Taking an Online Class: Survival Kit

If you aren't careful, taking an online class could be similar to making camp next to a carnivorous plant: sweet-smelling and intriguing on the outside, but deadly and heartless on the other.

Perhaps that's a bit extreme.  What is attractive about taking an online class? Well...

1) You may 'attend' class whenever you want, wherever you want.  Beachside? Check. Poolside? Check. Barside at 2:00 in the morning?

2) You may go at your own pace.  You can pause the lesson to go run an errand, or even splice a lesson in half over two days.

3) It often involves a lot of reflection.  This allows you to be completely self-centered and tailor every comment and snippet of pedagogical wisdom to your own arena of expertise.

4) No awkward ice-breaker games.  I mean I happen to like those but that's because I relish awkwardness. In others.

5) Online classes are often cost-effective (read: cheaper!) and won't break the bank come pay-day.

What is heartless and deadly about taking an online class? Well... *gulp*

1) Attending class whenever and wherever you want may turn out to be your couch at 11:45 at night on a Sunday trying to finish the last three hour-lessons before the expiration date on Monday.

2) If you don't understand something, or if you have an insightful question, your brilliance will go unnoticed; you're on your own to get clarification.

3) It's kind of impersonal.  I know it sounds mushy but sometimes sharing experiences and ideas is what really sticks with you from professional development.

4) No awkward ice-breaker games (see above).

5) Some districts might not accept them for credit or professional development points.

So when you hear the siren's song of an online class lilting you off to an unsuspecting professional death, snap out of it!  If you think it's going to be a breeze, think again.  It's all about what you put in, and if you want to get something of value from the class, you want to be sober and conscious when you participate.  So no matter how cheap it is, you would be wasting precious money and time if you don't take it seriously.