Am I cut out for an on-line class? 

On-line courses aren't for everyone!  Use the check lists below to be sure the on-line option is the better one for you.

Characteristics of Student Who Probably Would Prefer a Traditional Lecture Course		Characteristics of Student Who Probably Would Prefer an On-line Course
_	Likes social interactions of classroom.	_	Prefers to work independently.
_	Learns best by listening.	_	Learns best by reading or watching.
		_	Has difficulty understanding spoken English.
_	Prefers learning in group setting.	_	Enjoys interactive exercises.
_	Has certain types of disabilities which make lecture formats easier.	_	Has certain types of disabilities which make on-line formats easier.
		_	Lives at great distance from campus.
		_	Has heavy work or family responsibilities.
_	Is able to commit the time for commuting, attending 3 hours of class per week and studying for exams and quizzes.	_	Is able to commit the time for completing the on-line assignments and reporting on them.
_	Has difficulty obtaining regular access to the internet and e-mail.	_	Has internet access at home or on campus
_	Not self-motivated.	_	Is self-motivated.
_	Needs definite deadlines.	_	Prefers to work at own pace.
		_	Prefers to work at flexible or non-traditional times.
_	Is uncomfortable using a computer.	_	Has computer expertise or wants to acquire it.
		_	Likes to surf the internet.

Question asked of Geology students who have completed the internet course: What one piece of advice would you give someone who takes this course next semester?

Some representative answers:

• Do not procrastinate. The nature of the internet makes this class very susceptible to problems, from sites being down to internet providers malfunctioning (AOL is notorious; the campus computer labs aren't well equipped and it's sometimes hard to find someone there to help).
  
• I would definitely encourage them to make sure they keep up with the assignments and that they don't get behind. This class takes a lot of self discipline and it is easy to let things go. It is harder to meet deadlines if you let the work pile up.
• It might seem to take a lot of time on the computer but you have to remember that you aren't spending three hours a week in class plus commute time so it evens out.
• Spend time and enjoy the sites - there is a lot of information there.
• The best advice I could give anyone who takes this course is "Do not procrastinate." This course is pretty self-explanatory and enjoyable if you keep on schedule. If you fall behind and play catch-up, then it could be a nightmare.
• Do the assignments early in the semester.
• Keep up on the assignments. Read all you can at the web sites - it makes it much easier and enjoyable.
• Start working on the assignments on Monday and work a little bit on them every day.
• Buy the textbook or check out one from the Library Reserve Room.
• This type of class is real easy to get behind in. In fact, I know people who waited until the last minute to do their work and consequently were stressed out. I am so glad I did the work early.
• Get ahead on your work so if you do run into problems, you can get help in time.
• Plan to make a lot of time for this class. There is so much to do and learn. There is a whole new world in the internet. There is so much information that can be obtained. You come out of this class with a whole new perspective of education. Be open-minded to this class and how it is taught. You'd be surprised how much you can learn.
• Stay on top of everything. If you wait to do everything then it becomes overwhelming.
• Know basis computer skills such as how to "surf" the internet and use e-mail.
• Get access to a fast modem and surf very early or very late in the day.
• Be prepared to work. Initially this seemed like an easy course because it was on the internet but once I got involved, I realized I wanted to spend a lot of time at each of the sites.
• There isn't much I could advise as I found this class to be both enjoyable and challenging and an exciting new way to learn.
• Make sure you stay up with the work. If you get behind, by the time the deadline comes, you really have a lot of work to do in a short time.
• Give yourself plenty of time to complete the assignments. I don't believe that anyone means to put off assignments but sometimes when you originally hear the due date for something it seems like such a long way off. However, it certainly can creep up on you if you don't keep an eye on it.
• Be prepared to use a lot of paper because there is lots of fascinating information that you will want to remember.
• Complete the surfing sites first to get familiar with the subject, then do the activities.
• Read the announcements on the class web site and read your e-mail on a regular basis. Also, read and follow all the instructions that are given.