Audience: Students
- What is an online course?
- Why would I take an online course?
- What types of courses could I take?
- How do I earn credits?
- How do I know if i am succeeding in my online course?
- How do I recognize a good online course?
- How do I prepare for success?
- What are the benefits of online learning?
- Do online courses accommodate special needs?
What is an online course?
Online courses deliver course content entirely on the Web in a variety of ways.
When students complete work at a location and time of their choice and at their own pace, they are taking an asynchronous course.
When students choose to learn asynchronously, they find course materials posted on a Web site and can log into the class at any time and from anywhere they can get on the Internet.
A course activity may require that a student view a video or download a sound file so students must always check to see if the computer they plan to use has the plug-ins, utilities, and applications needed for the course. Online schools usually have an information page with computer and software requirements
Sometimes an online course requires students to complete assignments for a given unit of study within a limited period of time, perhaps a week. Students do the readings (mostly, but not always online), complete activities, communicate with the teacher and other students, and submit assignments through email or the course management system. Even though there is a window for completion this is still considered asynchronous, but it is paced.
When students attend class at a scheduled time at a location where there is a two-way video system, they are taking a synchronous course.
Courses that require much interaction, like foreign language courses, may only be offered synchronously.
When students take a course that combines a variety of delivery approaches, they are taking a hybrid course.
Online literature courses may require participation in synchronous (chat) or asynchronous (threaded) discussions with other students and/or the teacher.
Online science courses may require face-to-face lab demonstrations and practice.
Online speech and performance courses may require performing or speaking before a group.
Why would I take an online course?
Online courses provide access to particular classes that fit the student's schedule, circumstances, interests, or needs.
Online courses offer opportunities for participation, enhancement, enrichment, remediation, and retrieval not otherwise available or possible.
- Core coursework or desired electives might not be offered in the home school or at a time convenient to the student's work or home responsibilities or travel or sports participation schedule.
- Students might be seeking a greater selection of advanced placement courses or opportunities to earn college credit.
- Students might require modifications due to disabilities, illness, or pregnancy.
- Students can continue schoolwork despite suspension or incarceration
- Students can retrieve course credit for failed courses without falling behind.
What types of courses could I take?
- Core content at all grade levels
- Electives to satisfy curiosity and interests
- Advanced Placement in a wide variety of subjects
- Credit Retrieval in all core courses
- College Credit while still in high school
How do I earn credits?
Some online programs offer quarter as well as semester credits. Students should check out what type of credit the home school offers and what courses school policy permits.
Many online programs do not offer credits directly. In that case credits are awarded through the local school.
Courses from accredited online programs may be transferable to any school. The local school can determine whether credits satisfy core requirements or electives.
A face-to-face semester course requires 60-90 hours of seat time depending on the state you live in. A face-to-face course meets for around 18 weeks, 40-60 minutes a day, five days a week, not counting homework.
An online course might take more time since students pace themselves. When unclear about an assignment or activity, students contact teacher by phone or email for explanations.
An online course can also take less time. Students can focus on the course materials and not deal with the everyday classroom distractions.
How do I know if i am succeeding in my online course?
Online programs encourage everyone interested in student progress -- students, parents, counselors, and home school districts - to access grades and progress reports posted online.
Teachers are encouraged to communicate with students, their parents, and school district (when appropriate) if a student is unresponsive. Ultimately, it is the student's responsibility to keep up with the coursework and maintain communication with the teacher at least several times each week.
If problems do arise with the coursework, the technology, the teacher, or other students, students have recourse to inform their mentor, online teacher, counselor or parents. A solid support system is crucial to success.
How do I recognize a good online course?
Good online courses have reading material that is interesting and engaging over a range of ability levels.
Students have varied reading abilities so teachers offer tips that help all students understand the reading. Students even have choices of material to read that fit their abilities.
Good online courses offer a variety of ways for students to learn the course content.
Students have varied learning styles so teachers offer activities that help all students to do their best work.
Good online courses offer various ways for students to interact with the course content.
Students have varied means of expressing what they know so teachers provide both simulation software that permits manipulation of objects on-screen and experimental labs that allow learning by trial and error.
Good online courses provide many modes for self-expression and communication with other students and the teacher.
Threaded discussions are used for interaction in asynchronous courses. Teachers post a question that students respond to and then discuss with each other. Writing is a primary mode of communication.
Good online courses provide guidelines and criteria for conducting fruitful Internet research.
Learning to quickly and efficiently search and evaluate source material on the Internet is a skill that will serve students well throughout school and for lifelong learning.
Good online courses maintain a variety of open channels for communication.
Students learn to be independent problem solvers but also know when to ask for help.
How do I prepare for success?
Learn as much as possible about the online course. Ask to see the course to confirm that it's a good choice.
Meet with the school counselor or registrar to discuss the fit of the course with the student.
Consider the student's unique learning style and needs
Take a survey to determine student's learning style.
Determine the characteristics of a successful online student.
Take a questionnaire to learn about the characteristics of successful online students.
Just because a student does not as yet have these qualities does not mean the student will fail. However, to maximize the possibility of success, the student should be willing to develop these qualities.
Complete the orientation activities that online schools offer.
Find out what hardware, software, plugins, and Internet connections are required and get the feel of working and communicating online.
Learn how to be an independent learner.
There are many tips and study strategies guides posted online that help students become better students - in any kind of course.
Start with one or two courses and see how it goes.
See how long it takes to complete a course and how the process fits the student.
Learn to self pace.
Don't put off assignments and activities. Set up a written schedule to complete a certain amount of work each week. Have an adult - a mentor at school, or a parent help set the pace. Becoming an independent learner is a challenge requiring focus and commitment.
Check out Student Success for links to supporting materials.
What are the benefits of online learning?
Online learners become lifelong, independent learners.
Online learners become effective communicators with well-developed writing skills, reading strategies, and research skills.
Online learners become accomplished problem-solvers who follow instructions and pay attention to detail.
Online learners become well-prepared for college and for the demands of industry.
Online learners develop mature social skills based on direct and clear communication and independent approach to life's challenges.
Online learning provides a broader range of opportunities to today's students.
Do online courses accommodate special needs?
Special needs students with physical disabilities participate in online courses with the support of readily-available adaptive and assistive devices and capabilities such as text-to-speech software and magnification that are built into computers.
Special needs students benefit from accommodations like written course notes and more time to complete assignments which are easy to make in online learning.
Special needs students with the academic ability, technical readiness, and motivation to success reap the benefits of online courses afforded to all students.