2018 Education

2018 EDUCATION MAGAZINE LINCOLN DAILY NEWS MARCH 1, 2018 Page 43 is always accessible online, so there’s no need to schedule special trips to a library either. All of this makes online learning a good option for students who need to balance their work and family commitments.” Another benefit of online learning is the convenience of being able to access the information anywhere and anytime. In online courses, you can pause lessons to come back to later and review discussions and lectures as needed, giving you more time to absorb information. The courses tend to be more cost effective. Though the tuition may be same as that of a traditional course, you will save money on transportation and other expenses over that of students who live on campus. Factors to consider Though online courses allow for more flexibility, motivation and self-discipline are factors students need to consider. Students in these courses must make sure to schedule enough time to work on required readings and assignments. That can be a challenge when you are trying to fit everything in on your own schedule, so time management is essential. Listing due dates on a calendar and even a planner can help keep you on track. Though you are not in a classroom, having a specific study space that is quiet, organized, and free from distractions is important. Lack of face-to-face interaction is another factor to consider. If the lack of interaction is a concern, though, it is important to note that you have interaction in online courses through other means. Virtual orientation sessions, group discussion posting, feedback from the instructor, web conferences, and chat rooms - all provide some form of interaction. In addition, some courses have video feeds and use skype to communicate. With so many different resources for interaction, even the usually shy or introverted student who feels intimidated in a classroom setting may be more likely to engage in discussions. Course design is another consideration. A well-designed course may include several things. It accommodates various learning styles and needs. It is relatively easy to navigate from topic to topic. It may have PowerPoints as well as video clips. CONTINUED →