What is Academically Prepared

Success in the fully online model requires self-discipline and an intrinsic motivation. Most fully online courses are asynchronous. Typically, in asynchronous education, the student and the instructor are not in the learning space at the same time. For some learners, asynchronous learning is sufficient. For others, instructor and institution support are essential to their success. Many of the learners who require institutional support, can be categorized as underserved populations. Underserved learners have been defined as learners from low socio-economic backgrounds and are likely to be the first in their families to attend college. They may also be students of color. As the cost of a post-secondary education continues to rise, fully online options have been promoted as a low-cost alternative to on-campus education and specifically offered as an option for underserved populations. However, fully online courses may not benefit underserved populations.