Self-assessment
A. Overview
Taking an online class will offer you the same content as traditional courses, with the significant difference of the content being delivered via the Internet. Costs and transferability are the same for online classes as they are for comparable on-campus classes.
Online students can access the class schedule or syllabus, reading material, weekly assignments, quizzes or tests from their computer. Turning in assignments and class discussions are also done electronically.
Our online classes are just as challenging and rigorous as the same courses taught in a more traditional classroom setting with instructors who are just as experienced and qualified. Even so, the experience of taking an online course can be very different than taking the same course on campus. Following are some things to keep in mind when deciding whether to take a class online.
B. Advantages
- Access course materials and work on class assignments at your convenience 24 hours a day, seven days a week from your own home or chosen work station.
- Avoid transportation issues. Students do not need to be in close proximity to the learning institution or instructor.
- Avoid crowded parking lots.
- Break free of the time constraints of attending regular face to face classes.
- Some students find it less intimidating to take quizzes and tests delivered online.
- Some students find it less intimidating to engage in class discussions via a Message List rather than verbally in a classroom.
C. Disadvantages
- The built-in discipline of attending lectures needs to be replaced with the self-discipline and self motivation of home study.
- Reading time is increased. Material presented verbally in lectures is instead delivered by electronic documents (such as webpages, PDFs, etc). If a student is slow to read and comprehend, the amount of time spent on an online class can be much more than a class delivered in lecture format. Students who have difficulty reading on a computer monitor will want to have access to a printer.
- Class participation and camaraderie. Instead of raising your hand in class to ask a question or make a comment, class communication is accomplished by email messages, Chat Rooms, and/or message board.
- Procrastinators can fall behind more easily in an online class than a traditional class.
- Students less comfortable or knowledgeable about using computers can find online classes frustrating because of technical issues, even when they comprehend the class material.
D. Learning Styles
Adapting to the online class environment is easier for some students than others. Each student has a unique mixture of traits and aptitudes that can make for different learning styles. For instance, some students need more visual cues than others, and some students are more independent than others.
The profile of a successful online student is one who is:
- Disciplined and self-motivated
- A good reader
- Independent minded
- Not a procrastinator
- Comfortable with the technical issues of working from a computer
- Self-directed but will seek out help when needed
Self knowledge of your particular learning style can help you decide if an online class is right for you.
E. Time investment
Be realistic about how much time an online class will take. If you can, schedule time every week at the same times to work with the course materials. Have an idea of how much time each week you need to devote to the class. Consider how long it will take you to read a week's worth of material. Remember, you need to replace the weekly lectures of a face to face class with the reading of class materials. Estimate how much time it will take to do class assignments.
A common mistake is for students is to leave online class work to the end of the week and think that a couple of hours of work is all that's necessary.
F. Keep connected
Know how your instructor keeps in contact with you. Your instructor might choose to send out weekly emails to the class Message List or send messages individually to each student's email. Your instructor might comment on your homework assignment in the gradebook. He or she might conduct office hours by telephone or use a Chat Room. Some instructors choose to conduct weekly class discussions by Chat Room.
You will need to get into the habit of checking your email regularly. Even if your instructor sends out messages to the class Message List, if you have made an error in your homework assignment, you will most likely find out by email.
Check in with the class Message List on a regular basis. This is a good way to feel connected to your fellow classmates. If your instructor or another student answers a question on the Message List, you might find the answer helpful to you. Your fellow students might increase your interest in the course subject with additional information or comments.
In all cases, whether you have questions about class material or the technical environment of an online class, you should maintain regular communications with the instructor via the channels he or she prefers. Note, however, that even teachers can't always sit by the computer 24x7 waiting to respond instantly to your queries, so be reasonable about how soon to expect a reply.
If for any reason you're repeatedly unable to communicate with your instructor, you should check with the appropriate departmental office to see if there's a problem.
G. Print online class material
If you find that your concentration is hampered by reading material on your computer monitor, print out the pages. With printouts, you can make notes and highlight important information. If you do not have a printer at home, you can pay for printouts from the SRJC libraries, the CyBear Center on the Santa Rosa campus, or at commercial copy centers. Note: Printing class webpages from campus labs is not allowed.
H. Know how to get help
- Go back and carefully re-read your class pages. Often the answer is there.
- Always email your instructor if you are having problems.
- Check to see if your instructor has office hours or lab time.
- Leave your instructor a telephone message.
- Post a question to the class Message List.
- If your class has a Chat Room, post your question there.
- Check this Handbook if your problem is a general one about using the system, rather than about course work.
I. Keep up with deadlines
Avoid procrastination and don't fall behind. Keep track of the class schedule to know all your deadlines. Turn in your assignments on time or you might lose valuable points and even get dropped if you miss your deadlines. Follow your progress. Visit the class gradebook or wherever your instructor keeps your records or scores.
J. Student conduct
Students are expected to conduct themselves in an online class in the same manner as in a face-to-face class, and all rules and regulations regarding conduct in the classroom extend to online classes. This includes content and tone of Internet-based communications such as email, message boards, and chat.
Students should always understand and abide by SRJC standards of conduct at all times.
K. Other resources
A Day in the life of an online student Courtesy of Peg Saragina
Study guides and strategies by Joe Landsberger
Study skills SRJC Philosophy department
Study skills Virginia Tech
College survival skills Clemson University
Tips for taking online courses Texas A&M University
Introduction to learning styles Diablo Valley College
Learning styles inventory North Carolina State University
VARK: A guide to learning styles by Neil Fleming
Learning style inventory University of Georgia
L. Self-assessment
Take the self-assessment quiz to ensure you're comfortable with all the concepts and skills in this chapter. The quiz will open in a new browser window, and after submitting the quiz you'll immediately see your score.
Practice exercise: Identify your own personal learning skills which make you a good candidate for taking an online class.
Taking a college class requires a significant level of commitment and effort. Taking an online college class requires at least as much commitment and effort, plus some other skills.