Is Online Learning Right For You?
An online education can be quite different than learning in a traditional classroom setting. Learning online requires the student to think differently about how he or she communicates with faculty, interacts with other students, completes assignments and tests, and most importantly, studies.
To be successful as an online student, you should be able to answer “yes” to the following questions:
Do you possess strong time management skills?
As with other Regis University CPS learning formats, online classes are offered in an accelerated 5- or 8-week format and are not self-paced. You will be responsible for completing weekly assignments and participating in online threaded discussions, each of which have established timelines for completion.
Do you have strong organizational skills?
In most cases, there are no established times during the week that you will have to be online. You will be given the "how" and the "what", but the "when" will be up to you. You may find that 6:00 a.m. or 11:00 p.m. is the most convenient time for you to be online.
Are you self-motivated?
Due to the flexibility and convenience of online learning, it is often easy to put off class work until the last minute. And in an accelerated format, it is very difficult to catch up once you have fallen behind. Self-motivation is key to staying current on assignments and completing class work in a timely manner.
Do you enjoy working independently?
While there are opportunities to work with other students, the majority of your work will be completed on your own. There is no face-to-face contact with faculty or other students. Online learning requires a greater than average level of self-discipline to be successful.
Are you comfortable working with technology?
All assignments, tests, and correspondence with faculty and other students are conducted 100% online. The ability to correspond via email, send, receive, and view documents, participate in threaded discussions, and have access to a reliable Internet connection is mandatory for online learning.
Do you enjoy a challenge?
Online learning in an accelerated format requires most students to spend more time per week per class than they would typically spend in a traditional classroom setting. The very nature of learning online requires more in-depth study and interaction with faculty and other students than what is traditionally required. Students can expect to spend 15 to 20 hours of study time per week per online class.
