The Online Degree Dorm Room

Engineering Degree Online | A Three Part Primer about Online Degrees - Part 3

Posted by bposton on November 9th, 2006 — Posted in engineering degree online

Here’s part three of my quick primer on taking online courses or getting a
degree online.

So, what’s it really like taking an online class?

OK, here’s the deal.

There are basically two types of online classes. The first kind of class taking is call
asynchronous - a techie term that means the class is not actually scheduled. The professor
will set a particular deadline for assignments and tests, but then you work on your own through
the lessons, anytime you want to - day or night, just so long as you get the assignments and tests
done by the time they are due.

Then there’s the other kind of class-taking which is labled synchronous. This is when both the students and
the professor log in to a website at regular, preset times for online discussion about what the subject matter might be.

Either way, this is way different from going to an actual classroom. No desks with bubble gum under them
no way to raise your hand. And no heavy book bags (that’s my favorite).

However, since most classes use technology like instant messaging, online video lectures, etc an online
class can be every just as interesting and engaging.

Think you’ll miss the classroom environment? Well, if you enroll in an online degree program offered by
a school near where you live, you might be able to attend some of the classroom lectures.

But my guess is you won’t miss a thing.

Actually, a lot of students have said that taking a course online is more challenging than a traditional class.

That’s because it requires more disipline to log in regularly to complete your assignment than getting to a traditional
class, especially where the workload is often bunched around tests and writing assignments.

And you can’t hide quietly in the back of the classroom when you haven’t done the assignment. The comments made in the online chats and posts on the website will tell the professor actively engaged you are.

So it is different, but in a very good way.

Think about it this way - where else can you show up for class in your pajamas and unwashed hair and not worry what
your classmates think of you?

Ben