How to Prepare for Your First Online Course

Online classes allow students to attend class without traveling, while retaining a flexible schedule. Those considering enrollment in an online class for the first time should know what to expect and how this kind of schooling differs from in-class options. The following article explains how to prepare.

Online Classes: What to Expect

Online classes are increasingly available through colleges and universities. In fact, many postsecondary institutions have entire online schools just for hosting distance-learning opportunities. They may be available as part of a hybrid program that's partially hosted on campus or as part of a wholly online degree program. In either case, individuals must be accepted to the school's normal admission process at the undergraduate or graduate level. On the other hand, there are noncredit courses that individuals can enroll independently for professional development or personal enrichment.

Delivery Format and Communication

Web-based classes are often offered via education software like Blackboard. Students log on to an online portal that consolidates lectures (via recording or video files), reading materials and communication forums in one location for convenient access. Participants may interact with peers and their professors through e-mail, message boards and sometimes instant messaging.
Curricula may follow on-campus semester schedules or even run alongside a concurrent live class. Or assignments and testing may take place asynchronously with only fixed due dates, depending on the school. Noncredit courses may have open enrollment and unfixed schedules that are totally up to students' discretion to complete.

Self-Motivated Learning Style

Online classes require a much more self-motivated learning style than traditional classes. Students must set aside time to log into their classes and do their work on a regular basis. They may have participation quotas in addition to assignment deadlines. Many full degree programs recommend factoring in about 20 hours per week to dedicate to online classes, though time management isn't supervised. To make up for social engagement that happens in a classroom, many programs assign group projects that require frequent communication between individuals; in this sense, students may wind up relying on others' ability to contribute regularly to projects.
Students must be proactive about understanding class schedules and how to submit their work. Those who enroll in a completely online program may encounter a variety of pacing requirements dependent on each instructor, and they need to be able to manage several schedules at the same time. They should also be prepared to do a lot of writing, as posting documents and messages online often replaces verbal chat that would regularly occur in the classroom.

Technological Requirements

Anyone considering an online class should have a basic understanding of computer applications. They should own a personal computer and know how to use e-mail and chat services. They are often responsible for downloading materials and installing or updating basic programs (which vary by program type). Schools may stipulate what kind of RAM or memory is necessary to support learning materials; they may also require specific hardware or software, some of which students may need to purchase on top of tuition costs. Programs commonly recommend having an updated operating system and browser with access to high-speed Internet.