A Typical Online Course

We're not in Kansas anymore, Toto. Online courses are quite different from on-campus courses and they can be a radical (even jarring) departure for students who've spent most of their lives in a traditional school setting. We'll give you a quick overview of how many online courses are structured so you have an idea of what to expect before starting your first online class.

Bulletin Boards and Mailing Lists

The majority of online classes are built around web sites where assignments are posted and submitted, and bulletin boards (or mailing lists) where students can post questions and discussion topics that other students and their teacher post replies. The big concept here is asynchronous communication. In a traditional classroom, communication occurs in real-time (synchronously), whereas online course discussions take place asynchronously -- students (as well as teachers) participate at different times so there's a chain of communication, not just one big burst all at once.

Let's look at University of Phoenix as an example. There, online classes usually last about six weeks and each week often begins with the instructor emailing the week's topic and assignments to students. Then the professor may post a short lecture and discussion topics. Throughout the week, students work on their reading and assignments and can participate in the class conference system to participate in discussions, get help, or answer other student's questions. When assignments are due, students email them to the instructor, who grades them and returns them with comments.

Audio and Video Streaming

Not all distance learning programs are built around just web sites and bulletin boards. Some schools (such as Saint Leo University) offer audio and video streams of class lectures over the Internet. This is a great method for students who are most comfortable with the traditional classroom routine -- the only difference being that you can sit in front of your computer and wear your underwear while listening to a lecture! Another added advantage is the ability to replay lectures whenever you want -- they've already been recorded for you and are available on-demand.

Real-Time Chats

Some online programs include regularly-scheduled chats to bring classes together for a real-time discussion. It may seem like this would be a more common way to conduct online classes, but remember that students are often joining class from across the country (and even the globe) -- which makes setting an ideal time very difficult. But when possible, real-time chats are a great way to approximate a classroom discussion and, in many programs, a chat room is provided 24/7 so that students can meet up with fellow classmates anytime to get help.

We're only just entering a new educational age; as the Internet matures, so will the technology for distance learning courses. As an online student, you'll have a unique opportunity to meet people from all over the world via the Internet -- and assistance is only an email away!