Questions to ask yourself about online learning
When you are considering enrolling in online learning, you should research as much as you can ahead of time regarding the online course and its requirements.
You will need to prepare yourself to take on the additional responsibilities required to be successful in the new environment of online coursework.
The following list of questions are examples of key information to have when making your decision about taking an online learning class.
- Do I know as much about this course as I would know about the one offered in my school, for example, teacher’s background, prerequisites, syllabus, workload, credit, and transferability options?
- Is there an evaluation of this course and teacher that I can review?
- Do I have ready access to computers, Internet connections, and other resources necessary for taking a course online? Will the school provide adequate access and support?
- Do I have the maturity, time, workload management, and technology skills required to take on an online course? Will I receive the support needed to ensure success, for example, computer time at home or after school for work on online activities, oversight, encouragement, and support beyond that which is normally required? Please see the section on Keys to Success for more information.
- Do I know how to access the counseling, guidance, and technical support services that I may need as a participant in an online course?
- Do I know how to contact the online teacher with my concerns and questions?
- Is there a students’ rights and responsibilities statement pertaining to online courses?
- Is there a sample course I can view with example lessons, assignments and teacher/student communication systems?
- If I transfer back to a seat-based resident school, how will the courses and credits earned through online learning apply to requirements towards grade progression and graduation?
- Will I graduate from my local school or the online learning program if I take online learning classes?
- Can I participate in extracurricular activities at the OLL school or my local school?
- How does this online course or diploma impact my future plans?
Please see responses to Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
Source: National Education Association, Guide to Online High School Courses, 2002
Page last updated in August 2008.
K-12 Online Learning
