Insider's Look at Online Learning

Susan Aaron, The Learning Coach

Ever wonder what e-learning is really like? Do you have what it takes to be a successful online learner? Cheryl Shutt and Geoff Maffett, who have both taken master's-level classes at the University of Illinois Online, and Ben Smith, a business student at the University of Phoenix, share their experience and offer their advice for learning virtually.

The Realities of Virtual Learning

It's Hard Work. There's a false perception that online classes are easier than traditional ones. Smith, Shutt and Maffett all noted the heavy workload involved and the amount of reading required. In addition to homework, the class must be read. One shouldn't expect to get by with sitting quietly or to be drawn out, either. All three students mentioned the need for self-starting behavior.

It's Fast-Paced. The speed of online courses surprised all three.

Smith: "My first impression was, 'Wow, this course really moves.' I remember writing two and three papers a week in certain classes."

Maffett: "[Online learning gives you the] ability to work faster than the pace that is set in most classrooms, [which] seems to be designed for the slowest participant!"

It's a People-Oriented Atmosphere. Rich interactions with your college classmates are an element of the online classroom that overturns the common perception that this type of learning is an isolated endeavor.

Shutt: "Communicating by email with classmates and instructors was wonderful and let us receive individual attention."

It Really Is Convenient. All three mentioned the convenience and flexibility of online education as a key reason to try this approach.

Shutt: "Online classes allow you to take classes regardless of the hours you work or where you live."

Maffett: "I was able to complete my master's degree without having to attend classes. This was vitally important since I was transferred from Illinois to North Carolina in the middle of my graduate studies…I was also able to do my coursework while I was traveling for business."

It Can Be Technologically Challenging. Most difficulties with online learning were related to technology. Shutt mentioned that it takes some time to learn how to get around in an online classroom, suggesting students devote time before a course starts to getting acquainted with the environment. She also had problems with the real time chat due to slow typing skills.

They also mentioned that extra communication might be necessary when working online to overcome the lack of visual cues present in a conventional classroom.

Maffett: "When online teams worked on a common project, it was difficult to fairly distribute the workload and manage the revisions…We had to develop some clear rules for who worked on what when."

Strategies and Advice for New Online Students

If you're thinking about taking courses online, be sure to review Smith, Shutt and Maffett's tips for managing your online education:

• Set up a schedule for yourself, and try to stick to it.
• Get all the books ahead of time if possible.
• Keep up with assignments to avoid being overwhelmed later.
• Read through all the message postings from faculty and students each day.
• Use email regularly to contact your fellow classmates.
• Don't hesitate to email your instructor if you need help.
• Don't be a wallflower.
• Realize you have less opportunity to interact with peers and professors in real time.
• Team projects may take more time than you would expect -- be prepared for this.
• Try to attend any optional on-campus classes, if offered.

Are You a Good Online Learner?

Here's a quiz adapted from the attributes Smith, Shutt and Maffett say will help make someone well-suited to virtual learning.

• Do you have good time management skills?o Can you set up and follow a schedule?
• Are you self-motivated?o Can you set your own pace while learning?
• Can you work from different locations?o Are you comfortable with the Internet and PC technologies?
• Are you ready to put in extra reading time?

Did you answer "yes" to most of these questions? If so, you may be a good candidate for online education.

Have a great day and God bless!