What are internet classes like?

Question

I am taking 2 (3 credit classes) online and I just don't know what to expect. I have never taken any classes from an online roster so I dont really know what to expect. Are they more difficult, or have more assignments?

Answer 1

I did my teaching credential online. I found that I spent about 4 hours per week total per class. (If it had been a live class, I would have spent 4 hours in class plus all of the reading, homework, projects, studying for tests, etc. Plus, there would have been the travel time, parking time, etc.

In my classes there were the following components:

1. Textbook reading assignment (I found that I could skim the chapter headings and get the gist of the matter without going into any great depth -- certainly not like the preparation I put into regular classes.)

2. "Lecture" which was really just further reading on the internet. The core of the questions came from the lecture, so I had to read this more carefully than I did the textbook.

3. "Forum" Each week there would be two questions related to the week's topic that I would have to answer and then respond to two other people's answers. This served as the class "discussion."

4. Chat. Some teachers did this but most didn't and they were never required. This was just a live chat so people could exchange ideas about the class and get each other's and more importantly the teacher's feedback.

5. Final project. There usually was a 10 page paper or so due in the final week of the class that summed the class up. Once there was a timed quiz though. Each instructor can personalize their classes.

The one tip I would give you is to find out what the requirements for the class are as soon as possible & don't assume anything. My program was 7 classes long. The only class I didn't get an A in was the first one. I assumed it was entirely self-paced and did the entire class in the final's week (because that was spring break at the school I was teaching at and I could cram everything in without the distractions of work). Big mistake! It turned out that each week's lesson had a deadline so by turning in the material at the end of the course, I had missed every deadline but the final. Had I been aware of this of course I would have done the work on time, but my assumptions were incorrect.

Also, check what is required for turning in material. I tried emailing my work to my instructor and she refused to take it because it needed to be "posted" online to her so it could be scanned for viruses.

These are technical details, but they make a difference between an "A" and a, well, we'll not go there.

Good luck. Online classes are the way to go.

Answer 2

This is my first time taking online classes too. From what people have told me, it is more difficult, because it takes discipline. Just keep strong, and hang in there. Things will be okay. As long as you keep up with the program. Good Luck!

Answer 3

you have your letures online, but you will have your midterm in the school that the instructor arranges for you.

the instructor sends you the notes, or other assignment online. in the same way, you need to send them back by emails

my advice: behave yourself and follow the classes. it is more difficult to have a class like that

Answer 4

Like class but without the class...you need the discipline to be able to push yourself to do the reading and tasks, because like it or not theirs no kid at the next desk to let you read off his paper.