Part 1: Being Aware of the Obstacle Course
Taking online courses is extremely enticing:
- Take courses when they are convenient for you
- Study at home or office
- Access learning resources online any time you need them
And then there is the mistaken belief that online courses are easier than traditional courses.
The hard reality is that the dropout rate for higher education online courses is typically 20 percent higher than it is for traditionally delivered courses. In fact, the dropout rate in community college courses frequently reaches 50 percent or more.
There are many questions students should ask before entering any online class. Prospective online students need to determine their level of readiness for independent study before they enter the classroom. Specific areas of weakness and strength may then be easily addressed and academic success assured.
Let's do a brief pre-enrollment analysis of three prospective distance learners.
Thomas Kartner, married and 27, was a high school dropout who recently earned a General Educational Development degree. He is an assistant store manager for a national grocery chain and wants to be promoted to a home office management position. Thomas plans to earn a Bachelor's degree in business.
Melissa Decker, 33, is a single mother of three pre-teenage children. She works as a secretary and is struggling to make ends meet. Her goal is to become a high school English teacher.
John Dorsett, 19, works part-time as a retail gift shop owned by his parents. He lives at home, enjoys lifting weights, playing video games, and hanging out with his friends. John wants to enter the administration of justice program at the local state university and to eventually become a law enforcement officer.
In the upcoming term, all three plan to register and take an online course from their local community colleges. None of them are probably fully aware of the obstacles and demands they will face as distance learners.
Next page > Rating the Chances for Two Prospective Students. > Page 1,
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