Online classes have become mainstream. Many public colleges and universities offer classes online, and some even offer degrees that are available largely online. This does not mean you will never need to leave home to successfully complete a class; many online classes require a visit to the library or other fieldwork. And some classes, especially in the laboratory sciences, may include face-to-face lab experiences. Some private, for-profit universities have extensive online class offerings; Western International University, for example, offers real-time interactive classes. These programs have the advantage of being convenient and accessible, especially for working professionals, but they can be very costly. If you plan to attend a private online college, learn all you can about financial aid.
Colleges often set their online classes apart from other classes in some way. For instance, they frequently include a special section in the class schedule for classes offered online to make them easy to identify. The bookstore makes special arrangements for distance-learning students to help them get the appropriate classroom materials. In many cases, online students must go to a local college testing center for their online exams. And many colleges assess additional fees for their online classes to cover the costs of technology. Comparison shoppers need to include the technology fees in the total cost of the class.
Students who attend college classes online still must make their way through the standard college paperwork, so education professionals recommend that online students pay attention to the same deadlines as other students. Before registering for class, students often must fill out an application for admission, apply for financial aid, take care of paying tuition and fees, and meet with an academic adviser.
Much of the responsibility for normal "classroom" business is left up to the student in an online class. People who are very motivated and self-driven do quite well in online classes; those who tend to procrastinate may find it difficult to succeed without greater oversight.
It is important to learn about a college's accreditation before you enroll in an online class. The academic programs and facilities at accredited schools have been examined in depth for quality; accreditation means your online classes will probably transfer to another institution. Classes you take through a college that is not accredited may not transfer, and a degree earned through a college that is not accredited may not be acceptable in certain professions.