Online education is a growing trend in the world of higher education. Students are able to attend classes without being on campus, and professors have more freedom to design their course curriculums with just a computer.
However, there are many do’s and don’ts when considering taking online classes offered by universities. This blog post will give you some helpful tips for navigating your way through this new age of learning!
Things to Do
Do your research. Before enrolling in an online course, it is vital to do some research on the university and program you are interested in. Is the school reputable? What type of accreditation does it have?
Are there any reviews or ratings available for the program? Make sure that you feel confident in both the school and program before making a commitment.
Find out if you can earn credit for life experiences. Some programs allow students to receive credit based on their life experience and previous knowledge, meaning they do not have to take prerequisite courses or enroll in general education classes.
This is great because it means that you won’t be wasting time by taking prerequisites before getting into the program’s core content.
Check out the syllabi before enrolling. Before you commit to anything, take a look at all of the course materials that will be provided to you. Make sure that they are free from errors and have an engaging design.
Also, make sure there is ample support available for students taking this class online! You don’t want to dive into something you aren’t prepared for.
Find out about the technical requirements for online classes. It is crucial to ensure that you have a reliable computer and internet connection before enrolling in an online class. Most programs will provide detailed information on how they function, including any special technology requirements needed for participation.
While most online platforms run on browsers and would work even with a mobile device or tablet, others may require software downloads that only work on specific devices or operating systems.
Get to know your classmates and professor. Just because you are taking a class online doesn’t mean you can’t communicate with your classmates or professor! Most of the time, your class will have some sort of online group where you can communicate with other students taking the course.
Also, don’t be afraid to reach out to your professor if you have any questions. A company called FindMyProgramme would be a great place to start your research.
Things Not to Do
Don’t expect an online class to be the same as a traditional one. You must realize they are not the same and adjust your expectations accordingly. For example, sometimes things can get lost in translation when it comes to communication between professors and students, so make sure you stay on top of things.
Also, since there is no physical classroom, you will need to be more disciplined with your time and complete all assignments on time!
Don’t forget to get a syllabus. It may sound silly, but make sure that you actually have a copy of the course’s curriculum. It’s vital that you review it and note any deadlines or due dates for assignments before enrolling in a class. This way, there will be no surprises when something is due.
Don’t forget to communicate with your professor and classmates. While you may be tempted to let the online platform do all of the work, make sure that you reach out if there is ever a problem or question.
You can contact both your professors and fellow students through emails or messaging platforms like Google Hangouts. Just because it’s an “online” class, doesn’t mean that communication is any less important.
Don’t wait until the last minute to sign up for a course. Since online courses tend to fill up quickly, especially if it’s at a prestigious university, it is important that you sign up for the course you want as soon as possible.
This way, you won’t be left disappointed or have to take an undesirable class because there was no space left.
In conclusion, taking online classes offered by universities can be a great experience as long as you do your research and prepare accordingly. Follow these tips to make sure that everything goes smoothly.