Imagine starting your school day without having to face blocked traffic in and around campus or fight for parking spaces.

Imagine if you could fit classes with a maximum number of units and still arrive to each class on time.

Do not look or pass any further than your doorstep.

In order to accommodate student needs, the Distance Education Program offers online courses that simulate standard classes which are fully accredited and are taught by the same faculty.

Students study independently

Unlike standard classes on campus that meet twice a week or more, online courses require few or no meetings at all.

Instead, course materials, such as assignments, lectures and exams are posted online at instructors’ websites, where students may work at their own pace.

For students who have chosen to take an online class, “going to school” has never been better.

“There are no parking challenges,” Nancy Wise, social science major, said about one of the benefits her online English class gives her over traditional classes.

Being an online student, Wise who also works, said that the classes “offer flexibility and working at one’s own pace.”

“I didn’t have to worry about fitting it into my schedule or being at school,” Randy Smith, computer animation major, said about his online journalism class.

“It’s like a normal class, except you can do it whenever,” Smith said.

Taking an online class is not that different from taking one on campus, he said.

“It doesn’t seem harder or easier,” Smith said in comparing his online class to traditional classes.

Although Smith admits that both kinds of classes are at the same level of difficulty, some online classes demand more time and energy than others.

More time to work and learn

Online classes may be especially convenient for students with special needs or responsibilities , Sara Blake, online English professor, said.

Students who have children, who work full time, or who have disabilities are the ones who mostly choose to study online.

In some cases, an online class may benefit those who are uncomfortable speaking in large groups.

“One of my online students says she’s shy in class, but she’s not shy in the online class,” Blake said.

Online students use e-mail and group discussion boards to talk and keep in touch with professors and classmates.

“We had a list of everyone’s e-mail address, so we can contact each other,” Smith said.

Virtual participation required

Although some enjoy studying alone, Blake requires students to do a lot of interaction with each other in discussion boards as well as in cyber cafes.

“If you’re in a regular class and there’s a discussion going on, you can participate, or you can just be there,” Blake said.

Because an online class resembles a regular class where student involvement and due dates can still affect the overall grade, online class discussion is still a major part of the class.

The success rate of taking an online course “depends on the students,” Blake said.

While she says that most online students are able to complete assignments on their own, it doesn’t work for everyone.

“Some students need face-to-face contact or they need a teacher there saying, ‘Hey, you didn’t turn in that paper,'” Blake said. “It’s not so much that there’s a lot more work, but because you’re on your own to do it, sometimes people let dates slip by.”

“I don’t wait until the very last second, but everyone still procrastinates a little,” Smith said.

For some, delaying schoolwork may mean passing or failing a class.

‘Once you get buried, it gets hard to keep up,” Wise said.

Since online courses revolve around the computer, adequate computer knowledge is a must, Blake said.

“Make sure you’re comfortable with computer skills such as sending word attachments and using the Internet and that you have enough time to do the class,” Blake said.

This may mean the difference between passing and failing the class.

“A few students don’t realize just how demanding the class is and it becomes too hard to catch up,” Blake said.

On the other hand, online classes can be rewarding for students who are able to handle it.

For those who are driven to obtain an education, online classes will prove to be worthwhile to take since you can study anytime and anywhere.

“Try it. You can do it in your pajamas,” Blake said.

Along with being able to work around their schedules, students have an opportunity to succeed without pressure from their classmates.

For Smith, efficiency is the main element to succeed.

“Read all of your notes as soon as possible,” Smith said about knowing how to use your balance your time wisely.

As with any class, scheduling and responsibility are important, Wise said.

Wise said the key to passing an online class is to be responsible for everything that happens since you have to study alone.

Blake, who has been teaching at EC since 1986, said that teaching online classes helped her to become a better teacher.

For some students it is difficult trying to cope with advanced technology. This may be the main reason some students have trouble passing, Blake said.

Some students may also own unreliable computers that break down.

“Be disciplined and establish a plan for yourself, just as if you were taking a regular class,” Wise said.