Joy Miller

Care to test an online course?

In many ways, online college courses are more difficult than their traditional counterparts. Are you comfortable using computers? Is interacting with other students (in the traditional sense) important to you? Although you might not have the answer to all of these questions right now, it may help to know that numerous online colleges and universities afford students the opportunity to “take a test drive” before enrolling in their online program.

After attending online classes for several years, I have learned that the online environment is not for everyone. Unfortunately, some people either have unrealistic expectations, or they think taking online classes is the "easy" route. Although you might not have to sit in class all day, you still have to read your textbooks, write papers, have virtual discussions with classmates and professors, and even participate in the occasional group project.

In many ways, online college courses are more difficult than their traditional counterparts. Are you comfortable using computers? Are you a self-starter? Is interacting with other students (in the traditional sense) important to you? Although you might not have the answer to all of these questions right now, it may help to know that numerous online colleges and universities afford students the opportunity to "take a test drive" before enrolling in their online program.

Benefits of online course demos:

• Allows you to compare the online course interface of several institutions
• Learn how peer collaboration takes place at each institution
• Get a sneak peak at the quiz and testing interface
• Post or view sample assignments
• Compare important features such as online library access and chat services

In addition to providing online demos, several colleges and universities also allow you to preview course syllabi, and some even allow you to view sample lectures.

Here are just a few of the colleges and universities offering Online Course Demos:

1. Harvard University Extension School
2. Cornell University
3. University of Nebraska
4. University of Massachusetts
5. University of Colorado
6. University of Maryland University College
7. University of Texas
8. Oregon Statue University
9. Columbia College
10. Park University
11. DeVry University
12. Northpark University
13. Jacksonville State University
14. University of Phoenix

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