I've taken different online classes, they can be a good or bad experience depending on some different factors. If the field you are going into requires more "hands on training" like lab work etc., then there may be more benefits to a up close and personal learning environment like a classroom.

Another big factor can be personality, online classes can require a little more self motivation, time management, and sometimes you have to be a bit more tech minded, some people just do better in a more structured classroom setting.

As far as what online classes are like it depends on the class and school, but there are several tools that make them much more than just reading a required book and taking a test. The instructor can use online videos, power point presentations, or audio for lectures. The classes usually include a message board/forum setup (virtual classroom) that you log on to, similar to here, where you have discussions with others taking the class and are graded according to participation.

Sometimes the school can have special software or animations to aid in learning, I took a physics class online where we had virtual labs setup with animations and everything that we had to work through. There can be assignments/papers that you have to complete and then upload/email to the instructor within certain deadlines etc.

Personally I enjoyed all the online courses I took, I didn't do a full online degree program, but I don't feel that I learned any less with the classes I took online and enjoyed the freedom of not having to physically attend a class every week. As long as my assignments/tests were done on time, I could do the work whenever I wanted, even 3am in my PJ's.

Often times online classes are less expensive, and many four year private and state schools are offering either the option to take some online classes or have an entire degree program online.

Going to be following this one.

My SIL is considering doing her MBA online. I am not well versed in the online learning process, so am a bit skeptical. The program/schools she is looking at are not inexpensive. However, being a single working mom and all that goes with that committment, the online MBA was much more attractive to her. I am assuming online degrees are less expensive as opposed to attending brick and mortar schools.

I am particularly interested in whether or not potential employers will evaluate job candidates equally regardless of whether their degree is/was obtained at a brick and mortar or online.

Timely post for me, thanks.

Depending on the schools offering the courses, the course can be more than just reading and completing tests online. As roobear mentions, the instructor can require your online presence for group chats and can also include small group projects. Sometimes 'attending' an online class requires more motivation than a 'real' class, because you have to make the commitment to participate rather than just show up.

As to qualifications, sometimes you need to work backwards and check with employment sources to first find out if the courses you are taking will lead you to a license or certificate in the area.

Good luck.

Helene

I took a couple web development classes online via a local college about 8 yrs ago, maybe more. I thought it was going to be kind of cheesy, but it was a challenge! I did actually learn a lot, but the way technology changes it's probably quite outdated by now. It does take discipline as blubird mentions, but being able to work at your own schedule is a big plus. What I took was Adult Continuing Ed, pass/fail system (no letter grades) and Certificate on completion of each class. So no college credit like when I attended university in person back in the olden days. ;) Still, it was demanding and getting even a week behind was not a good thing! There were scheduled chat opportunities with instructor and others taking the course, and continuous Q&A opportunities via a message board discussion. Very structured lesson plan.

I've been seriously considering pursuing something more again, it's just a matter right now of being able to find the time. Two of our local universities offer more online classes every year it seems, and they apply toward college credit. I also heard through my niece (who's attending college right now) that there are courses out there at other major, accredited universities that local universities will accept & transfer in credits. Just a matter of finding them.

I'm finishing up my Bachelors degree at a state university that offers classes both in-class and via distance learning. They do have a requirement that a certain percentage of classes be taken in person.

I've taken as many classes online as I've been able to. Classes are over an hour drive away one way from where I live and work, so driving to classes involves a lot of time that could be spent doing other things. The quality of the online classes varies greatly, just as it varies by instructor in-class.

There were a number of different presentations for the material. Some classes offered online prerecorded instructional videos to watch with no interaction with the instructor. Others had streaming webcasts that we were required to watch at set times during the day and we had to login to their chat server to interact with the instructor and other students. The instructor would ask questions and ask random students throughout the lecture to call in and answer his question.

Most of the upper division classes had group projects that were required. You didn't have to meet in person with your group, but did have to communicate via email or phone and coordinate presenting a project to the instructor via Powerpoint and other programs. They also made extensive use of class message boards. The instructor would post a couple of topics related to the material each week and we were required to reply to his post with our thoughts and also post 4 substantial posts in reply to a fellow students post in order to keep the dialog going throughout the week. One class I was going to take required you to do presentations via webcam and microphone. It was one of my elective classes so I ended up dropping it.

Each class tested a little differently. Some we were required to go to the University's learning center to have tests administered to us (closed book). Others we had weekly online quizzes and exams (open book).

I've found that distance learning can be a lot more work than attending classes, but that I do prefer distance learning. I don't have the wasted travel time, and I can do the assignments whenever I want as long as they're submitted by the instructor deadline. All of my instructors have been more than willing to answer questions via email or phone. Often more willing than instructors of classes I've physically attended.

It's been my experience that a lot (but not all!) classes that require you to physically attend are a bit of a waste of time if you're even slightly motivated. In the lower division classes the instructors seem to spend a lot of time going over information that was covered in prior courses, constantly reminding students of deadlines, presenting announcements required by the university that have nothing to do with the class, etc. The upper division classes are usually better but some are still inefficient.

I've done both distance and attending classes. I found that attending classes was easier and took less time in the short term. Distance learning does require a lot of discipline and a lot more work in the way of quizzes and papers since the instructor has to make sure you are reading and learning. I am fortunate to have 2 community colleges close by that offer Bachelor degree programs by a few colleges that are well regarded.

It really all depends on you. I do better in an environment where there is physical interaction.

Thanks everyone for your feedback. I guess I am surprised to hear that distance learning can be more work than traditional classroom! msventoux, that was such a detailed post, thanks for giving me so much info.

I have e-mailed the program director and asked to meet with her, I'll let you know what happens.

Nicole

I met with the program director the other day, it was very enlightening.

Re: the distance learning, it was a lot of what has been described here. There is a textbook and then you read the lectures on-line. Assignments and tests have to be in the instructors in-box by a certain date and time. There are group projects that are able to be worked on together in person, or by e-mail.

It was interesting that classes are limited to 20 students. She explained that is because a distance class seems to require MORE interaction between the teacher and student than traditional classes, and all of that one-on-one communication takes a lot of time.

I am excited to start this program but Spring/Summer classes are already full (because there are only 20 slots per class!), so I have to wait till fall. I'll let you know how it goes...

Nicole