here are many great reasons to take a course online over the summer. It can put you ahead in terms of credits. It also allows you to pursue subjects that might not be offered at your local high school that might help point the way to a future career. Online learning can also provide the opportunity to take a course at a prestigious college or university without the need for travel or relocation. Each program has slightly different ways of offering online classes. It’s important to think about your own personal learning style to choose the best option for you. Independent learners or those with a tight schedule might prefer asynchronous courses. These types of courses don’t take place in real-time. You have a time frame to complete course work and all discussions or questions occur on discussion boards. This type of course works especially well for students who are balancing school with work or family obligations. »

BY LAURIE HIGGINS

Even though asynchronous courses work really well for those who have a tight schedule, they require a certain amount of self-discipline. To keep you on track, some of the courses will require that you log in on a regular basis, such as once a day. Other classes are more free-wheeling, but it is still a good idea to check in often. The more you put into the course, the more you will get out of it.

For those who prefer a set schedule or a bit more structure, synchronous online courses might be a better fit. These courses are similar to real-life classes. They take place at set times through computer programs that create video or audio chat rooms. These classes can feel more social if that is an important consideration for you.

Hybrid courses are a blend of the two. Most hybrid or blended courses have a couple of mandatory set times to meet online either with just the professor or with the whole class, and then the rest of the work is done independently. This style of course is especially prevalent in subjects that require more hands-on work such as learning a foreign language. Online courses can be a great way for high school students to earn college credits while still in high school, but if you are hoping for credits that transfer, be sure the college or university you choose is accredited. The amount of credit, if any, varies from school to school.

Earning credit isn’t the only reason to take an online course. Some programs and courses are geared to teach specific technical skills such as computer coding or computer science. Other programs offer online camp experiences or private lessons in technology that build future skills.

Some online college programs offer both high school and college credit for the same course – a way to double your money, so to speak. Other programs offer just college credits. A lot of students use online courses to complete some of the general requirements of freshman year like English or math, so they can dive right into the classes they are most interested in when they begin college. This is especially useful for students who have already chosen their major. Other online courses are designed to allow students to explore subject matter they find interesting such as premed, fashion or creative writing. These courses are not generally offered for credit, but they can help a student figure out a career path because they offer a deeper exploration of subjects that might be of interest. Many of them offer a certificate of completion that can be listed on college applications.

The classes that are offered for credit cost more than those that don’t offer credit. The price range for credit classes tend to cost between $2,000 and $3,000 for a three-credit class. Courses that don’t offer credit are less expensive. Prices average around $1,000 per course.

Most online courses that offer college credit are limited to rising juniors and seniors, but some of the non-credit courses are open to all high school students.

It’s important to remember that on-line courses are not for everyone. They are not any easier than regular college courses and, in some cases, may be more difficult. Many students underestimate the amount of time they’ll spend studying for a class. With online learning, you can expect to spend the same amount of time as you would in a traditional on-campus class.

Good time-management skills are crucial to success. Without set deadlines, it’s easy to procrastinate. Online courses also require a personal computer, tablet and a reliable internet connection. Before you start, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the software platform such as Blackboard that the class will be using.

Despite some of the obstacles, online courses work extremely well for a growing number of students. They allow you to work at your own pace and integrate your studies into your schedule at your convenience. They can also offer a glimpse into what is expected in college, which will make you more prepared when you do attend.