements, materials and assignments.
That flexibility is the reason many Center for New Learning students appreciate the flexibility that comes in online courses. But, how do you know if it’s right for you?
- Are you self-motivated and organized enough to find time to study each week?
- Do you enjoy studying alone?
- Will you take responsibility for communicating with your instructors online?
- Are your reading and writing skills strong? (Most online courses are in a written format.)
- Do you know how to use a computer for word-processing and Internet searches?
If you answered yes (or at least usually!) to these questions, an online program could be right for you!
Preparing for Online Courses
Students in online courses spend as much or more time studying as those who take courses on-campus. In online classes, you will have individual assignments, group projects and exams. In fact, the amount of homework will be the same as in a traditional on-campus class.
Just like face-to-face courses, participation counts! You will be asked to discuss your coursework with other students and the instructor, through online discussion boards and chat sessions. That’s why it is essential for you to keep up in online courses. If you aren’t keeping up with homework and reading assignments, it’ll be difficult for you to contribute to the on-going discussions. If you set aside time each week to participate in online course activities, you won’t fall behind.
We recommend logging in to check on your online course at least once a day. Some days you’ll quickly log on and off. Other days, you will have announcements and other course materials to review.