For busy adult learners, already juggling the demands of jobs and families, what could be more appealing than online education? They can earn degrees at home, squeeze in classes before work or after bringing the kids to soccer practice, and never have to kick off their comfortable slippers to attend a lecture.

But as colleges and universities offer more courses over the Internet, many educators say prospective students should consider carefully before enrolling in such programs. Online learning is not for everyone, they say, and success in such programs requires not only proficiency and comfort with technology, but also a combination of personal traits and skills, from self-motivation to fast typing.