Are You Ready for Online Courses?

As a student, you will increasingly be given the opportunity to take courses via the web. East Georgia College is offering web-delivered classes each semester. You can inspect the current class schedule to see if the classes are on the schedule and the procedure for registration. In addition, the University System of Georgia has developed a wide selection of web-delivered courses. Ultimately entire programs of study will be available via the internet through a project called eCore.

The web-delivered course option will be a benefit for some students but it is not for everyone. Before signing up for an online course, there are some issues you must consider. The following questions are designed to help you decide whether an online, web-delivered course is for you.

Are you a candidate for web-delivered classes?

1. Do you have 9-12 hours a week (per course) to spend in front of a computer or working on your own?
Most face-to-face courses meet for 3 hours a week and require an additional two-three hours outside of class for every hour in class. This totals 9-12 hours. In a web-delivered course you will be expected to spend those 9-12 hours in front of a computer or working on your own. Therefore, you should ask yourself if you have the time and the resources for a web-delivered course.

2. Are you comfortable with technology?
In a web-delivered course, the computer is your classroom. You will be expected to converse, turn in work, ask questions, and learn the content, all through the computer or written materials. Therefore, you must be able to use email, send attachments, post comments to a bulletin board or discussion group, and read well from a computer screen. And as in any technology-heavy course, sometimes the technology won't work (which means your 9 hours of course time can become 10, or more!). The computer and programs you use may have to be upgraded and plug-ins may have to be downloaded. You will be expected to find ways to get your work completed on time despite these problems. Therefore, you should ask yourself if this is something you are comfortable doing.

3. Is a web-delivered format compatible with your learning style?
In many face-to-face classes, you can simply sit in class and pay attention. You don't have to actively participate. In a web-delivered course, your activity determines whether you will learn. In a face-to-face course, you can personally interact with other students. In a web-delivered course, personal interaction happens through the written word. You do not see people's faces and their expressions. In a face-to-face course most communication is oral. Listening is the most important skill. In a web-delivered course, you must be able to read and comprehend. If you are a slow reader, learning will take much longer and your 9 hours in front of the computer can easily become 18 hours. Therefore, you should ask yourself how you learn best and whether a web-delivered course can provide you with the learning environment you need.

4. Are you a self-motivated learner? Unlike a traditional course, there is no set time of day for attending class and learning the material. This can be an advantage if you prefer to learn in the middle of the night or if you work a swing shift. However, it can be a disadvantage if you are a procrastinator. In a web-delivered course, you must monitor your progress and plan ahead. You must determine when and where you will learn the material. Therefore, you should look critically at your past college experiences and ask yourself whether you can keep yourself motivated and on task.

If you answered yes to all of the questions above, you are a good candidate for a web-delivered class and are likely to be successful. If you answered no to any of the questions, you should think carefully about your decision. You should ask yourself whether you have the time and the desire to overcome the obstacles. Discuss your options with your advisor and then make the choice that is best for YOU and your college success.