RUNNING HEAD: STUDENT PERSPECTIVE

Texas Tech University

Student Perspective
Jacqueline Fernandez








RUNNING HEAD: STUDENT PERSPECTIVE
Online courses are becoming a driving force in formal education and it has become an
experience that most students are happy to be a part of. Online courses have made it easier for
individuals with hectic schedules to engage and further their education. An online course is
defined as classes taught via the World Wide Web were the individual taking the course can be
located anywhere in the world. Online courses are very convenient to most individuals, because
you can chose from a variety of course in your field of interest offered by private or public
institutions.
Enrolling in an online course
Enrolling in an online course for the first time can cause skepticism particularly if the student has
been taking courses at an institution were they are physically present on a daily basis. First and
foremost the student has to understand that online courses are equivalent to the courses they
physically attend. Online courses have several advantages from schedule flexibility, ease of
accessibility, range of options, and students controlling their study time. Schedule flexibility
allows the student to access courses at anytime from anywhere only needing access to a
computer and internet services. Courses can be available to students when they need it. Students
can review lectures, discussions, explanations, and comments. Ranging options students are able
to choose form a variety of options even course that are not offered at private or public
institutions. Students controlling study time is important because it prevents from students
having to sit for long periods of time and lessons can be paused when needed, and notes read at
students discretion. Classroom culture at a distance can have an impact on students as well,
through collaboration which helps students expand their knowledge, skills, and ability to self-
assess their own progress (Simonson et al., 2003).
RUNNING HEAD: STUDENT PERSPECTIVE
Some of the benefits students in online courses have identified are:
(1) Asynchronous learning better fits their schedule (2) The inquiry learning method and case
study applications are "real world" learning tools applicable to their work settings the
communication, problem-solving and (3) critical thinking, and technology skills developed better
prepare them for 21st Century learning and work settings
Technical Expectations
The student should read the course syllabus and if anything is unclear communicate the
uncertainty with the instructor. The student is responsible for taking the respective tutorials
involving the course software in order to familiarize themselves with how to complete
assignments. In order to be successful in an online course one must check the course homepage
and the course discussion page several times a week for updates on important dates and
assignments. It is the student responsibility to keep up with reading assignments, blackboard
discussions, online quizzes or tests, etc. It is the students responsibility to participate actively in
any online group discussion required. Not only does the student have to meet certain
expectations the instructor does as well. The instructor should read their email on a consistent
basis as well as board postings, respond to emails within 24-48 hours, maintain students aware of
their performance in the class and provide any materials necessary to make sure the class runs
effectively. In order to have a successful online course both the student and instructor need to
work together, have good communication and address any concerns in a timely manner. In order
to be successful in an online course set aside a specific time during the day were you are able to
focus your attention on the course. Use that time to complete readings, blackboard postings,
RUNNING HEAD: STUDENT PERSPECTIVE
writings and any other assignments. Make sure to be an active participant and to post messages
on groups or class discussions.
Personal Experience
I took my first online courses when pursuing my masters in education through Lesley University
School of education located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. At first I did not know what to expect
out of the classes because I have never taken online courses before. My masters program was in
partnership with the Urban Teacher Center (UTC). Before the courses began there was a tutorial
and it made it easier for me to understand how to use blackboard, submit assignments and post
comments on the discussion board. The instructors were always very helpful and made it a point
to explain assignments in detail so that there would be no need to ask a lot of questions. My
experience with distance education has thus far been a positive one. With online courses I am
always able to access them at any time and keep up with the material at my convenience which
helps manage my busy schedule.
References
Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., & Zvacek, S. (2003). Teaching and learning at a
distance. Columbus: Pearson Education.