by Dr. G. A. Anderson

Created on: May 17, 2009   Last Updated: April 22, 2010

People considering college sometimes cannot fathom how the quality of education received would measure up to traditional brick and mortar college classrooms if they decided to take online classes, They wonder how motivated they would be to do a good job or even complete the work necessary to earn a degree, or if the degree would be worth anything when they graduated. But when an individual sincerely wants a college education and does not want to travel to a university or sit in a classroom with people half their age or younger, it may come down to a choice between online classes and doing without that degree.

Prospective online students need to know some basics if they intend to succeed. Having the determination to see it through is necessary. As one gets more and more comfortable with the idea of the online environment for learning, and after extensive research and talking with advisors from different schools, it is possible to change perspectives on online education and realize that this may indeed be a good option.

Here is a list of some things that may help a student obtain the educational success they are seeking:

* Schools vary in the courses and degrees they offer; be sure your choice of schools can provide you with all the courses required for your desired degree.

* Online classes may not be for everyone, but they do suit many different types of students - older people, students who are on a tight budget, people with physical disabilities, people without a college or university within reasonable driving distance and who cannot relocate, those who have young children to raise, people who work full-time, military personnel, and others who, for any number of other reasons, prefer to study from home.

* Those considering online classes would do well to seek counseling to be sure the method and the degree is right for them. Keeping an open mind about goals and outcomes is imperative. Be realistic about the field that suits you best.

* There must be a high level of self-discipline and determination to follow and stay with the online learning environment. In many fields nowadays, Master's and Doctoral degrees can also be completed online, so determination and self-discipline have to be priorities if one wants to see it all the way through.

* Students must be willing to complete assignments on time, according to the instructions given them by their professors. Some professors deduct points for late work, and others give no credit for late work - you can get

• 1
• 2
• 3
• Next Page >>