what is an online course like in college

In many ways, online college is just like traditional college. The courses offered online and on-campus are the same, and cover the same material. They both have the same or very similar assignments and strict deadlines.

Full Answer

What are the best online college schools?

With online classes, students typically log on a couple of times per week to view assignments, watch videos, listen to lectures, read class materials and message instructors with any questions. Students generally receive credit for completing assignments and participating in online class discussion forums.

What colleges offer free courses online?

Sep 19, 2019 · Taking online classes is usually less expensive than taking on-campus courses at traditional universities. In general, online education requires fewer purchases related to textbook materials and travel costs, thus allowing students to save precious funds while earning their degrees. Self-Discipline and Responsibility

How to do well in an online college course?

When it comes to learning, online courses may look very different in practice. Some online courses may feature video, allowing you to watch lectures from faculty online. Others may teach through live chats. Some courses may feature interactive coursework, requiring students to actively participate while learning.

Why online college is bad?

1. Online courses are convenient. 2. Online courses offer flexibility. 3. Online courses bring education right to your home. 4. Online courses offer more individual attention. 5. Online courses help you meet interesting people. 6. Online courses give you real world skills. 7. Online courses promote life-long learning. 8.

What can I expect from an online college course?

You can expect the same variety of work online as you would face-to-face. Online courses deliver a mix of quizzes, essays, assignments and group discussions. Depending on the course, you may work together with other students in groups, participate in peer review, or debate a variety of topics on the discussion boards.

What does online course mean in college?

An online class is a course conducted over the Internet. They are generally conducted through a learning management system, in which students can view their course syllabus and academic progress, as well as communicate with fellow students and their course instructor.

Are online college courses easy?

One of the most common questions asked on this topic is, "Are online classes easier?" Put simply, the answer is no. Opting for online courses over traditional courses is not the easy route for your education. It's true that online courses offer more flexibility, but that doesn't change the amount of work you put in.Jul 27, 2020

Is taking college courses online hard?

Online classes can be as hard as traditional college courses, sometimes even more so. Aside from the hardware and software requirements and learning how to use them simply to attend the course, there is the added factor of self-discipline to get the work completed.Aug 4, 2021

What are advantages of online classes?

Ten Advantages of Online CoursesOnline courses are convenient. ... Online courses offer flexibility. ... Online courses bring education right to your home. ... Online courses offer more individual attention. ... Online courses help you meet interesting people. ... Online courses give you real world skills.More items...

How long are online classes a day?

On average, students spend four hours online. The is no definitive guideline as to how long online learners need to be logged in. Different states, school districts, and independent academic institutions have issued memoranda concerning students' schedules in the United States.

Are online classes stressful?

The respondents were queried about the problems and benefits of online classes. In the study, 54-58% students reported issues like experiencing severe physical strain, eyesight troubles, backache and headache due to postural problems, lethargy, fatigue, irritability and obesity.Jul 25, 2021

Is online college a good idea?

Online college can be a great opportunity for those who want to advance their education and career, but don't have the time to attend traditional classes. However, consider your own lifestyle and learning style, and look into the structure of the classes you are looking to take before committing.Dec 21, 2018

Why are online classes so hard?

Online learning is harder for many reasons; from missing crucial parts of your learning, to not being able to access your education because of the internet, online learning has been a rough adjustment. Many students have struggled to make the jump from physically being at school to learning virtually.

Is college easier online or in person?

For some people, online programs are easier because they offer a flexible schedule. In addition, people with great time management skills and a sense of responsibility can excel in online classes. However, online education may be more challenging for those who enjoy learning in a classroom environment.Nov 11, 2020

How many online classes is too much?

For most online students, 1-2 classes with an intense workload is the most they can manage. Most online students have other responsibilities, usually family and/or employment. The more classes a student takes, the more important time management is.

How long should online classes be?

The Optimal Online Course Length Most experts confirm that a good length for a web-based course is somewhere between 15-30 minutes. This traditional opinion builds on psychological research, specific content patterns and, more often than not, gut feeling.Apr 4, 2022

What You Might Need to Take Online College Courses

Before you find out the details about taking courses online, it may help to know the basics. Namely, what might you need to complete coursework for...

How Do Online College Courses Work?

Now that you know what you might need, you’re probably wondering: What are online college courses like? It’s a good question, but there might not b...

Scheduling For Online Courses

Now that you have a general idea of how to take online college classes, you may be curious what a typical course schedule might look like. Of cours...

Potential Online Resources For Students

One thing that prospective students might worry about when looking into earning a degree online is, “Do I have to sacrifice the resources of campus...

Are There Online College Course Alternatives?

The path to each college degree may be different for everyone. There has been much talk in the past years about MOOCs (or massive open online cours...

Mixing Online With on Campus

One important aspect of taking online courses that you should look into is whether or not a degree program can be completed fully online. Though ma...

Benefits of Online College Courses

After reading through this article, you may already have an idea of what the benefits of online learning can be, but if you’re unsure, it might mos...

What are the disadvantages of taking online classes?

A potential disadvantage of taking online classes is that if you are not thoroughly committed to getting your degree, it could take you years to complete the program. Doing your assignments, reading the required materials, interacting with your professors and peers, and taking exams are entirely up to you.

Why is online learning important?

If you are employed, have a family to raise, are housebound, live in a rural area, or find yourself constantly on the move, online learning provides a viable setting where you can actually fit classes into your schedule. The ability to study on your own time, as well as review classes and lectures again if you need to, is an extremely convenient factor.

Is online school accredited?

Even today, many online educational facilities are not accredited, which means that your degree and qualifications may not be recognized or taken seriously by professionals such as potential employers.

Is online learning more accessible?

In the past decade, online learning has become more accessible as potential students discover that no matter what their daily obligations, they can find ways to obtain degrees while staying within their work and life schedules. Many accredited colleges such as Florida National University are now offering online learning programs, ...

Is socializing with peers a plus or a minus?

Real-time socializing with peers can be either a plus or a minus, and this depends on the type of person you are. Campus interaction can be stimulating in many cases, but it can also be a distraction for some students. Conversely, online interaction can be equally as stimulating, but it can also make you feel like you are all alone in your coursework because of the inherent lack of a physical presence. Whenever the opportunity arises to reach out to your instructors, counselors, and classmates, you should take advantage of it.

Is social networking limited in college?

In-person social networking through college organizations can be limited in the online world. Networking functions as an important element in connecting for work opportunities, this means that it is up to you to take advantage of online alternatives in order to achieve similar results.

Is FNU accredited?

Trust in the program also means trust in the institution; to this effect, you should know that FNU is accredited by the South ern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to grant degrees at the associate, bachelor and master levels.

What does it mean to take online classes?

After reading through this article, you may already have an idea of what the benefits of online learning can be, but if you’re unsure, it might mostly boil down to one thing: flexibility! Taking courses online may mean you can work from the comfort of your own home, or wherever you choose to take your computer.

What is accreditation in education?

Accreditation is a process by which schools and programs are evaluated; it must come from a specifically recognized national, regional, or specialized accrediting agency. As a safeguard, make sure, when looking into your online education options, to only look at accredited online programs and schools.

How many CLEP exams are there?

There are 33 different CLEP exams, all covering material one would normally encounter in the first two years of a four-year college program. Regardless of which path may be right for you, there are alternative online college course options to fit your goals and objectives.

Can I take one course at a time?

Others may allow students to start any time throughout the year, but only take one course at a time before moving on to the next one. Be sure to contact the school you’re interested to see if their schedule fits with your plan for online education.

Do I have to sacrifice the resources of campus learning?

One thing that prospective students might worry about when looking into earning a degree online is, “Do I have to sacrifice the resources of campus learning?” Luckily, the answer is probably not, since many online schools have ways they try to alleviate this concern. Online schools and programs offer a variety of different virtual resources, some of which might be included in the list below:

Do I need a CD drive for my computer?

Your computer may also need to have a CD/DVD drive. Similar to campus learning, you may need to buy textbooks to keep up with your studies. Beyond this, specific requirements may vary greatly, so make sure to request information from each particular school to know if you’ll be able to enroll in one of their programs.

Why do people take online courses?

Online courses promote life-long learning. Most of the time, most of what we learn in a course is forgotten within a week or two of the end of classes. Having that spark of interest and knowing how to find information online insures that what your learning is always available to you.

What are the advantages of online courses?

Ten Advantages of Online Courses. What are the advantages of an online course? 1. Online courses are convenient. The biggest advantage of an online course is that your classroom and instructor (theoretically) are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Your only excuse for missing class is not getting online!

What are the advantages and disadvantages of online courses?

Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Courses 1 Montgomery College offers several fully online degrees and certificates and a wide range of online courses. 2 Search the class schedule and select Distance Learning to find all online courses. 3 Many of our online courses are also Z-courses, requiring no textbook purchases.

What is online learning?

Online courses offer flexibility. You can study any time you want. You can study with whomever you want. You can study wearing anything you want (or nothing if you prefer!) Online courses give you the flexibility to spend time with work, family, friends, significant others or any other activity you like.

What to consider when you are away from home?

Consider the costs for child-care, pet care or any other kind of care that you need to provide while you are away from home. Consider the costs of missing work to make classes or not being eligible for a promotion because you can't attend classes to advance your educational level.

What is the greatest foe of online courses?

Online courses teach you to be self-disciplined. Perhaps the greatest foe of online courses is procrastination. Most of us, instructors included, put off the things we need to do until the very last moment. When it comes to education, the last moment is the worst possible moment to learn.

What is the dark side of the Force?

Just as there is a dark side to that controversial property known as the Force, there is a dark side to Internet-based courses. The dark side starts with procrastination. Procrastination is to a student what Darth Maul is to Qui Gon. Procrastination will chop you to bits in an online course.

What is online course?

An “online course is designed as a built environment for learning.

Why is online discussion important?

Online discussion allows more students to discuss than could in a short in-person class, gives a space for timid students to speak up, and helps mute overbearing or bullying students. A personal style — Lectures should give a personal feel, as if directly talking to the student via video chat.

Why is credit important?

Credit introduces many constraints, with standardized curricula, accreditation, and requirements to work with the ‘learning management systems” large institutions use to manage students and teachers. When credit is offered, the course builds toward student’s graduation, qualification or long-term career goals, thus, students (or whomever funds their education) are willing to pay substantial enrollment fees, and endure crummy experiences.

What is the primary motivation of a student?

In academic (K-12 and higher ed) and professional (e.g., continuing education) settings, the student’s primary motivation is to advance their professional or academic career. Courses are designed around the objectives of the school administration.

What is assessment in formal learning?

In formal learning, assessment is the currency of progress. Good scores on assignments and tests are central. Creative teachers have invented other ways to assess learning, often by having students create projects and presentations.

Why is assessment important?

See my recent article on gamification for a variety of ideas on how to follow student’s achievements and progress. Assessment is also vital feedback loop so you can improve your course.

What is online class?

Online classes are typically a mix of video recordings or live lectures supplemented with readings and assessments that students can complete on their own time. But nothing is typical about education in 2020 as the coronavirus has forced a sudden migration to online learning with little time to prepare for it.

How does online class work?

Online classes are typically a mix of video recordings or live lectures supplemented with readings and assessments that students can complete on their own time.

How many hours do you spend on online classes?

Many online learners say they spend 15 to 20 hours a week on coursework. That workload, of course, may vary between full-time and part-time students. A lighter course load likely means less study.

Do online classes have proctors?

Not all online classes have proctored exams. But if they do, online students may need to visit a local testing site with an on-site proctor. They may also take virtually monitored exams online, where a proctor watches via webcam or where computer software detects cheating by checking test-takers' screens.

What is online class?

Online and on-campus classes are generally taught by the same professors using the same syllabus. Students complete the same or similar coursework, projects and exams, and have the same strict deadlines and expectations.

How long is online school?

Some online schools operate on a semester-based schedule of around 15 weeks, which most in-coming students are used to. Others offer much shorter terms of 5-8 weeks, to allow students to earn more credits in a shorter time frame.

Why do I need to get a degree online?

Earning your degree online helps open doors to exciting new career opportunities, without putting your life or current job on the back burner. Even better, you can do it while keeping up your work, family, and other commitments. There are more than 23,000 fully online, accredited degree programs available at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, ...

What is mycollegeguide.org?

mycollegeguide.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

How many online degree programs are there?

There are more than 23,000 fully online, accredited degree programs available at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and certificate levels. And a 2018 report found that there were nearly 7 million students enrolled in distance education courses, largely online.

What is synchronous online learning?

Both! There are two online learning formats: Synchronous (live) Asynchronous (self paced) Synchronous courses are live and require students to be virtually present on a certain day and time. During the scheduled class time, you may view lectures in real-time and participate in live discussions via video chat.

How much time should I spend studying?

The general rule of thumb is: For subjects that are difficult for you: Plan to study 4 hours per week for every credit hour. For subjects that are easier for you: Plan to study 2-3 hours per week for every credit hour.

What are the benefits of going to school?

One of the benefits of going to school is the number of people it puts you in contact with. Friendships, mentorships and networking can all come from academic experiences—but is that still the case with online classes?

Why is it easy to let assignments slide?

It can be easy to let assignments slide and miss due dates because of the wiggle room and flexibility that come with online courses. Procrastination is a slippery slope and can affect your grade negatively.

Why is it important to stay organized?

It’s important to stay organized and follow a schedule because it’s difficult to catch up once you fall behind. Many students underestimate the amount of time they’ll spend studying for class. You should expect online courses to take about the same amount of time as traditional courses.

Is online learning good for students?

The flexibility of online classes can be extremely helpful to busy students, but that same freedom also creates additional pressures on those enrolled. It’s up to you to avoid distractions and keep yourself on track. “Online learning is what you make of it,” says Brian Galvin, chief academic officer for Varsity Tutors.

Is online learning easy?

One of the most common questions asked on this topic is, "Are online classes easier?". Put simply, the answer is no. Opting for online courses over traditional courses is not the easy route for your education.