Taking a class on the Internet has both advantages and disadvantages. Online courses can help you reach your educational goals more quickly:

• If your job hours vary and have kept you from attending class in the past or caused you to drop out. You can work at hours that are convenient for you.
• If you have missed class because you have trouble getting reliable transportation to and from school.
• If you have children and are unable to find child care so you can come to school.

Success in an online class requires some special preparation by you, the student. Do not assume that an online class will be easier or take less time just because you don't have to come to the campus.

Technology Requirements

You must have access to a computer that can run Windows 98 and Netscape Navigator or Internet Explorer. Some classes have additional software requirements. You need to have a connection to the Internet. You can arrange this through a Service Provider like America Online or Earthlink for a monthly fee. There are some free Internet services available. You also need to have an email account that you check regularly for communications from your instructor. Harbor College provides an email address for all students or you can sign up for a free email account with a site like Hotmail.

An online student needs to be comfortable using a computer, locating information on the Internet, and sending and receiving email. You don't need to be a computer expert but it won't work if you're a novice.

If you do not have access to a computer at home or at work, you may do your computer work at the campus computer labs. Printing from the labs requires the payment of a $5.00 lab fee to the bookstore.

Personality Requirements

Since you will not have a scheduled set of class meetings to attend, you must be a self-motivated individual. It's easy to forget to check into the class site or email and ignore the whole thing. The instructor will not be standing in front of you reminding you of what you need to do to pass the class. It works best to set up a schedule for yourself to do the class work on specific days and times. Taking a class that you really have to have to get your degree makes it easier.

You also need to be able to work on your own. The instructor and other students will be available by email, discussion group, and phone so you're not entirely on your own, but sometimes there can be a delay in getting an answer. You will be reading materials and figuring things out independently. Some people prefer to work this way. If you need the immediate feedback of your fellow students and instructor, an online class is not for you.

Take an honest look at yourself before enrolling in an online class. Some students thrive in online classes and others hate it. Ask yourself the following questions. If most of your answers are "Yes" you are a good candidate for online courses. If you answer "No", you may want to stick with face-to-face classes.

1. Is the online course a course I need to take immediately for a specific goal?
2. Do I prefer to learn at my own pace?
3. Do I prefer to learn on my own?
4. Do I have strong reading skills - can I read and understand college-level textbooks?
5. Do I have reliable access to an Internet-connected computer and basic computer skills?
6. Can I read and follow directions accurately?
7. Are you interested in learning more about how to use the Internet?
8. Are you a self-starter?

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