RETURN TO ENERGYChoosing an Online Course
What should you know before you decide to enroll in an online course?
Before you enroll in an online course, research the course and its requirements. ISEEK offers comprehensive and detailed information about K-12 online courses, programs, and schools as well as postsecondary online learning options. You can find more useful information is also available on the websites of online learning providers.
The following are key questions to ask when making your decision. The online learning program should provide answers to these:
- What will the class be like? Do you know as much about this course as you would know about those offered in your school? For example, do you know about the prerequisites, syllabus, workload, credit, and ability to transfer credits?
- What will the teacher be like? Do you know anything about his/her reputation or background? Are there any teacher evaluations you can review?
- What kinds of support will be offered? Do you know how to access the counseling, guidance, and technical support services that you may need as a participant in an online course?
- How will communication work? Do you know how to contact the online teacher with your concerns and questions?
- What's expected of you? Is there a students' rights and responsibilities statement pertaining to the course? Is there a sample course you can view with example lessons, assignments and teacher/student communication systems?
Other questions may be more complex, and require additional sources of information. See links on the side.
- Can you stay enrolled in your brick-and-mortar program and just take a course or two online?
- Will you graduate from your current program or the online learning program if you take online learning classes?
- How does this online course or diploma impact your future plans?
Source: National Education Association, Guide to Online High School Courses, 2002, and Minnesota Department of Education
