An eLearning course is primarily an independent study course and therefore may not be suitable for all students. The eLearning student must take responsibility for her/his own learning. In any eLearning program, the capacity for self-directed learning is crucial. While the instructor and fellow students can provide some support, the eLearner is expected to provide the internal motivation to manage his/her own learning during the course of study and have a basic grasp of Internet navigation skills. The elearner is also expected to take responsibility for contacting the instructor with her/his questions.
eLearning students should have higher than the lowest qualifying scores for English and mathematics courses. If your score on the COMPASS test is not five points or more above the qualifying minimum for transfer classes, you may have trouble in the eLearning course equivalent.
eLearning courses are very focused. If you need extra help learning the material, you may have to get the information on your own or at least take responsibility for asking the instructor for assistance. eLearning courses also tend to be harder than or require more total time than traditional courses.
Successful eLearning students are generally highly motivated, self-starting people who read a lot. Many are home bound because of children or disabilities or just prefer to take classes at home. Others are place bound. They might be working on an oil rig in the Pacific Ocean, or fishing in the Gulf of Alaska. Some are job bound. They may have rotating and unusual shifts, like some industrial workers or fire fighters. Others are just trying to get more of that precious commodity--time! Perhaps the greatest advantage stated by people taking an eLearning course is that it allows them to manage their own time to meet their needs.