by Dmitri Jones

Created on: May 13, 2009   Last Updated: May 24, 2009

As a college professor with four years of online teaching experience, I have instructed hundreds of students I never met. Most semesters these students either excel or struggle. I believe this lack of average performers in Internet classes results from the reasons students sign up for the classes in the first place. Some online students know they are self-motivated and self-directed. They take the initiative in covering all mandatory readings and completing all assignments. If they do not receive the grade they desire on an assignment, they ask me how they can improve their work and redouble their efforts. Obviously, these students do well.

Other students expect online classes to be easy. It is true online classes eliminate three hours a week of required class meetings, and I have heard that some online classes are very easy. However, if you take an online instructor with real expectations, any classroom time avoided is replaced with extra reading and writing. Furthermore, the lack of interaction and guidance from Internet instructors means the onus for learning the material lies even more squarely with the student. So before you enroll in an online class, do an honest self-assessment. If you are self-directed, you will do fine; however, if you just want a free ride, make sure you ask around about the specific class and instructor you plan to take because some online classes are more difficult than traditional classes.

Once you decide to enroll in an Internet class, work hard, take the initiative in completing all work, ask for feedback from the instructor if not given initially, work with classmates in study groups, and meet with the instructor at least once in person. If you are not satisfied with your grades early in the course, be sure to focus on what you can do to improve your work, not lecturing the instructor on why you have received higher scores on past work.

The Internet tends to bring out people's worst manners, so also be sure to keep your communications with your classmates and the instructor courteous and professional because you are leaving a permanent electronic record of everything you write. In the end, if you enter an online class with a good attitude, work hard, and still do poorly, consider taking all your classes in person. Technology offers wonderful opportunities to cover distance and achieve schedule flexibility, but some students simply need classroom instruction.

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