How do I know if online learning is for me?
In Claremont’s online Extension classes, the “classroom” is the Sakai internet site. On the course page for the class, the instructor posts reading assignments and sometimes other learning resources such as video or audio recordings. There are also questions posted each week for online discussion. Students respond in writing to the questions and to each other’s responses, and the instructor responds too. Sometimes there are also online chat rooms and possibly phone classes, depending on the instructor’s preferences. Much of the learning takes place through the interaction among students.
Technology
You will need:
- Access to a computer that is reasonably up-to-date (Windows 2000 or later).
- Consistent access to a high-speed internet connection (not dial-up).
- Comfort using the internet.
- Comfort with new technology.
- An email account that you check regularly.
- Ability to buy books and conduct other business over the internet.
- Capacity to open Microsoft Word documents and PDF files on your computer.
- Capacity to listen to audio on your computer.
- Capacity to watch videos on your computer.
Learning style and personal context
Online learning works best for people who:
- Have time to visit the course page several times a week during the weeks that the course takes place.
- Learn well by reading, and have time to read during the weeks that the course takes place.
- Learn well by writing, and have time to write during the weeks that the course takes place.
- Can manage time effectively and in a self-directed way.
- Can stay motivated without in-person interaction and support.
- Are comfortable with learner-centered education, in which learning happens by interaction among students as well as with instructor.
- Are comfortable contacting the instructor with a problem or question.