Is Online Right for You?

Many people have trouble deciding if they should enroll in online courses, especially if they've never done it before. It can be a much different experience than a normal classroom, so it's important to know exactly what you're in for. At Kansas Education Online, we want to make sure every student is well prepared for the rigors of an online education. If you're still trying to decide if taking online classes is right for you, answer these questions and see how many you can honestly answer "yes" to:

• Can you handle a lot of reading? You probably won't be watching too many videos or slideshows in online courses, so prepare yourself for a significant amount of reading on the computer and in textbooks.
• Are you a computer literate person? If you're thinking about taking classes online, make sure you're well versed in using a PC and the internet. Some classes may require you to download files, watch lectures, submit work online, and conduct research through the internet.
• Do you work well on your own? While communication with your classmates online is an important aspect of taking an internet course, you won't find yourself doing too many group projects.
• Do you have access to a computer with a high speed internet connection? These days, many classes may expect students to have a fast internet connection. Although it may not be a requirement for every online class, it's probably in your best interest.
• Can you dedicate a significant amount of time to your online classes? Don't expect to get away with doing less work just because you don't have to physically attend a class. In order to make up for time not spent in a classroom, online courses are often much more labor intensive.
• Are you responsible and capable of efficiently managing your time? When you get an online education, you have to be accountable for doing your own homework and studying for tests. In most cases, you probably won't have constant reminders on due dates or test times from your instructor.
• Do you want to learn and expand your knowledge? Attending any college, online or otherwise, requires a desire to learn! By actively participating in your classes and taking the time to learn the subject matter, you'll have a better experience and probably receive a better grade!

For more advice, read the six rules for online courses that can make the online experience better.