Many people today are working, caring for families and earning postgraduate degrees all at the same time. Here are some facts about taking online courses that may help you decide if it is right for you.
Work and Study
It is possible now to attend school and work a full-time job, thanks to online education. Most employers are very pleased to have their employees seeking additional education, and some allow flex time for them to log in and "attend" classes.
Family Life
If you have a family with children, both day and night courses (in residence) have their own difficulties--if you want a class where you can log in a few minutes after the kids are in bed, online classes may be for you.
Distance
Many times distance learning postgraduate courses are perfect for the student who lives in a small town, village or rural area. She can take courses from any university in the world that offers online courses, and stay right where she is.
Log-in Times
Although many courses allow you to access course material, offer responses and take exams any time, some professors have specific, pre-scheduled lecture times and discussion periods. Always check with the prospective instructor to see if this is the case and if the time restriction will work for you.
Courses With Short Residency
Some students enroll for online courses only to find out that they are expected to be on campus at some point. Sometimes these residencies are for labs, workshops or other adjuncts to class lectures. Read each course description carefully for this before you sign up, and if you are still in doubt, it is a good idea to contact the professor directly.
Teleconferences
Some professors hold one or more lectures by teleconference. This is where students call in to a common number, give a moderator a password and are admitted into the group. This is great for lectures that require immediate discussion, and sometimes avoids residency. Again, check with your instructor, and also ask her if you will need specific software to log in with your computer.
Travel
If you must travel while you are enrolled in your course and have some time restraints on course material, such as specific log-in times or a teleconference, always allow for time differences. Alert your instructor if you must travel during the term, especially if it is overseas.
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