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How Do Online Classes Work ?
Online classes give you the flexibility to complete your coursework from wherever you are, but you may wonder what an online class actually looks like. How do you access your assignments? Where do you find course materials? How do you communicate with your instructor and classmates?
When you take a class, whether in person or online, you will access the coursework through an online learning platform. At UIS, this platform is Canvas. The online learning platform holds your assignments, readings, videos, discussion boards, tests and other course materials.
Class discussions
Instead of raising your hand and talking during class, you may participate in an online discussion board. Your professor may post a question, ask you to write a response and then respond to your classmates’ responses.
Communicating with others
It can take time to adapt to communicating in an online class. In an in-person class, conversations can happen naturally before or after class. You may chat with a classmate while walking to class or ask your professor a quick question after a lecture. Be intentional about asking questions and making connections. You can communicate through email, discussion boards, messaging or video meetings.
Pro tip: When you're in a live video class, consider turning on your camera when you can. Seeing your classmates' faces can make it easier to build connections and feel like part of the class.
Tests
How you take tests may look a little different. Some teachers may use an online proctoring system to monitor the test. Online proctoring tools can monitor your webcam, screen activity or other behaviors during an exam. If the system notices something unusual, it may flag the activity for the instructor to review. A flag does not necessarily mean you have done something wrong or that your test will stop. Your instructor can review the activity and determine whether there is an issue.
Do I still have to attend class?
Each professor may organize an online class a little differently. Some online classes can be like an in-person class. You may meet with your professor and classmates over Zoom at a set time, participate in group discussions and complete activities together. These classes are synchronous.
Other classes may give you more flexibility. Instead of meeting online at a specific time, your professor will post prerecorded lectures and presentations for you to watch when it works for your schedule. You will usually have a schedule that tells you when to watch lectures, complete readings and turn in assignments. These classes are asynchronous. These courses will require more self-discipline as you will have to create your own schedule to complete assignments, but it does allow more flexibility. For many students, this can be one of the hardest parts of taking an online class. It can be easy to put off a lecture or assignment when you know you don't have to be in a classroom at a certain time. Life can also get busy. That's why time management is an important part of being a successful online student.
What Technology Do You Need?
You will need the basics:
- A reliable computer
- A reliable internet connection
- A webcam and microphone, if required for your courses
It's also helpful to have a quiet place where you can focus on your coursework, especially when attending a live video class or taking an exam.
How Do You Get Help as an Online Student?
Being an online student doesn't mean you are on your own. Online students can access many of the same university resources available to students who take classes on campus.
You have access to:
- Academic advising
- Professors and instructors
- Tutoring
- Library resources
- Career services
- Technical support
- Student services
- Financial aid
- Campus events
If you have a question or run into a problem, reach out. Your professors, advisers and other university staff are there to help you succeed.
Are Online Classes Right for You?
Online college classes can give you more flexibility in how and where you complete your degree or a graduate certificate. But flexibility also comes with responsibility.
You will need to keep track of deadlines, manage your time and stay engaged with your courses. You may also need to take the first step when you have a question or want to connect with your professor or classmates.
If you can stay organized, are comfortable working independently and looking for a college experience that can fit around other responsibilities, online classes may be a good option to explore.
The best way to understand how online college works is to look at the specific program and courses you are considering. Course formats, schedules and requirements can vary, so make sure you know what to expect before you enroll.