Thinking about enrolling in an online class or even an entirely online degree program? If so, then you will want to have an understanding of how online courses work and what the experience is like overall. Although online degree programs have become increasingly popular over the years, the truth is that they are still not for every student — and some learners may still benefit more from the “traditional” on-campus experience.
So, how does online college work and is this learning format right for you? Dive into the history of online learning, the structure of virtual classes, and some tips for success below.
How Does Online College Work?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in their Fall 2021 report, approximately 2.3 million undergraduate students and 1.1 million graduate students across the United States were enrolled exclusively in distance education courses. There is no doubt that online classes have transformed the way students learn and pursue degrees, but this can be better understood when you know the evolution and history of online education in the United States.
The Evolution of Online Education in the U.S.
How far the history of online learning dates back in history ultimately boils down to how you define the term. Consider, for example, that the very first computer-based learning platforms were made available back in the 1960s. However, these platforms were extremely limited in their availability and function, as they were operated through small groups of interconnected computers on a college campus.
Fast forward to the 1990s, when more Americans had access to personal computers and the internet, and most would agree that this is when online learning as we know it today really took off. During this time, more schools and universities began using learning management systems (LMS) to deliver content and manage student progress.
Perhaps the biggest advancements in online learning, however, occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, many schools (including colleges and universities) were mandated to shut down and make the switch to distance learning. During this time, instructors scrambled to adapt their course materials to online learning platforms, using tools like Zoom and other video conferencing software to deliver lectures and hold synchronous classroom discussions.
Today, although pandemic-related shutdowns have become a thing of the past, many schools continue to rely on online learning tools during unplanned school closures, planned teacher development days, and in other circumstances. In fact, studies suggest that around 79% of colleges in the United States now offer some form of online classes.
Key Components That Define Online College
How do online colleges work and what defines an online college, anyway? First, it is important to note that online colleges can have a physical campus, as some schools will offer a combination of online and on-campus degree options. However, some schools exist exclusively online and do not have a physical campus at all.
Still, either type of online college will rely on some kind of platform like a learning management system (LMS) to deliver course information, manage grades, and store everything related to its online classes in one centralized location. Some common examples of LMS platforms include:
- Blackboard
- Moodle
- Canvas
Online colleges may offer a wide range of degrees and certificates at the undergraduate level, graduate level, or both. Students may have the option to enroll in synchronous courses, asynchronous courses, or a combination of both. Synchronous classes “meet” in real-time throughout the week, usually through a video chat session. Asynchronous classes, on the other hand, never meet in real-time and allow students to work mostly at their own pace.
How Do Online Classes Work?
How do online college classes work? Ultimately, this will depend on whether you have chosen a synchronous or asynchronous class. Keep in mind that the structure of a virtual classroom can vary greatly depending on your chosen school, the LMS they use, the instructor’s preferences, and some other factors as well.
The Structure of Virtual Classrooms
Whether you are taking a synchronous or asynchronous class, you will need to log into your student account to access the school’s LMS platform and your course material. From there, you should be able to find your course schedule that details the topics, readings, and assignments you should be working on.
If you are taking a synchronous class, you may need to log on at designated times each week to attend a class discussion or lecture from your instructor. For asynchronous classes, these lectures are typically pre-recorded so you can view or listen to them at your leisure. Instead of real-time discussions, your instructor may ask you to participate in discussion boards or forums to demonstrate your knowledge on the topic at-hand.
Assignments in an online class are typically “turned in” by uploading them through the LMS platform. Your instructor can then assess and grade your assignments before posting grades. When taking an exam through an online class, some schools may use virtual proctoring services to ensure that students are not using textbooks or otherwise cheating.
Strategies for Effective Online Learning
At first glance, taking online classes may seem like it would be a lot easier than taking classes on-campus. After all, you get to enjoy the convenience of staying at home, and in asynchronous classes, you could even work at your own pace.
In reality, although online classes could be convenient, they also require a great deal of self-discipline and motivation to stay on track. Knowing how to take online courses effectively is a must if you want to set yourself up for success. Some key strategies to keep in mind when it comes to online learning include:
- Mastering your time management. Invest in a planner or calendar, and be sure to set aside dedicated time to focus on each class throughout the week.
- Setting up a dedicated study space. Ideally, this space should be quiet and distraction-free.
- Knowing how to use technology. Online students regularly need to download and upload course material/assignments, take online exams, send emails, and even engage in real-time discussions through video chat. Having a basic understanding of technology and strong computer skills could come in handy.
Interaction and Communication in Online College
Although you may not be spending time in an actual classroom with your instructors and classmates, this does not negate the importance of interaction and communication as part of your online learning experience. Being proactive about building connections with peers and instructors, as well as participating in online discussions, could help you get the most out of your time in an online college.
Building Connections With Peers and Professors
Just like on-campus classes, online classes offer exciting opportunities to network with your peers, instructors, and other professionals in your chosen field. Take advantage of these opportunities by interacting with others in your class through course discussions and conversations outside of the classroom. If your instructor or professor offers virtual office hours, use these as a chance to get to know your teacher better while gaining clarification and insights into course readings and other material.
Participating in Online Discussions and Group Work
Most online classes will have some kind of discussion and/or group work component that will make up a portion of your overall grade, so do not overlook the importance of sharing your ideas and collaborating with your classmates just as you would in a real classroom.
Whether your discussions are held on video chat, in a forum, or through any other medium, do not be shy about sharing your thoughts, ideas, and questions. Take your group work assignments seriously, taking the lead in delegating tasks and sharing responsibilities as much as possible.
Assessing and Evaluating Student Performance
In addition to regular assignments and participation, your knowledge may also be assessed with periodic exams, quizzes, or other types of assessment. Knowing how these work in a virtual setting may help you better prepare to succeed.
Types of Online Assessments and Exams
Instructors may conduct regular quizzes and occasional exams as part of your learning assessment. These should be clearly marked in your class syllabus, along with specific dates and times (for synchronous classes).
Assessments can take on different formats, ranging from freestyle open-book quizzes to more restricted exams, where students are not permitted to use textbooks or any outside resources. In some cases, these exams may be proctored virtually, using AI or human proctors to detect signs of cheating via video chat.
Understanding Feedback and Grades in the Virtual Setting
Instructors in an online class should provide extensive feedback on class assignments, projects, and other graded work. In addition to seeing a grade posted in your student account, your instructor may return your assignments to you virtually with individual feedback. Take the time to read through any feedback your teacher has provided, as this could be extremely useful in improving your understanding of core topics and potentially boosting your performance on future assignments. Remember that if you are struggling with any of the course material, you can always request an appointment to meet virtually with your instructor.
Some schools also offer virtual tutoring services for online students, so this may be another option worth exploring if you are having trouble comprehending any of the topics in your online classes.
Get the Most Out of Your Online Education at Post University
Online classes and degree programs could be an excellent way for students to enjoy a more flexible, convenient, and accessible college education, especially for those who may not live close to a college campus or simply have a lot on their plates. The versatility of an online degree program makes it possible for students to work at their own pace and advance their education without putting their lives on hold.
Still, online classes could be just as challenging (if not more so) than their on-campus counterparts, so it is important for students to understand what to expect and how to set themselves up for success.
At Post University, we have been offering online learning options since 1996, so we know quite a bit about supporting our students in their distance education journeys. Explore our online and on-campus degree and certificate options for yourself, then feel free to request more information or start your online application for admission!
Thank you for reading! The views and information provided in this post do not reflect Post University programs and/or outcomes directly. If you are interested in learning more about our programs, you can find a complete list of our programs on our website or reach out directly!
Please note jobs and/or career outcomes highlighted in this blog do not reflect jobs or career outcomes expected from any Post program. To learn more about Post’s programs and their outcomes, please fill out a form to speak with an admissions advisor.