why take a online course at a community college

Full Answer

Should you take classes at an online community college?

Brandy Scarnati of TMCC in Reno says any prospective student can benefit from taking classes at an online community college. “Students take classes at a community college to receive their A. A. degree, which can be completed online,” she says.

Why do people take online courses?

Many people participate in online courses because of the flexibility they provide. Online college degrees and programs make it possible for students to work during the day and complete their studies from home at night.

What are the benefits of distance education at online community colleges?

Distance education at online community colleges allows for a greater school-life balance since students can study when it’s most convenient for them.

What are the benefits of online college degrees?

Online college degrees and programs make it possible for students to work during the day and complete their studies from home at night. Those who spend a lot of time traveling due to work can also complete their education in their spare time.

What is one advantage of taking an online course?

Online courses offer flexibility. You can study any time you want. You can study with whomever you want. You can study wearing anything you want (or nothing if you prefer!) Online courses give you the flexibility to spend time with work, family, friends, significant others or any other activity you like.

What are the top 3 benefits of attending online classes?

Seven Benefits of Online LearningAdded Flexibility and Self-Paced Learning. ... Better Time Management. ... Demonstrated Self-Motivation. ... Improved Virtual Communication and Collaboration. ... A Broader, Global Perspective. ... Refined Critical-thinking Skills. ... New Technical Skills.

What are the five benefits of online classes?

Benefits of Online Learning for AdultsFlexibility. Many people turn to online learning for its flexibility. ... Ability to Advance a Career. ... Wider Range of Courses and Programs. ... A Broader Range of Perspectives. ... Immediately Applicable Coursework. ... Affordability. ... Time Management Skill Development. ... Virtual Collaboration Opportunities.More items...•

What are the 10 benefits of online classes?

10 Advantages of Online ClassesVariety of programs and courses: ... Lower total costs: ... More comfortable learning environment: ... Convenience and flexibility: ... More interaction and greater ability to concentrate: ... Career advancement: ... Continue in your profession: ... Avoid commuting.More items...•

What are three reasons for taking online classes?

What Are The Advantages Of Online Learning?Efficiency. Online learning offers teachers an efficient way to deliver lessons to students. ... Accessibility Of Time And Place. ... Affordability. ... Improved Student Attendance. ... Suits A Variety Of Learning Styles. ... Technology Issues. ... Sense Of Isolation. ... Teacher Training.More items...•

Why do students prefer online classes?

It Offers More Flexibility One of the significant reasons why many students prefer online learning is because of the flexibility it offers. Unlike traditional classes that have a fixed schedule, online classes are typically asynchronous and give you the freedom to organize your classes at your convenience.

What are the pros and cons of online classes?

So what are the pro's and con's of studying online?Pro: Increased Flexibility. The biggest advantage to studying online is the increase in flexibility. ... Con: Reputation. ... Pro: Ease of Access. ... Con: Lack of Social Interaction. ... Pro: More Affordable. ... Con: Fewer Courses.

What are the strengths of online learning?

Strengths of Online LearningAnywhere… ... Anytime, Any Pace… ... Synergy. ... High Quality Dialog. ... Student Centered. ... Level Playing Field. ... Access to Resources. ... Creative Teaching.More items...

Why do community colleges offer night classes?

Community colleges often offer night and weekend classes to better accommodate busy student’s schedules, another layer of flexibility that leads to better school-life balance for community college students.

Is seat time reduced in digital learning?

Students still meet with instructors, but “seat time” is reduced in favor of digital learning. Web-enhanced or web-assisted. Classes are held on campus, but professors direct students to an online content management system for course syllabus, assignments, handouts and other course materials.

Do community colleges require transcripts?

Most community colleges require students to complete an online application prior to registration . They also may require high school transcripts to gauge student’s academic aptitude so students register for the correct classes. Once an application has been accepted, students can register for classes and pay for them.

Is community college a viable option?

Additional Resources for Online Learners. Community colleges have long been a more financially viable alternative to four-year colleges and universities. There were more than 5.7 million students enrolled in public two-year universities in 2016, the American Association of Community Colleges reports.

Is online class self paced?

Online classes are not typically self-paced. Students need to realize there will be assignment due dates that need to be followed. A myth is online classes are easier than traditional classes – this is not the case. In online classes students also have to complete interactive discussions and group projects.

Do distance learners need to register for classes?

Many colleges require distance learners to complete an online orientation prior to registration. Register for classes. Once students have been formally accepted to a community college, they are assigned a college account ID they can use to register for online classes. Familiarize yourself with campus services.

Why do people take online courses?

Many people participate in online courses because of the flexibility they provide. Online college degrees and programs make it possible for students to work during the day and complete their studies from home at night. Those who spend a lot of time traveling due to work can also complete their education in their spare time. Additionally, many students enjoy taking online courses since they can complete their work at a time that is convenient for them and do not have to sit through long class lectures.

How can online courses help students?

Improved Computer Skills. Students taking online courses will improve their computer skills and knowledge because of the online learning format. As these skills and knowledge are so important in the professional world, students can greatly benefit as they look for jobs. 9. Grow Professional Network and Friendship.

What is online course?

Online courses make it possible for all students to participate in discussions. Students are also required to correspond with their teachers and other students via email, which helps students to improve their communication skills. 6. Equal Participation Opportunities.

What is online learning?

Since online education is known for its student-centered curriculum, learning online is an ideal means for those who learn best through digital platforms. 4. Unlimited Access to the Material. Students can also re-watch lecture videos, review notes, and go through other online resources anytime they wish.

What is open learning geography?

Online education is also a great option for students who do not live near a college or university or do not live near a school that offers the course or degree they want. Students taking online courses can also take classes from teachers around the country and the world.

Is teaching online more accessible?

Teacher Accessibility. Teachers supervising or teaching online courses are also more accessible. Students can ask questions or discuss concerns via email instead of having to wait until a teacher’s office hours, which may not suit students’ schedules. 11.

Can students discuss non class related topics?

Often students are permitted to discuss non-class related topics and list personal information about themselves in chat forums. As a result, many students make new friends and get to know their peers better.

The Advantages of an Online Community College Education

Value, convenience, and options – what more could a student want? Earning a community college degree online provides all of these benefits.

Obstacles Facing Online Community College Students

While many students successfully use online learning to get a degree and advance their careers, many others fail their courses.

Why do you evaluate online courses?

When you evaluate online courses, it helps to keep a visual calendar of the tasks and assignments you are expected to complete; the idea is to avoid surprises that you may end up rushing to complete. Taking online courses requires a certain amount of trust in the program and a steadfastness that comes with discipline and drive.

Why is online learning important?

If you are employed, have a family to raise, are housebound, live in a rural area, or find yourself constantly on the move, online learning provides a viable setting where you can actually fit classes into your schedule. The ability to study on your own time, as well as review classes and lectures again if you need to, is an extremely convenient factor.

What is the positive aspect of online education?

Another positive aspect of online education, at least in the case of FNU, is that technological innovations are being applied in practical and convenient ways such as rolling semesters. Some FNU degrees make independent coursework dominant, which means that you can complete the entire curriculum requirements according to a schedule you set on your own and without having to wait for a new semester to roll in. Through the Blackboard learning management system, degree programs that are 100 percent online are truly within your reach.

What are the disadvantages of taking online classes?

A potential disadvantage of taking online classes is that if you are not thoroughly committed to getting your degree, it could take you years to complete the program. Doing your assignments, reading the required materials, interacting with your professors and peers, and taking exams are entirely up to you.

Why are private schools online?

According to a March 2019 report published by Inside Higher Ed, more American private schools are embracing online education as a way to reach students whose socioeconomic status and life situations do not allow them to enjoy traditional campus programs. Online learning transcends the realm of higher education.

Can online degree programs backfire?

Devoting most of your time to completing online degree programs can backfire if you end up neglecting other aspects of your life. Remember to take advantage of the flexibility of online courses, which allow you to enjoy downtime that you can spend with friends and family.

Is social networking limited in college?

In-person social networking through college organizations can be limited in the online world. Networking functions as an important element in connecting for work opportunities, this means that it is up to you to take advantage of online alternatives in order to achieve similar results.

How do online classes help you?

Online classes make it so much easier to fit things into your schedule. You can listen to lectures on your drive to work. You can watch videos on the train or bus. You can respond to comments while sitting in the coffee shop. You can even watch part of a lecture, pause it, and then come back to it at a convenient time.

What are the benefits of online classes?

But online classes offer some really unique benefits. These benefits allow people who might not normally be able to get a degree to attend college. Whether you want to study from the comfort of your bedroom or increase your computer skills, online classes are a fantastic option.

How to succeed in online classes?

Succeeding in online classes requires self-discipline. You don’t have a teacher to tell you when an assignment is do. Your best friend won’t call you on Monday morning to make sure you’re working on that group project. You actually have to login and participate in the discussions to get participation credit. Being lazy or undisciplined will cause you to quickly fall behind.

What does it mean to take classes?

Taking classes usually means showing up on class at a particular time, sitting through a somewhat lengthy lecture and then going directly to your next class. Or, if you’ve spaced your classes out, you may be able to take a break in between, but you still have to stay on campus.

Can you study online if you struggle to concentrate?

And you can choose to study at a time when you’re freshest. If you struggle to concentrate, online classes might be the ideal solution.

Does college cost money?

It’s no secret that college costs a lot of money. You pay for the classes, a dorm room that smells like old stuff, cafeteria meals, activity fees, massive text books and a host of other random expenses. It adds up really quick. There’s a reason most students have to take out loans.

Do you have to work around the university schedule?

With traditional classes, you have to work around the university schedule. If your class is at 4 p.m., you have to be in the classroom at that time and you have to attend the entire lecture. Failing to do those things will result in missing valuable information. Online classes make it so much easier to fit things into your schedule.

What is the best thing about online college?

One of the best things about online college degree programs is that you can complete them from virtually anywhere. You’re not tied down by location, and you can choose to attend even a school that’s far away from where you live and work.

Do you have to be part of a geographic community to get a community college degree?

You don’t have to be part of the geographic community to enroll in a community college degree program online. You can use the freedom that comes with a distance learning education to choose to virtually attend the community college that’s right for you.

Do I have to go to community college?

Many community colleges even accept out-of-state students. You don’t have to choose a local community college if you don’t want to, especially if you plan to complete your degree program online rather than on-campus. That’s part of the appeal of online college. You can study at the school of your choice, regardless of its physical distance from you, even if you choose community college.

Can you transfer credits from one community college to another?

You may not be able to effortlessly transfer credits from one school to another if you decide to take the class elsewhere.

Do community colleges accept out-of-state students?

Many community colleges even accept out-of-state students. You don’t have to choose a local community college if you don’t want to, especially if you plan to complete your degree program online rather than on-campus. That’s part of the appeal of online college.

Step 1: Find A Community College

Use the California Community Colleges' Find a College Tool to see a map. CPP students often take classes at Mt. Sac, Citrus College and Chaffey College.

Step 2: Find the Articulation Agreement

Articulation agreements show how courses/course sequences at the community college will be accepted in fulfillment of curricular requirements at CPP.

Step 3: Apply to the Community College

You should review the community college's website for admission information.

Step 4: Register for the Course (s)

You should review the community college's website about important dates, registration deadlines and fees.

Step 5: Send CPP Your Official Transcripts

Once you have your final grades, order an official transcript from the community college to be sent to CPP. You can review the community college's website for information about how to order transcripts. CPP accepts electronic transcripts and transcripts sent via National Student Clearinghouse or Credential Solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my financial aid to pay for these classes, or use my community college enrollment to meet financial aid eligibility requirements?