We live in the information age. We have grown accustomed to gaining information at the speed of light. Not having immediate access to information with the click of a button for many is alarming. For this reason, it makes sense that people around the world are embracing the idea of online learning with enthusiasm.
At the same time, many people worldwide are trying desperately to hold on to traditional methods. Some people still play solitaire with a deck of playing cards. For people who feel that the information age has left them behind, the chances are high that online learning may not be the best option.
Below you will find a few questions that can help you narrow down whether you would benefit from taking the online courses offered in today's information age of learning.
1) Are you disciplined?
This may seem innocuous because we would all like to think that we are disciplined. The problem is when you are in charge of your education. You need to have more than bursts of discipline. You need to meet deadlines, take the tests, and hold yourself responsible for learning the information you need. There is no one to blame but yourself if you do not do well in your online class. Some people do not like being in the driver's seat when it comes to motivating themselves and their learning practices.
2) How do you learn best?
We all have different methods of learning for which we retain information better than others. Online courses are reading intensive. If you have difficulties retaining the information you read. In that case, you need to find an alternate learning method or seek solutions with the instructor's assistance before moving forward in an online learning environment.
3) Do you have a genuine desire to succeed?
The answer to this question is crucial in determining whether or not online learning is in your best interest. There are many paths you can take to achieve the education and degree you desire. This is not the path of the masses, at least not yet.
This type of learning, more than any other, is easy to give up on through apathy. If you aren't determined to do the assignments, study the notes, and learn the material presented to you. In that case, you do not need to waste your time or the instructor's time by continually making up excuses. Online courses are primarily self-paced, but you have limited time to learn the material before moving on. The teacher is responsible for providing you with the information and material. You are responsible for everything that happens from that moment. Are you ready for that responsibility?
Whether you are a first-time college student or a professional returning to school after a long absence, online learning can open new doors of opportunity. To be successful, you must be willing to walk through those doors and take the information presented to you.
My sincere hope is that everyone reading this will consider whether the lack of structure online courses provide will be conducive to your specific educational needs before taking the plunge.
Online Education Offers Unparalleled Learning Freedom
Due to recent changes, more universities are now willing to invest in students who may not physically attend classes at that particular university. The offerings are still somewhat limited, but there are opportunities to earn associates, bachelor, and even master's degrees through online coursework. This was unheard of even a few years ago.
Today's students have more options available to them than ever before! If they are willing to invest the time and effort into their studies. There are few limits to the level of education you can receive. Even if it has been years since you attended a university or community college, colleges and universities that do not offer full-fledged degree programs through online learning are beginning to offer courses online for students with busy lifestyles.
You have the opportunity to combine distance or online learning with a few night or weekend courses to complete your degree! Even if you have a full-time day job and family that needs to see you at home occasionally.
Different Ways Of Learning
Even if a degree is not something you are seeking, you might be amazed at the array of courses available for those interested in increasing their knowledge from the comfort of their own homes. I know that the idea of self-directed online learning opportunities appeals to me on many levels. These opportunities, however, are not necessarily a good idea for everyone. We all learn in different manners. Some people learn best by being in the classroom physically, hearing what has been said or from hands-on experience. This type of learning is not necessarily possible in distance learning in an email or bulletin board environment. Which is how many Internet classrooms operate.
Online learning is not a good idea for those who cannot hold themselves responsible for their learning. Face it, for some of us. It is much easier to get up and go to a classroom than forcing ourselves to log on and pay attention at home. We all have areas in which our discipline is well in hand, and others seem to have no discipline whatsoever. If you can't hold yourself on task or have difficulties not being distracted by the many other novel things there are to do online. In that case, you might be best served through an actual classroom experience rather than a distance learning environment like those of online classes.
The flexibility of Online Learning
This is not meant to discourage you from distance learning or online classrooms. These are the best option for many working professionals seeking to advance their careers, knowledge and earning potential. You will not need to feel as though you are choosing between the future needs of yourself and your family and the limited time you have with your family already. You can schedule around your family time and make the sacrifice when it comes to sleep.
With online classes, it doesn't matter if you are in your pyjamas or a suit and tie; you can still do the work you need to do online, and no one will be the wiser. You might find that you can squeeze your education into your lunch hour, particularly if you can type and chew simultaneously. The truth is that online classes offer superior flexibility to those hoping to further their education. Whether you are hoping to earn a degree or wish to broaden your horizons by taking a few online classes, you might find that the possibilities are limitless once you begin taking these courses from home.
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