The National Center for Education Statistics states that 691 colleges are entirely virtual. The report further states that approximately 64% of U.S. colleges offer hybrid classes that blend virtual and on-campus classes. As more colleges adopt virtual learning, students consistently look up how to switch to online school. Our online exam experts can take online classes and exams for students needing help. In this guide, we cover how to change to online school, explaining factors to consider, the technical requirements, special considerations, and the steps to registering for online classes.
How to Switch to Online School: When to Consider Online Schooling
ICEF Monitor reveals that more than 36% of students prefer online learning because of its flexible schedules. The mode allows learners to navigate transportation barriers unless required to take an in-campus examination. Approximately 50% of students say they would prefer online schooling when faced with the following challenges:
- Moving to a new town: Commuting to a physical campus can be challenging, especially when moving to a new district or town. Virtual learning allows learners under constrained geographical proximity to align with curricular requirements.
- Urgent work commitments or family issues: Tight schedules at work or family commitments such as emergencies can force one to switch to online learning. The flexible study schedule creates more time to balance studies with commitments and prevent backlogs.
- Health emergency that limits commuting to school: Temporary health concerns hinder access to physical classes. Online classes offer a solution by allowing learners to continue their education while managing their health at home.
- Financial Reasons: Physical classes are costly compared to online sessions as the factor in costs for access to various facilities. Virtual learning cuts the cost corners by allowing students to save on extra tuition fees, commuting, and accommodation expenses.
Technical Requirements to Consider Before Switching to Online School
Schools have technical requirements a learner must meet before switching to online classes, including:
- Reliable Internet Connection: A stable internet is required when streaming lectures, submitting assignments, discussing, and accessing online resources.
- Course Materials Access: The school should provide access to all course materials learners need. However, some only have these resources in the physical library. A learner must ensure the materials are available before becoming a cyber student.
- Access to a Reliable and Compatible Computing Device: Some course materials require particular software and hardware compatibility to gain access to them. For example, schools using proctoring technology assess a student’s device for compatibility before administering the exam online. Learners must have these devices available before switching to online learning.
The learner must also meet the eligibility criteria required by some schools. They include:
- Meeting the minimum credit limit
- Signing the articulation agreement
The Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs must accredit all schools providing online learning. Learners are free to check the lists of accredited schools here. Online classes in non-accredited schools can affect a student’s certificate’s credibility and future job success.
How to Switch to Online School: The Steps to Follow
How to switch to online school differs based on the particular school. However, a typical procedure should cover the following steps:
- Checking the School’s Policy
This step involves reviewing the school’s policy on online learning. Learners should delve into the specific procedures, restrictions, and requirements for switching to online school.
- Consulting the Advisors
Schools offering online classes should all have advisors who guide students in switching to online learning. A learner can use this opportunity to ask about the implications of online schooling on academic progress and the available options.
- Checking the Course Availability
This step involves checking if a particular program a learner pursues is available under online learning. The student should review the course description, prerequisites, study modes, and material availability.
- Registering for the Course Programs
Nearly all colleges require learners to take a technical readiness test before the online classes. This assessment entails checking whether a learner meets the technical requirements listed above and has basic computing skills. Once done, the learner should follow the procedure provided by the counselor to register online successfully. The last step involves navigating the online portal and finalizing the schedules.
- Orientation
If the school provides brief training modules for students transitioning online, register for them. These sessions familiarize new cyber students with the online platform, study materials, forums, and daily activities required for a smooth learning experience.
Hire Top Experts to Take Your Online Classes
An article by Forbes explains that online learning accounts for 15% of all U.S. post-secondary learners. Now that you know how to switch to online school, the next step is to excel in your coursework and exams. Hire our top experts to take your classes and handle your exams so that you won’t struggle to navigate the typical online learning challenges.
