Online Courses

Online courses are gaining in popularity, and the Department of English does offer sections of its general education courses in this format. While the department approaches such courses with a commitment to ensuring they are academic equivalents to their face-to-face counterparts, the inherent differences of the format and delivery mechanisms pose some challenges which all students should recognize if they are considering enrolling in an online course.

First, consider what online courses are NOT:

• Online courses are not scaled-back, easier versions of regular courses. In general, the same amount of work is required. However, since the format of some of the work may be different, that difference may actually make the work seem more involved. In a face-to-face course, for instance, a class discussion may be a fast-paced exchange in which many ideas are being shared and considered in rapid succession. In an online class, a class discussion may be conducted via "bulletin board" postings, a process which may require more time for writing comments, reading comments, and composing responses.

• Online courses are not self-paced, independent learning classes. Online courses typically follow a strict schedule of weekly or daily assignments and deadlines, and many of those assignments may be based on interaction among class members.

Another important aspect of your considerations should be your personal styles and skills--as well as your facility with software and access to appropriate computer resources. In order to be successful in an online format, you should

• be self-motivated. (Without direct contact in a classroom, many students find "ignoring" the teacher, assignments, and deadlines easy to do.)

• be organized.

• have strong time management skills.

• work better without face-to-face interaction with peers.

• be someone who learns primarily by reading rather than by discussing.

• be comfortable (and skillful) at communicating via the written word.

• be comfortable embracing new technology which offers additional communication options (such as work with audio and video formats).

• have consistent access to a reliable computer and internet service. (Having back-up options is a good idea, too.)

• be comfortable with appropriate computer skills (e.g., uploading files, downloading files).

• be familiar with the basic operations of word processing. (Specifically, Western presently uses Microsoft Word 2007. While some faculty are able to offer some flexibility in what you use, anticipate MS Word 2007 as the working standard.)

These are general considerations. WKU's Office of Distance Learning offers several "Quick FAQs" which explore the issues of online courses and student preparedness. If you are considering enrolling in an online course, you should read those carefully.