Online Classes

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What have your experiences been with online classes/distance learning? I signed up for two online classes for the fall semester,what should I expect? Any tips?
Thanks!

I earned my MS online and have taken other online courses. If your courses are anything like mine, you'll have assignments and will have to participate in an online discussion forum for the class, much like here at WP, albeit with a focus on class materials. Whatever you do, make sure your comments are substantive, i.e., contributes something to the discussion. For example, don't just say, "Yes, I agree with what you said"; list specific reasons why. But don't go to the other extreme and write a response that is several paragraphs long when 3 or 4 sentences will do. Your professor should provide you with information on what exactly will be expected and required of you.

If there are exams, they'll likely be proctored, probably at your university's library, learning center, or some place similar.

I liked the online format since I'm much better at written communication than verbal communication, but you do have to stay on top of things like deadlines and due dates. It's easier to let things slide when you don't have a physical class to attend. A calendar with reminders for due dates might be helpful if you have any kind of issues keeping track of them. I would recommend you use the syllabus as a guide and try to complete your assignments ahead of schedule, though not necessarily turning them in early. Of course, this is dependent on what your work load is like from your other courses.

Most importantly, don't be afraid to ask your professor for help if you have any issues related to the class.

Good luck!

Thanks for all the info and your experiences and tips! It's not till August but good to know before hand. I get soo distracted and claustrophobic in class rooms.

Make sure the classes you take are things that you can sit down and make yourself do. For example, I took all my courses online this year because I was going out of the country mid-semester, and two of my courses are just plain boring, while the other two are a bit too challenging. I can no longer make myself sit down and do them because I go so far behind, it just seems hopeless to me.

The two that are hard, I would do better in a classroom with. They had quite a few things due in them and I am not very good with projects and deadlines without a constant reminder. Mind you, that is me, I don't know how you are at those sort of things.

Overall, I did kind of like them, I didn't have to sit in a boring art appreciation class because of them, but be careful of the deadlines.