Is Online Education Right For You?

In short, online learning requires self-discipline, organization and ability to use modern technology. Students must be able to learn the written word, words inaudible. And they must feel comfortable sharing information via the Internet. Students must also believe that their education can learn without ever having set foot in a traditional classroom. To determine whether online education is right for you, you must be honest and ask yourself the following questions?

Why do you really want to return to college? 

Understand the real reason for returning to college is critical to your success. If you are back to college to have something to do in the afternoon, return to college is not for you. But if you're back to college to improve their lifestyle, get a raise, advance your career, or to set an example for their children, then there is a 90% chance not only to supplement their courses, but have a good education in the process. Why do you want to stay in line rather than helping one person at a traditional university? If you are a social butterfly, which grows when others are around, participating in an online course may not be for you. If, however, they are quiet and reserved, online education can be your ticket to success. "Research shows that students often thrive in online courses calm," says Dr. Stella Thompson, an associate professor of English online at Prairie View A & M University. "This environment enables quiet students to consider a response and to compose and revise that response multiple times before making their knowledge public."

Do you tend to quit a project due to lack of motivation? 

If you can not stay motivated on your own, an institution online is not your best choice to get a diploma. Participation in an online university means that you must be self motivated. You will not find the teacher or another student reminds you to get to work, staying on task, or turn your assignments in time. Completing a degree online is a huge commitment and discipline on behalf of students says Shari Sterling, director of enrollment management at North Central University. Students are motivated to succeed.


Do you work better alone or with other people around? 

Can you work in solitude? While you may be networking with other people through the Internet, you won't see these people face-to-face and that can feel isolating at times.

Do you need in-person study groups to help you complete assignments and shoot ideas off of, or can you find the same help from Internet interaction? Why does one method work better for you than the other?

Do you learn better by reading, by listening, or by seeing? 

When you read information, do you comprehend what you've read easily or must you read the information several times to understand what is being said? If you find it difficult to comprehend information when read, and learn better through visual or audible techniques, you may want to find a traditional institution.

Can you write your thoughts down so others understand what points you are conveying?

Since online courses require the use of written words to ask and answer questions, as well as turning in assignments, you must be comfortable with sharing your ideas in written form.

How many hours can you devote to learning, studying, and homework? 

You need to set aside time every day to work on your courses. Whether you're researching, reading, completing an assignment, or meeting your classmates in an online forum, your education needs to have a priority in your busy schedule.

"Just because you don't have to attend school at a particular time everyday, doesn't mean you don't need a daily or weekly regimen," says Terri Main, an online instructor and teacher of 20 years. Your schedule "may vary from day to today, or simply be spending 30 minutes a day on your education, but it needs to be consistent."

Does your work require you to travel a lot? 

If you're constantly away from your home computer, it can be difficult to get your assignments done. However, it's not impossible. If you travel a lot, you'll need to invest in a laptop computer and wireless Internet access.

Do you have a working computer in your home? 

If your computer is over two years old, it could be outdated and unable to handle the demands of attending an online institution. You need to find out what kinds of software programs are needed for the course you plan to take and if your computer has enough RAM, and hard drive space.

Keep in mind that you can use an older computer, but if it doesn't have enough memory or space to run a particular program it will stall and freeze, which can be very frustrating and eventually cause you to quit.