Should Students Take Online Courses?

Tips and Tools To Help You Make the Right Decision

June 22, 2014
So you decided to go back to school! The first step is to figure what you want to go back to school for. Then, find out the available financial options from the prospective college. This information can be obtained from the college's financial aid office. In-depth Internet research will also yield you various results. In addition, going to the local library and looking through the annual scholarship books is always a good recommendation. Watch for the deadlines and make sure you submit your application on time. Also determine the application materials that should be submitted such as letters of recommendation or essays and prepare those ahead of time. In addition, be sure to apply for the right scholarships. Some are quite specific in their criteria. For example, some scholarships are only available for student in certain areas such as engineering or science.
Time never seems to be on your side! You can barely make time to do all the extras after taking care of the kids. You don't know where the time goes and now you have to entertain the idea of returning to school or completing your college degree. The stresses of relationship demands, marriage, time demands, finances, and self-doubt would make any mother want to give up and lose motivation. Adult s need to balance their school, family and children while working towards their goals, but the question is, how can you return to school?
The next step is to make the decision if online courses are right for you; weigh the pros and cons. There are advantages and disadvantages of taking college courses online; the advantages are:

• No expenses of traveling to school
• Take classes at your convenience, not having to be at school at a certain time and place
• Ability to multi-task; make dinner while doing schoolwork, watch kids, clean house
• Ability to manage time better and form a routine
• Flexibility
• You maintain your own schedule
• Online courses focus more on students, not instructors
• Even though you are provided due dates for assignments, you are able to work at your own pace
• Helps employees remain competitive

As with any important decision in our adult lives, there are also disadvantages. One being there is no one-on-one interaction between students as well as between students and teachers. However, if you keep yourself motivated, form relationships with other students in your classes, ask questions to professors, and not wait until the last minute to complete assignments, online classes can be a wonderful opportunity to further your career. If you are considering taking college courses online, whether towards a degree or just for personal enrichment, consider the following tips:

• Be disciplined-stick to your goals
• Stay focused and be organized
• Be independent; but ask questions
• Commit the time each week to complete the work

References

Duncan, H. (2005). On-Line Education for Practicing Professionals: A Case Study. Canadian Journal of Education, 28(4), 874-896.

Shu-Ling, W., & Lin, S. J. (2007). The application of social cognitive theory to web-based learning through NetPorts. British Journal of Educational Technology, 38(4), 600-612. doi:10.1111/j.1467-8535.2006.00645.x

Graphic courtesy of: Study in USA (2014). Masters Degree Online: The positive side. Study in USA. Accessed at: http://studyn.us/2011/05/02/masters-degree-online-the-positive-side/

Posted by: Marchelle M., Sherry H., and Laurie R.