Whether you’re returning to school after a period of absence or you’re considering online programs for the first time, the ability to obtain an education over the internet has benefits to offer to you. Before enrolling in a program, you should make sure you understand the details.
Independent Completion
If you were Internet savvy during the time when chat rooms were popular, you might picture a similar setup as your online classroom. However, most online programs do not happen in that manner. Professors generally post material on the school’s online platform. Then, you are responsible for reading the material and submitting the assignments by the required dates. You may have no direct contact with your professor aside from emails.
Group Projects
You may assume that group projects don’t happen when you’re going to school online, but that isn’t always the case. For example, if you are working on an MBA, tackling a project with a group can help to prepare you for the business world. Chances are that the program would permit you to meet virtually with your group members as colleges generally understand that online students are coming from all over the country or even the world.
Residency Requirements
As you are researching different online programs, you should find out if the ones in which you are interested have residency requirements. A resident requirement means that you would have to take a certain number of credits or participate in a set number of programs on campus. If you are working toward a bachelors in radiologic science, then you might have to come to campus to complete labs and to gain other hands-on experience. Some schools do not have a resident requirement at all, and others have a brief one.
School Resources
Since you are attending school online, you might assume that you’re precluded from taking advantage of the resources available. You may want to work with the campus writing center or the tutoring center. Many colleges ensure that their resources are available to students who do not attend classes on campus. For example, you may have the ability to set up an online appointment with a tutor at one of the aforementioned centers.
Getting a degree online means that you can complete assignments on a schedule that works for you. Also, you don’t have to worry about transportation or cancelled classes in the event of bad weather. Researching the program before enrolling can help you to feel even more empowered.