How are Web Courses different from Conventional Classroom Courses?
By its nature, studying online is a fundamentally different experience. Web courses and traditional education having little to nothing in common, when it comes to the delivery of the course itself.
But what’s interesting is how research continues to suggest that web courses can be even more beneficial than their conventional classroom counterparts. Particularly when it comes to value for money, given how web courses are significantly more affordable than most traditional educational programmes.
In any case, it’s always true to say that you can only expect to get out as much as you’re willing to put in. Those who turn to web courses and online education in general as something of an easy option are in for an unpleasant surprise.
Successful completion of an online course demands the same kind of hard work and dedication as any conventional course.
That said, there are some additional tips, tricks and guidelines that can help any candidate get the most out of the web course of their choosing. So if planning to enrol for an online study program of any kind in the near future, here’s a brief rundown of six ways to maximise the benefits of the course:
1. Do Your Homework Ahead of Time
First up, it’s a good idea to think carefully about exactly which subject you intend to study and at what level. For example, if looking to get in to a relatively complex discipline for the first time with no prior knowledge, it could be worth considering a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) to see if it suits you. In all instances, be sure to examine the syllabus of the course from beginning to end, in order to ensure it’s suitable for your requirements.
Look carefully at how much study time is required, whether there are any deadlines you need to know about and so on. You could also benefit from researching both the course and the service provider online, checking the quality and value for money of the services and courses provided.
2. One Course at a Time
While there’s nothing to say you cannot take several courses at once, it’s typically advisable to stick with one web course at a time. Particularly when it comes to more advanced online courses, which demand comprehensive focus to successfully complete.
Even in the case of simpler courses and those with no specific fees payable, it’s better to give each course your all, rather than spreading yourself too thinly between multiple web courses.
3. Stay Positive and Optimistic
From time to time, you may find yourself struggling to get to grips with certain concepts introduced while progressing through the course. When this happens, it’s up to you and you alone to ensure you remain as positive and optimistic as possible. You can always count on your personally-assigned tutor to provide you with support and assistance, but you’ll nonetheless be almost entirely under your own control.
A positive and optimistic outlook is an essential contributor to success with online courses. Even when the going gets tough, you need to remind yourself why you’re studying and focus on the benefits you stand to gain access to, upon completion of your course.
4. Use Web Resources and Forums
Whatever it is you decide to study, you’ll undoubtedly find a whole host of online forums, networks and general resources you may find enormously helpful. Reaching out to others studying the same subject as you yourself can be both reassuring and beneficial for your education. It may also be possible for your chosen online college point you in the direction of relevant resources and forums.
With online courses in particular, the limitless resources the web offers for contemporary students really are of priceless value.
5. Eliminate Distractions
One of the biggest obstacles many distance learners encounter is that of distractions. Outside the carefully controlled classroom environment, it can be surprisingly difficult to focus on your studies with the same level of priority and consistency.
As such, the best approach is to do your best to recreate the conditions of a classroom environment. Eliminate as many distractions as possible, find somewhere suitably quiet and effectively shut yourself off from the outside world, for the duration of your study period. Create a schedule detailing when you will be studying and treat it exactly as you would any other formal timetable.
6. Ask Questions
Last but not least, the student support team of the service provider you work with is there for a reason. The support they provide represents an important element of the course you’re taking – irrespective of whether you chose a paid or free course. So if you find yourself struggling or uncertain at any time, don’t hesitate to ask as many questions as you need.
Just as with all examples of traditional education, asking questions where necessary represents an important part of the learning process.
For more information on any of our Online Courses or to discuss enrolment, contact a member of the Brentwood Open Learning College team today on +44 292 0026 229, or send an email with your questions to info@bolc.co.uk.
