As an online student, you will have many advantages, like being able to take courses at a place and time convenient for you. You will also have the opportunity to interact with a variety of students from a dispersed geographical area, and will have access to a greater number of resources and experts than you might in a traditional classroom setting. Finally, you may find that you are able to have greater control over the learning process, and may be able to customize the course in a way that best suits your specific learning needs.

Are you a resident of a state other than Georgia? If so, you will not be charged out-of-state tuition if you take entirely online courses exclusively. However, all non-residents must check in with the Director or UWG Online (email online@westga.edu), in order to ensure that UWG is allowed to enroll residents of your state.  Distance education programs in nursing, education, social work, counseling, and allied health professions, may require additional approval from separate licensing boards, depending on the state. Students that reside outside the state of Georgia who are considering a professional program should contact the appropriate Board in their state of residency prior to beginning a course of study. On the State Licensure page, we make every effort to help you locate the best known contact information for the appropriate state licensing board(s).

However, you must be prepared to take on greater responsibility than those engaged in traditional learning. You will need to discipline yourself to stay actively involved with the course, and may find that you spend an even greater amount of time reading and preparing for an online course than you do a traditional course. Studies show that successful distance learning students are independent, self-motivated, and disciplined. You must be able to access and use a computer with reliable Internet access and be able to use basic computer software.

• Individual Attributes - motivation, procrastination, willingness to ask for help, etc.
• Life Factors - Availability of time, support from family and employers, finances, etc.
• Learning styles - Based on the multiple intelligences model
• Technical Competency - Skills with using technology
• Technical Knowledge - Knowledge of technology terms
• On-screen Reading Rate and Recall
• Typing Speed and Accuracy