Online College Courses and Classes: Options and Requirements

While many colleges and universities offer a full online course of study that culminates with a certificate degree, others may offer individual classes online. Many schools offer a combination of the two, with some degree programs available fully online and other degree programs available through on-campus and distance learning, giving students options to learn on a schedule that fits their lives.

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Technology Requirements for Taking An Online University Course

Students generally need some basic computer and Internet skills to successfully complete online university courses and classes. Technology requirements vary by program, but generally include reliable computer and Internet access at the very least. Some schools offer an introductory class to help new online learners. Many schools offer tech help regarding their online classes and most do have basic help desk support available to distance learners having trouble with online course interfaces or hardware.

How Online College Courses and Classes Work

Colleges and universities that offer full courses and individual classes online typically deliver the class materials to students electronically. Students may receive lectures in text form via email while others log in to a secure site to view professors delivering lectures on video. Blackboard is a common electronic interface for transmitting course materials as well. Students log in to receive lessons and submit completed assignments for review. There are also opportunities for students to interact with fellow learners through email, discussion lists, chat rooms and discussion forums.

Online college students may have the option of choosing a program of individual study or an alternative, known as. cohort study. In cohort study, all students beginning a degree program at the same time move through the courses together.

Most college degree online courses and classes are semester or trimester based, in keeping with on-campus classes. Typically, courses offered online are not tied to a set schedule. Often students can obtain lessons and turn in assignments at their convenience. In some cases, an instructor might require one or two class participation activities online at a set time, like a group chat. Exams are usually mailed to the student. Students arrange for a proctor to monitor the exam, which is then mailed back to the professor for scoring by a pre-set date.

Residency Requirements for Online Study

Most online classes can be completed virtually. Some programs, most likely those taught at the graduate level, do have a residency requirement for online students. This may be anything from single week spent meeting and working with classmates and professors to several weekend meetings throughout the semester.

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