How well will distance learning online fit with your personal and professional life? Here’s a quick self-assessment activity that provides some advice to help you decide.
Without access you won’t be able to be a distance learner online.
Online distance learning requires you to routinely access your course. Continuing Studies students check into their online courses several times a week. This can include working alone or with classmates on assignments, participating in discussions or group projects, and initiating and responding to e-mail.
In our online courses, you may find yourself listening audio instructional segments and watching instructors explain concepts in a video online. You may also find yourself participating in live web conference sessions using your computer’s microphone and speakers.
You’ll be having discussions in writing with other students and with your instructors. You may also have group assignments, which you will do mostly in writing with other students. As well, most of your communication with your instructor (e.g., if you need to ask for clarification on something) will be done in writing. So you have to feel OK about communicating in writing or an online class will be a real problem.
Almost all of our online courses require between 8 and 12 hours per week study time. While this may seem like a sizeable time commitment, students find that they are usually able to fit this requirement into their lives by setting flexible study schedules. Our students also say that to be successful at managing a distance course online you have to be self-motivated and self-disciplined.
Online courses require different time management skills than classroom courses. Here are some tips on Managing Your Time.
If you have any questions about whether you are ready to learn online, talk to the contact person from the program you are interested in.