Online web classes are my favorite type of classes. But, be warned… it takes more work on your part than face-to-face classes.
As a student of 10+ distance learning classes, I’m fairly familiar with distance learning and have taken classes using the three different modes of delivery—interactive television, online, and hybrid (a combination of web and class meetings/videotapes).
Online classes are delivered exclusively using the web, meaning all communications between you, your instructor, and your classmates will be electronic. If you are comfortable and skilled with email, accessing websites, downloading and printing material, and reading and posting to a discussion board, this may be the perfect class for you.
Just because it is all online, it doesn’t mean you’ll be skating by on easy street! You’ll work three times as hard in an online class as a face-to-face class. You have to read the material, take quizzes to demonstrate you understand the information, interact with the instructor and classmates on the discussion board, and email assignments to your instructor.
Have the tools for the job! What does that mean? Do you have a reliable computer with internet connectivity at your disposal? Does it have appropriate software for the class? If your computer crashes, do you have a backup plan?
Be prepared to use course management software like Blackboard. First, you need to set up a Blackboard account. Go to the CWU home page (www.cwu.edu), click on the A-Z Site Index at the top of the menu, click on “B”, and select Blackboard. Follow the directions on setting up an account.
On the first day of class, your instructor will add you to their Blackboard course shell, and you’ll find the class link posted in your “Announcements” section. All you have to do is click on the link to the class, and you’ll find your assignments, discussion board, and grades. Here's a little tip... the Blackboard site can be busy during certain hours, so don’t wait until the last minute to submit your items.
Success depends on you! If you are organized, keep track of due dates and assignments, process information independently, and complete the assignments as required, you’ll do fine. Don’t get behind because you may not be able to catch back up.
Keep in mind the time involved and don’t over extend yourself. I’ll never forget the first time I signed up for an online class. My thoughts were “Gosh, you don’t have to go to class every day. Hmmm, I should be able to fit at least two online classes in one quarter.” Good thing I talked to the local site coordinator who pointed out the workload and the expectations for the class. Start off with one online class and see how well you do with managing the workload.
So, these are my thoughts on Distance Learning and how to tame the beast and use this type of delivery to further your education as you juggle your working world, friends, and family. What are your thoughts on Distance Learning? Have you found it to be more work than regular courses?
