Is online learning for you?

Some things to consider before signing up for an online course:

• Will you have any problem communicating effectively and interacting with your classmates or teacher online? You should know that there is no sitting quietly at the back of an online class… you will be given the chance to express yourself and fully engage with your classmates and your teacher.

• Due to the flexibility of scheduling, online learning is often considered more convenient than having to attend class in person at the same time in the same place every day. Online learning is not, however, easier than learning in a face-to-face setting. In an online class you will still have specific assignment deadlines to meet, you will be challenged to work independently, and you must manage your time well, assuming more responsibility for completing work.

• It is important that you are not easily discouraged when running into difficulties, and that you are willing to both problem-solve independently, and be prepared to seek help from your classmates and teacher when you have academic questions or issues related to the online environment.

• Do you understand that every Advanced Placement course is a college level course, and that a considerable amount of work, time and energy is required to be successful? Are you willing to commit 8 to 10 hours per week to the course?

• Will you have consistent access to a computer and a reliable Internet connection? Are you comfortable using online technologies to read, write, watch, and listen as you learn?

• Are you someone who likes to wait to the last minute to complete assignments? While this strategy might work in a face-to-face classroom, it will make it more challenging to be successful in an online class where you are often expected to contribute to discussions in a timely fashion.

• Still not sure? Check out this interactive online readiness survey from Penn State.