What are online classes? An online class is a course taught 100% online. Many students cite convenience as a main reason for taking an online course. Class material, assignments, and interaction with the professor and students are found in Blackboard. This may include posts to an online Discussion Board, group work, responding to classmates’ writing, online readings, and all assessments and quizzes. Exactly what online work is required varies from one class to another. The professor’s specific expectations will be detailed in the course syllabus. When I search for a course online, how will I know it is completely online? Online courses are designated by the section numbers in 80-87. If you search online, you might see this: English 1500-80 TBA. This course is English 1500. The “80” is the section number, so you know that it’s an online course. You can see that the meeting time is listed as “TBA” or “To Be Announced.” You can assume that all assignments will be submitted online during the regular semester following the instructor’s syllabus guideline When I’m registering for classes, can I search specifically for an online course? Yes. When you look up a course, When you look up a course, go to “Attribute Type” drop down menu and select “Online.” When do these courses meet and how often? Most online courses are designed as fully asynchronous learning environments. They are “asynchronous" in that there is no specific set of meeting days or times. The aynchronous nature of the class allows it to be very flexible for one’s schedule. No specific day/time is scheduled for the class, all students are expected to meet the same requirements as in-person courses. There may be times when a professor schedules non-mandatory synchronous meetings at a specific day and time. A 3-credit online course is defined as a requirement for 3 hours/week in class. That means students will spend about 3 hours a week logged into the course to stay up-to-date with assignments and activities. In addition, like most courses, students are expected to spend several additional hours (as required) studying and prepping outside of the class time. With no set meeting times, an online course likely requires several hours a week for readings, writings, studying, plus the time logged into the class engaged with class materials, working on discussion boards, group projects, quizzes, etc. There may be no set meeting times for online courses, but these are real courses with real time commitments that each student will need to schedule for. The course syllabus will provide details about the instructor’s expectations. If you need more information before deciding to register for an online course, you should contact the instructor or the chair of the department that is offering the course. Why should I take an online class? Online classes work well for self-motivated students. Students who thrive in online courses are good at self-scheduling, stay involved, and are comfortable working with technology for communication. While everyone is welcome in these classes, online courses are particularly popular with students who have jobs, childcare responsibilities, and/or other obligations, students with long commutes, the physically disabled, and students who enjoy using online technologies. Will my faculty member hold office hours and how will I communicate with her or him? Every online faculty member will be available to confer with students concerning their progress. Most online professors will arrange for a mutually convenient time. The method of communication may be email, phone or Blackboard Collaborate (web conferencing). Does my online class take place when the campus is closed for winter weather or during other emergencies? Online classes are not usually cancelled due to weather conditions or other campus emergencies. However, students should always check the university website for unusual circumstances which may prevent or delay specific activities. How do I find out what books I will need for an online course? The book(s) that are required for online courses, can be viewed through a link to the Bookstore website located under class schedule. In addition, it may be helpful to contact the instructor directly to inquire about required books and materials.
