Where to take an online Math Course Weigh

On the expectation that they are easier to graduate, many students sign up for online math classes, Nolting says. But, usually, online classes enable students to spend more hours on their school work. And on top of that, there is no opportunity for simulated students to ask a question and get an instant answer like they do in a classroom.

"It's easier and it won't take as much time, one of the major myths, but both of those are wrong," he says. "It's going to take more time, and that isn't easier."

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Marie Meeks, who earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics in 2012, says that during her research, she took an online math course and found it surprisingly difficult.

She wrote in an email, "I think it was harder because it didn't have the same flow as an in-person question and answer session," You can't lift your hand to ask for anything to be explained in a particular manner. It was also very tough to adhere to the deadlines without getting the reminder of every day simply being in class. It lacks the intimate touch of being in a classroom. It was meant to be easy, but trying to work it out on your own until 2 a.m. There's nothing convenient about being up until 2 a.m.

Not all students are math geniuses, but as long as they are strong students and successful individual learners, even those who struggle with math will still do OK, experts say.

The problem is, why are you struggling? says Neil Nelan, professor of mathematics at the University of Quinnipiac. Do you seem to make algebra errors if you have a bad history, or are you failing because you have always had very poor learning patterns and you feel unmotivated?

"If the second is the case, that individual should not be in an online class. An attitude of independence, self-directedness, and a willingness to do it on your own is what makes an online class work for people."

A face-to-face choice should be considered for students repeating a math course, experts suggest. Students who have already missed a math class appear to fail it again if they take it online the second time, to Nolting's knowledge.

People who retake the class usually need different preparation and need more mental and other support, and often it's difficult to get online," he says."

Not all online math courses have the same degree of student contact with the teacher and one-on-one contact, experts say

To every undergraduate, my recommendation is to consider how the course is taught. Will there be several chances for the teacher or the instructor's assistant to provide one-on-one help? Says Kenneth Hartman, senior fellow, and senior analyst at an education consultancy firm, Eduventures.

A former student who took an online math class at Valencia College, Kirk Gordon, agrees.
I guess it depends on the professor and the resources they use online," says Gordon, who earned a community college associate degree in engineering." "I had a wonderful time. We used to have webinars on Skype. We weren't in class, but we had the impression that we were in class.