Why or Why Not to Take an Online Course

Taking an online course presents both advantages and disadvantages to the student. While online courses permit flexibility with regard to daily routine, they lack the regimented structure of the traditional classroom setting.

Being in an online class is like being in a face-to-face class because activities include assignments, quizzes, tests, projects and discussions. Communication occurs using online tools such as email, chats and discussion boards as well as the telephone. It is different than a face-to-face class in that you don’t physically SEE your teacher or the other students, and you and your teacher may not always be online working at exactly the same time.

Advantages of Taking Online Courses:
Online courses allow you to complete courses from the convenience of anywhere there is Internet access. If you are highly energetic in learning, chances are high for you to succeed. Students will possess a greater degree of independence, which in turn requires a greater amount of individual responsibility.

Contrary to some preconceived notions, the Internet is not an impersonal means of communication. Students can still develop a rapport with their instructors and peers, just not in the accustomed ways. The communication may not be immediate (synchronous), but may be at a different time (asynchronous).

To a large extent, the student’s success relies on his/her own internal motivations. In other words, excellent instruction and comprehensive course materials will not compensate for a student’s inability to manage time efficiently and to hand in work on time. The successful student will recognize that time is a precious commodity and favors the initiative-taking individual.

Disadvantages of Online Courses:
Online courses are usually more work that face-to-face. In the classroom, students may sit passively. At the computer, students are actively engaged all the time, which equates to more work.

Indeed, online courses are not right for everyone. Students should seek input from local teachers, guidance counselors, and their parents.

Requirement	Face-to-Face	Online
Seat time in class	Passive; class discussion	Actively engaged - reading, researching, responding
Course delivery	Lecture by instructor	Lecture online in written format
Assignments	Created and handed in to instructor	Created and emailed or submitted through course site
Contact with faculty	Class discussion, in-person or phone conversations	Private e-mail, chat rooms, discussion threads
Contact with class members	Talk to them in person	Private e-mail, chat rooms, discussion threads
Tests	In class or take home	Proctored on campus; generated for online taking and grading; submitted through email

To learn more and be prepared for online learning visit the Readiness Considerations section in the Professional Development Center.