text: I have been taking online courses now for almost a year and a half and have found that the program is very rewarding!  I have felt alot less pressure than having traditional classroom instruction.  Although there are several different aspects of online courses, there are many things that have been done through many colleges and universities to bring the online students together.  For example, with the classes that I have taken, there is a discussion board that allows you and other classmates to post interesting topics and help each other with puzzling issues that may arise during the completion of coursework.  In addition, if extra help is needed, there is generally a phone number that you can call for technical support or for assistance.  This can prove to be especially useful when you are enrolled in a math course.  You can e-mail assignments whenever you like, watch lectures on DVD or videotape whenever you like, and do classwork at your convenience.  It actually saves alot of time since you don't have to commute to school and spend alot of time getting ready to go to class.  You can sit at home and do your work in your pajamas! :o)  One thing that I would highly recommend is that you be mindful of the concept of networking and forming outside interests while you are completing your coursework.  Since you are not physically attending classes at a college or university, you still need sufficient time for social activities.  Some colleges give you a start date and an end date to complete coursework.  It is up to you to plan your schedule accordingly.  If you do decide to take an online class, I would recommend that you establish a schedule immediately for your coursework when you get the syllabus and list of assignments.  Make sure that you complete the assignments in a timely fashion.  It also helps to have a buddy that will hold you accountable for completing your reading and written assignments.  I'm sure that this policy will vary from college to college, but when it comes time to take exams, often times with the online class, the professor will not give a time limit and you can take all the time that you want to complete your exam in the presence of a proctor.  This really takes off alot of pressure.  Allow for plenty of time to complete assignments and if you can do it, try to complete your coursework in advance.  If you are an independent learner and don't like to waste time, online classes might be for you.  I hope that some of these suggestions may be helpful to you.  If you want to talk more about online classes, you may shoot me a note.