As someone who IS aspiring to enter higher education as a traditional or non-traditional student, you have more options than ever before. The idea of computers in everyone’s backpacks or messenger bags is the norm and before you commit to a full load of online classes, I recommend these three issues to consider:
Understand the definition of online learning
Colleges create more online courses because it allows them to attract more students at a lower cost. Perhaps you are working part-time and want to get your feet wet in earning a degree that will lead to a higher salary or a promotion. It is important to understand the various types of courses available:
- Full online courses deliver 80-100 percent of their content through web-based technology and typically have no face-to-face meetings.
- A blended or hybrid course delivers 30-79 percent of its material online and again, web-based technology will provide a great portion of the course’s content. In these types of classes, you can expect to spend some time in a face-to-face setting with your classmates and instructor.
- Then there are the web-enhanced courses that rely on the same technology to support the classwork, but there is a greater opportunity for face-to-face dialogues in a classroom. The amount of computer work in and outside of class varies.
As you read through the school’s web pages, be mindful that these online terms are sometimes used interchangeably. It would be worth the energy to find out just how much work will be conducted online before you enroll. Depending on how comfortable you are with technology may determine which end of the spectrum you begin.
Know your school’s learning management system (LMS)
Perhaps you are familiar with the names Blackboard, WebEx, or Moodle. These are software applications that schools use to provide a centralized location for your academic records and coursework. Because we are moving to a paperless society, a nod to our environment, electronic records and course materials are placed “in the cloud” in a learning management system (LMS). Professors may place their syllabi online, as well as assignments. If you are not well-versed on how your school’s LMS works, make an appointment with an advisor who will guide you through this process.
We recommend that this exercise be done before classes begin because you will discover you can access campus support services, your financial aid statement, your grades, and other students through the LMS. Be prepared to spend a lot of your time working through the various components of your online course in this system. For example, I once missed a deadline for a graduate school assignment because my eyes only saw 9:00. All the other deadlines had been in the evening, but this one was in the morning. I can remember sobbing the entire day and cursing my instructor.
Grow your use of social and electronic media
If you do not have a Twitter, a Facebook, a LinkedIn account or some other forum where you share your news and achievements, you may already be behind. Did you know that, according to an ECAR Study of Undergraduate Students and Information Technology, 90 percent of students use some form of text messaging? Other interesting, and maybe a bit overwhelming, statistics include:
- 90 percent know how to use presentation software (PowerPoint, Prezi).
- 85 percent utilize spreadsheets (Excel).
- 40 percent update wikis.
- 40 percent use Skype (Voice Over Internet Protocol or VOIP).
If you are not embracing technology before you begin your studies, you will have to make a conscious effort to do so while you are enrolled. Expect teachers to post a question online, and your classmates will “discuss” the concept – outside of the classroom environment. Classmates may make judgments about your postings, so be certain to craft thoughtful, grammatically correct responses.
Ohio’s leadership wants to see you succeed and it is creating pathways and support systems to allow you to reach your goals. Consider these three issues before undertaking an online class. You may start simple by attending a once-a-week evening class on campus, or you may dive into a fully integrated online course. Either way, ask questions from classmates, instructors and advisors. Oh, and the library is an excellent source of information. Chances are you can do your research online, too.
Whatever you choose to do, heed Teddy Roosevelt’s advice: “Don’t flinch, don’t flail; hit the line hard!” Nothing worth doing is easy, but we believe in you!
