College by Computer - Tips for Being Successful in an Online Class

Taking classes online is a godsend to those who, for work or family obligations, are simply unable to make it to a standard class. More and more colleges are offering the option to attend classes online, with proximity to the Internet becoming the norm, and students who are savvy in the use of technology. Online classes make education more accessible than it’s ever been.

Still, there are rules of the road even in the freedom of cyberspace classes, and there are points to be aware of if you’re considering taking a class online. Here are some tips to help you in your decision.

1.You can go through the entire semester without ever seeing even a picture of your teacher, so building a relationship with the person who controls your grade has to be done differently than a standard class. Most classes begin with an opportunity to tell something about yourself, so having a small essay ready to post to discussions saves some time and rewriting. Don’t be afraid of being yourself in discussions, but make it your best self, not your hungover, PMS self.

2.Email gives people an impression of you, so be aware of the impression that you’re making. You don’t have body language to tell people that you’re kidding when you make jokes, so watch yourself for comments that might be offensive to others. Email can be accessed by anyone, so if there’s information you need to share that requires discretion, a phone call or face-to-face visit would be better.

3.In making friends in class, remember that the rules of meeting someone in real life that you’ve only ever met online still apply in this situation. Arrange to meet in public places, and be careful about giving out too much personal information before you know that person well.