7 questions to ask before joining an online course

7 critical questions to ask yourself before joining any online program

Before you jump into any degree program, it’s vitally important that you ask yourself the right questions. Here are seven questions to consider before enrolling in an online degree program. Answer them honestly and make the right choice.

1.) Are you self-motivated?

Because you aren’t in a classroom seeing your professor and your fellow students, you need to stay focused in an online class. If you are good at keeping yourself on task, an online degree program that allows you to work at your own pace could be a great choice. If this isn’t your strength, consider group-learning online programs with virtual classmates to help keep you on track, blended on-campus/online programs or even a fully campus-based program if being there is what keeps you going.

2.) Are you disciplined?

It’s just as dif�?cult to stay disciplined as it is to stay motivated. Online classes aren’t easier than traditional classes — just more convenient. If you need a live professor to give you mean looks when you miss assignments, you may opt for a traditional program. If you work better alone (or you work better with others in an online setting), you may �?nd that going to school online is exactly what you’ve been waiting for.

The real deal-breaker when it comes to online education is the technology. You simply can’t get your education online without Internet access. Fortunately, computers are less expensive than ever before and free Wi-Fi is popping up all over the place. Be sure you can get online before you even think about enrolling, and when you do enroll, check each college’s tech requirements. If you don’t meet them, don’t give up; ask about technology scholarships.

4.) Can you use the technology?

You won’t need a degree in computer science to take full advantage of online schooling, but you will need to be able to use word processors, web browsers, video players and many other programs with some speed. You should, for example, be able to type quickly enough to keep up with class discussions. If you can’t type that quickly yet, consider starting with a typing class. If you don’t want to learn how to type, consider inventing a time machine — even campus-based universities will require you to type up your work.

5.) Will you speak up?

In online classes, it’s much easier to remain silent than it is when the professor is looking right at you. Ask yourself if you’re really willing to ask questions when you don’t understand, answer them when you do and speak up when the time’s right. Many people who have issues with this kind of thing face-to-face �?nd that the online environment makes them much more comfortable when it’s time to participate.

6.) How do you learn best?

Many people learn better listening to an instructor (auditory learner), some would rather see information (visual learner) and some prefer to do it themselves (kinesthetic learner). Students who learn well by listening and seeing often thrive in online learning environments, where they can listen to instructors with audio/video tools or see and experience presentations. Even those who learn by doing and interacting do well in online programs with hands-on elements.

7.) Can you succeed without being on campus?

Colleges can have a special feel to them. Everyone there is there to learn. It can be inspirational in a way that no coffee shop, home of�?ce or bedroom ever will be. It can also be more stifling, more expensive and a lot further away than any of those places. If you are willing to trade the social interaction and college feel of being on campus for the freedom to make your classroom anywhere, distance learning may be for you. You can always interact with other students outside of the virtual classroom, too.

If you answered “yes” to all of these, you are the right kind of person for an online degree. If you answered “no” to any, take some time to make sure online schooling is your best option. Make sure you’re going to get what you want from the experience, whether it’s travel or higher education.