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Author: Harris Jhosta
Posted to the web: 2/7/2006 3:36:37 AM

In a nutshell, onlineeducation requires self-discipline, organization, and the ability to use moderntechnology. Students must be able to learn through written words, not audiblewords. And they must feel comfortable sharing information over the Internet.Students must also believe their education can be learned without ever steppingfoot in a traditional classroom setting.   To determine whether or notonline education is right for you, you need to be honest with yourself and askthe following questions? 
Why do youreally want to return to college?
 
Understanding the realreason for returning to college is vital to your success. If you're returningto college just to have something to do in the evenings, returning to collegeis not for you. But if you are returning to college to better your lifestyle,get a raise, advance your career, or set an example for your children, thenthere's a 90% chance you'll not only complete your courses, but get a goodeducation in the process. 
Why do youwant to pursue an online education instead of attending a traditional in-personcollege?
 
If you're a socialbutterfly who flourishes when others are around, attending an online course maynot be for you. If, on the other hand, you're quiet and reserved, onlineeducation can be your ticket to success.   'Research indicatesthat quiet students often thrive in online courses,' says Dr. StellaThompson, an online Assistant Professor of English at Prairie View A&M University. 'This environment enablesquiet students to consider a response and to compose and revise that responsemultiple times before making their knowledge public.' 
Do youtend to quit a project due to lack of motivation?
 
If you can't stay motivatedon your own, an online institution is not your best choice for getting adegree. Attending an online college means you must be self-motivated. You won'tfind the professor, or another student reminding you to get to work, stay ontask, or turn your assignments in on time. 'Completing a online life experience degree demonstrates a tremendous commitment and discipline on behalf of thestudent,' says Shari Sterling, Director of Enrollment Management at Northcentral University. 'The student must beself-motivated to be successful.' 
Do youwork 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'tsee these people face-to-face and that can feel isolating at times. Do you need in-person studygroups to help you complete assignments and shoot ideas off of, or can you findthe same help from Internet interaction? Why does one method work better foryou than the other? 
Do youlearn 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 informationseveral times to understand what is being said? If you find it difficult tocomprehend information when read, and learn better through visual or audibletechniques, you may want to find a traditional institution. 
Can youwrite your thoughts down so others understand what points you are conveying?
 
Since online coursesrequire the use of written words to ask and answer questions, as well asturning in assignments, you must be comfortable with sharing your ideas inwritten form. 
How manyhours can you devote to learning, studying, and homework?
 
You need to set aside timeevery day to work on your courses. Whether you're researching, reading,completing an assignment, or meeting your classmates in an online forum, youreducation needs to have a priority in your busy schedule.   'Just because youdon't have to attend school at a particular time everyday, doesn't mean youdon't need a daily or weekly regimen,' says Terri Main, an onlineinstructor and teacher of 20 years. Your schedule 'may vary from day totoday, or simply be spending 30 minutes a day on your education, but it needsto be consistent.' 
Does yourwork require you to travel a lot?
 
If you're constantly awayfrom 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 alaptop computer and wireless Internet access. 
Do youhave a working computer in your home?
 
If your computer is overtwo years old, it could be outdated and unable to handle the demands ofattending an online institution. You need to find out what kinds of softwareprograms are needed for the course you plan to take and if your computer hasenough RAM, and hard drive space. Keep in mind that you canuse an older computer, but if it doesn't have enough memory or space to run aparticular program it will stall and freeze, which can be very frustrating andeventually cause you to quit. 
Do you have dial-upInternet access or high-speed cable/DSL?
  The courses you take willdetermine which Internet access is best. If you have dial-up Internet access,you'll need to set aside more time for research, uploading, and downloading.
Do youunderstand how the Internet works?
 
When taking online courses,you'll need to understand more than just how to log onto the Internet. You'llneed to understand: 

1.     how search engines work;
2.     how to send and receive email;
3.     how to attach documents in an email;
4.     how to download programs or documents to your computer;
5.     how to find downloads later, when you need them;
6.     how to use hyperlinks;
7.     how to use chat rooms, message boards, forums, or instant messaging and what the proper etiquette is;
8.     how to protect your private information; and
9.     how to protect your computer from hackers, spam, and viruses.

Do youknow how to cut and paste?
 
Sometimes you'll need totake information you've written in one program and put it in another program.This is called 'cut and paste.' If you don't know how to do this,find out how before you begin your online education. 
Do youfind learning new computer programs easy or hard?
 
Depending on the onlinecourse you take, you may need to download new software programs. If you find itdifficult to learn new computer technology, you'll need to either set asidemore time for learning, or take a traditional class. 'Online learning canbe completely dynamic and engaging! Whether it is due to health, excessive jobtravel, military personnel stationed overseas, or living in a remote or ruralarea, continuing your education and earning your degree online' ispossible, says Sterling.