Questions To Ask Yourself Before Taking Your First Online Lesson

Just a few short years since, the thought of taking a university classes through the Web was something only online “techies” considered. Now that people realize how convenient it is to take a class without leaving home, more and more people are taking advantage of using their computer to study.

However while the technology used for online classes is so easy just about anyone can become an online student, you should ask yourself the subsequent 5 questions first - and save yourself a lot of stress!

1) Do you have the time?
Many people think - mistakenly - that online courses are “easier” than traditional campus classes. But most online classes require regular participation. So, you must have the time to “log on” to your course several times each week, complete the assignments and do your homework, and interact with the other students.

All of this takes time…and, you have to account for the time you would normally have spent in the classroom. If you have the time, you will find taking an online class to be very convenient!

2) Do you have the discipline?
Sure, most online classes don’t require you to be on the computer at a specific time (although some do). So it is up to you to make sure you check in on your class several times each week. With a busy work schedule, sports, hobbies, housework, kids, it’s easy to put your class low on your priority list. And that could mean big trouble when it comes time to get your grade.

It’s not the teacher’s job to remind you to keep up with your work - that’s your responsibility. A simple way to make this work is to create your own schedule, so each week you know exactly when it’s time to “go to class”!

3) Do you have the money?
While there are many free or low-cost online “self help” courses available, college courses almost always cost the same whether you take them on-campus, or online. Colleges have to buy the software, train their faculty, and offer student services after hours - so expecting online courses to be less expensive is not reasonable.

On the other hand, the same financial aid is often available for online classes, just as with campus classes. So, money should not stop any student from furthering their education!

4) Do you have the right technical skills?
Fortunately, you don’t have to be a computer “genius” to take an online class. The technology has become very simple for students and teachers to use, so that students who can “surf the Internet” and use email usually have the necessary technical skills.

Before getting started, the school offering the course should have a sample course, tutorial, or other training to help you determine if there are any skills you need to learn, so you can become a successful online student!

5) Do you have the right computer equipment?
Since most online classes are taught through the Internet, students usually don’t need any special computer equipment. However, most online classes require students to have reliable access to the Internet, an email account (and the knowledge to use it), a word processor (such as Microsoft Word), and antivirus software. Check with your school to see if there are any other requirements.

A high speed internet connection is usually not required, but if instructors use graphics, videos, audio lectures, or other big files, a high speed connection (such as DSL or cable) will help you open the files, and do you work, more efficiently!

Are you ready now to take your first online class? Then it’s time to contact your local college, or search the internet for an online class directory, and see what online courses you can take!

The History of Distance Education

Distance education has allowed generations of students the chance pursue their educational objectives beyond the traditional school system. It has permitted countless students the ability to advance their instruction, while allowing them to maintain their obligations to their families and employers. While distance education is not for everyone, it has definitely stood the test of time. The following is a concise timeline of events associated to distance education.

• 1840 - Isaac Pitman begins teaching shorthand by correspondence in the UK.
• 1858 - The University of London creates its External Program.
• 1883 - New York State authorizes the Chautauqua Institute to award degrees earned via correspondence.
• 1891 - The Colliery Engineer School of Mines renames itself International Correspondence Schools.
• 1892 - The University of Chicago starts administering the first university courses by mail.
• 1906 - The Calvert School of Baltimore becomes the first primary school in the United States to offer correspondence courses.
• 1916 - The National University Continuing Education Association is created in the United States.
• 1921 - Pennsylvania State College begins broadcasting courses on the radio.
• 1933 - The University of Iowa begins broadcasting courses on television.
• 1950 - The Ford Foundation begins offering grants to create and develop educational programs for television broadcasting.
• 1967 - The Corporation for Public Broadcasting is created.
• 1970 - Walden University is established.
• 1974 - California State University offers a Masters degree via correspondence.
• 1982 - The National University Teleconferencing Network is established.
• 1984 - The personal computer is named "man of the year" by Time Magazine.

With the advent of the personal computer and the development of the internet, distance education has evolved into an extremely important element of modern education. Most every university in North America offers courses online, while an entire cottage industry has formed around the concept of online education. There are countless online courses available to members of the general public. The wonderful thing about online education is that there are no borders, and prospective students worldwide now have access to the same opportunities. Online learning has the ability to make the world a better place. In some ways, it already has.