Online classes require more personal motivation. There is no professor to “push” you to read the text, or “prod” you to get research done. It’s all up to you.

What to Expect

• Be flexible—each online class is different depending on each professor, so stay in contact and ask questions.
• Workload for online classes is generally greater, but doable. Info normally conveyed by lecture will now be reading assignments.
• Find out if you are required to log on at a specific time or if you can do it on your own time.
• Online classes occasionally meet during the semester and sometimes finals will be face-to-face presentations that require a meeting.

Tips

• Research online courses to decide if they’re for you.
• Take the online "tutorial" and familiarize yourself with the class portal.
• Give yourself enough time to get class stuff done.
• Read, don’t skim, the assignments. There are no class discussions to “fill you in.”
• Meet with, or email the professor your questions about the text, assignments, or syllabus. Don’t just “wing it.”
• Be polite and respectful in online discussions.
• Participate! In most online classes the professor can view how much time you’ve spent interacting on the web portal.