An online college course is a series of classes, assignments, and lectures pertaining to a specific topic or study. They’re designed to provide you with the ability to increase your knowledge and expertise about a certain subject matter, from the comfort of your home, or anywhere you choose that has internet access… while giving you the ability to further your career.
The curriculum and required coursework for an online course is generally no different from a college course taught on a campus. In general, you should plan on dedicating no less than three hours each week to class time, plus extra time for participating in classroom discussions using message boards, study time screen shares and virtual meetings with instructors and classmates.
The duration of a course depends greatly on the school and the field of study; one course can usually be completed in a period of five to twelve weeks, but learn-at-your-own-pace courses are often offered as well.
An online course offers you the opportunity to take a college course and learn from any location with an Internet connection. The majority of online courses are asynchronous; meaning instructors and students do not always meet together at the same time.
Instead, you log into the online classroom at your convenience; however, your instructor will specify how frequently you are required to log into your online classroom and participate in discussions using message boards and virtual meeting apps.
You see, just like a regular college course, you have to show up and participate in order to earn full credit.
Online schools offer college courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels, as well as general courses open to all levels of students. Online schools may also offer non-credit courses, which do not result in academic credit but simply offer a unique opportunity to learn a craft, advance your knowledge or explore a personal interest.
The workload and rigors of an online course are well suited for students who are able to work independently and stay on top of the coursework without the structure of an on-campus classroom.
Online courses offer benefits such as convenience and flexibility, but to be successful, students need to possess maturity and self-discipline. It’s college, after all!
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