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Short Courses

Technology for online teaching and learning.

Check back Spring 2025 to Apply for Short Course.

Description.

For instructors teaching in a blended, hybrid, or fully online environment, using technology is a given. Even so, utilizing the full potential of technology is an important component of well-designed courses.  The focus of this 4-week online course is on integrating technology to transform learning environments. Blackboard Learn Ultra and Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), such as ChatGPT, are covered in the course.

As students in this asynchronous online Blackboard course, instructors are introduced to the how’s, when’s, and why’s of technology use. In addition, instructors work in a “Sandbox” course as instructors where they apply new skills and best practices. This course is a collaborative learning experience designed to give instructors an in-depth look at how to effectively teach online with technology.

Offered with support from the Office of the Provost, the goal of this course is to support and develop a community of faculty prepared to develop and teach high-quality distributed learning courses. This course is offered fully online and does not have any scheduled meeting times. Participants who successfully complete the course will receive a certificate of completion. Any faculty member (tenure track, professional track, and adjunct) who teaches as an instructor of record on the Columbia campus, Palmetto College campuses, and the Schools of Medicine may apply.

Upon completion of the course, instructors will be able to:

• Apply course design, development, and delivery best practices.
• Examine opportunities and challenges of technology integration in teaching and learning.
• Use various technologies and tools that support the alignment of course learning outcomes, module/unit-level objectives, assessments, instructional materials, and learning activities.
• Apply quality standards for online courses.

Admission to this course is competitive and spaces are limited, so apply early. Applicants will be expected to complete 100 percent of the course activities and assignments on the appointed schedule to receive the certificate of completion.

Details                                               

Technology for Online Teaching and Learning will run for four weeks, starting on Wednesday, January 31, and ending on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 . Course activities and assignments must be completed satisfactorily on the course due dates.

For questions, contact Gloria Washington at 777-7078 or [email protected] .

About the Facilitator

Gloria Washington is an instructional designer at the Center for Teaching Excellence with 25 years of experience in higher education at the University of South Carolina. She serves as a co-chair for the Provost Advisory Committee for Women Initiatives (PACWI) . She is a Blackboard Certified Trainer and a Blackboard Exemplary Course Program Reviewer. Washington completed the Quality Matters’ Applying the QM Rubric and Higher Education Peer Reviewer courses. Before coming to CTE, she worked in Teaching and Technology Services and as a Technology Director for the Ted Mimms Foreign Language Learning Center.

Washington serves as Associate Editor for the International Journal of Innovative Teaching and Learning in Higher Education . She is the immediate past President of the Association for Distance Education and Independent Learning (ADEIL).  Washington also authors the blog, Pedagogy Before Technology.  She holds a Doctor of Education, a Master of Arts in Education, and a Master of Business Administration. Her expertise is in the pedagogical use of technology to support teaching and learning. Her instructional design philosophy is “pedagogy first, technology second.”

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• Best Online Master's In Management

Best Online Master’s In Management Of 2024

Published: Aug 5, 2024, 10:47am

If you are a working business professional and feel like you’ve hit a wall or ceiling in your career and aren’t sure how to advance any further, an online master’s in management program might be a good option to get untracked. Largely built for working business professionals, these programs provide students with leadership training and practical skills in budgeting, forecasting and human resources, helping graduates advance to leadership and supervisory roles.

Since management is such a broad field, it can be difficult to differentiate between programs. That’s why we’ve researched and ranked the 10 best programs in the field. Read on to learn more about the best online master’s in management programs and find the best option for you.

Why You Can Trust Forbes Advisor Education

Forbes Advisor’s education editors are committed to producing unbiased rankings and informative articles covering online colleges, tech bootcamps and career paths. Our ranking methodologies use data from the National Center for Education Statistics , education providers, and reputable educational and professional organizations. An advisory board of educators and other subject matter experts reviews and verifies our content to bring you trustworthy, up-to-date information. Advertisers do not influence our rankings or editorial content.

• 6,290 accredited, nonprofit colleges and universities analyzed nationwide
• 52 reputable tech bootcamp providers evaluated for our rankings
• All content is fact-checked and updated on an annual basis
• Rankings undergo five rounds of fact-checking
• Only 7.12% of all colleges, universities and bootcamp providers we consider are awarded

Our Methodology

We ranked 384 accredited, nonprofit colleges offering online master’s degree programs in the U.S. using 15 data points in the categories of student outcomes, affordability, student experience, credibility and application process. We pulled data for these categories from reliable resources such as the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System ; private, third-party data sources; and individual school and program websites. Data is accurate as of February 2024.

We scored schools based on the following metrics.

Student Outcomes:

• Overall graduation rate
• Median earnings 10 years after graduation

Affordability:

• In-state graduate student tuition and fees
• Alternative tuition plans offered
• Median federal student loan debt
• Student loan default rate

Student Experience:

• Student-to-faculty ratio
• Socioeconomic diversity
• Availability of online coursework
• Total number of graduate assistants
• Proportion of graduate students enrolled in at least some distance education

Credibility:

• Fully accredited
• Programmatic accreditation status
• Nonprofit status

Application Process:

• Acceptance rate

We chose the 10 best schools to display based on those receiving a curved final score of 93% or higher.

Find our full list of methodologies here .

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Degree Finder

Key takeaways, best online master’s degree in management options, should you enroll in an online master’s in management program, accreditation for online master’s in management, how to find the right online master’s in management program for you, frequently asked questions (faqs) about online master’s degrees in management.

• Since they are largely designed for working business professionals, many online master’s programs in management do not include field experience requirements.
• A master’s in management is considered by some experts to be more practical than an M.B.A.
• While a master’s in management is a general degree, some schools offer specialized concentrations in fields such as supply chain management, nonprofit management and human resource management.

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

University of florida, north carolina state university, university of the cumberlands, union college, lasell university, university of st. francis, mount vernon nazarene university, norwich university, indiana wesleyan university, featured online schools.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial credit and much more by clicking 'Visit Site'

Program Tuition Rate

$332/credit

Percentage of Grad Students Enrolled in Distance Education

Overall Graduation Rate

Located in the Champaign-Urbana metropolitan area, the University of Illinois (U of I) offers an online Master of Science in management program that distance learners can complete in 12 to 24 months. The program’s 36-credit curriculum includes required coursework in areas such as managerial accounting, project management , global marketing, and leadership and teams.

The program includes synchronous, live online sessions; however, students who miss these sessions can watch recorded versions at their convenience. Students take either one or two courses at a time and should expect to spend 10 to 15 hours per week on each course.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
• School Type: Public
• Application Fee: $70
• Degree Credit Requirements: 36 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Full time, part time
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Managerial accounting; leadership and teams
• Concentrations Available: N/A
• In-Person Requirements: No

$531/credit (in-state)

Located in Gainesville, the University of Florida (UF) offers an online Master of Science in management that offers both full-time (three-semester) and part-time (six-semester) tracks. The 32-credit curriculum includes coursework in managerial accounting, managerial economics, international business law and global strategic management.

Distance learners in the program should expect to spend approximately six to 10 hours on their studies per course each week. Fall and spring courses last eight weeks, while summer courses take six weeks to complete.

• Application Fee: $30
• Degree Credit Requirements: 32 credits
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Managerial accounting, international business law

$42,974 total (in-state)

Located in the capital city of Raleigh, North Carolina State University (NCSU) offers a part-time online Master of Management program with two concentration options: marketing analytics and risk and analytics. The 30-credit curriculum includes core courses in critical thinking for managers, leading people, strategic risk analysis using Excel, and sustainability and business.

The university delivers the majority of its online coursework asynchronously, but some courses may include synchronous elements. Prospective students do not need to submit GMAT or GRE scores, but they can if they think test scores will enhance their applications.

• Application Fee: $75
• Degree Credit Requirements: 30 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Part time
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Critical thinking for managers, leading people
• Concentrations Available: Marketing analytics, risk and analytics

$355/credit

Located in Williamsburg, Kentucky, Cumberlands is a private, Christian-affiliated university that offers a Master of Science program in strategic management. The 31-credit curriculum includes courses in areas such as strategic organizational design, management consulting, managing in a global environment, and mergers and acquisitions. All students must also complete a capstone course that involves a comprehensive written examination.

Cumberlands delivers most of its online coursework asynchronously. The program is designed for working professionals with an undergraduate business background.

• School Type: Private
• Degree Credit Requirements: 31 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Full time
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Strategic organizational design, management consulting

$370/credit

Located in Barbourville, Kentucky, Union maintains an affiliation with the United Methodist Church. The college’s online Master of Science in management program requires 30 credits and includes courses such as management information systems, marketing for results, organizational behavior and teamwork, and leadership and human resources.

Incoming students must have earned a minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA. Transfer students can earn up to six credits for prior coursework. Union delivers online coursework asynchronously and in eight-week terms.

• Application Fee: Free
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Management information systems, marketing for results

$675/credit

Located in Newton, Massachusetts, Lasell offers an online Master of Science in management program that requires 30 credits. The curriculum delves into topics including global leadership, financial management, strategic marketing, and ethical theory and management. Students can complete the program online or enroll in a blended/hybrid format with some on-campus coursework.

Lasell delivers most of its online coursework asynchronously for maximum flexibility. Students in the management program can choose between a research project and an in-person internship as a capstone experience.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9-to-5
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Global leadership, financial management
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, internship

$775/credit

Located in Joliet, Illinois, the University of St. Francis (USF) offers an online Master of Science in management program with eight concentration options, including data science in healthcare, human resource management, and management of training and development. In addition to nine credits of concentration courses, students complete a 15-credit core that includes courses in developing personal leadership and leading continuous improvement.

All students complete a management practicum experience in the field. The fastest completion timeline for this degree is 15 months.

• Example Major-Specific Courses: Developing personal leadership, leading continuous improvement
• Concentrations Available: Data science in healthcare; health administration; human resource management; instructional design in online learning; management of training and development; performance improvement; quality improvement in healthcare; supply chain management
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, practicum

$498/credit

Located in Mount Vernon, Ohio, Mount Vernon Nazarene University (MVNU) offers an online Master of Science in management program with four concentration options: logistics management, organizational management, human resource management , and human and social services leadership. Students complete nine credits in their concentration, in addition to core coursework in areas including strategic management, organizational behavior, global business and ethical leadership.

The typical student completes this degree in 16 months. The 30-credit curriculum does not include any in-person requirements.

• Our Flexibility Rating: N/A
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Organizational behavior, strategic management
• Concentrations Available: Logistics management; organizational management; human resource management; human and social services leadership

$698/credit

Located in Northfield, Vermont, Norwich is the oldest private military college in the nation. The university has recently expanded into distance learning and now offers a Master of Science program in management with 13 concentration options, including supply chain management , project management, fiscal management, organizational leadership management and nonprofit management.

The typical student completes this program in 18 months, and each online course lasts for 11 weeks.

• Application Fee: $150
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Leadership fundamentals, strategic management
• Concentrations Available: General; construction management; critical infrastructure protection and cyber crime; cyber law and international perspectives on cyberspace; cybersecurity; public sector leadership and crisis management; human resources leadership management; nonprofit management; organizational leadership management; fiscal management; technology management; project management; supply chain management

$499/credit

Headquartered in Marion, Indiana, Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) reaches students around the world through its online National and Global campus. The university’s online Master of Science program in management includes four concentration options: data analytics, information technology management, healthcare administration, and policy and organizational change.

No matter their chosen concentration, all of the program’s students complete courses in areas such as foundations of graduate business and ethical and legal aspects of management. The program’s curriculum consists of 30 total credits. The university delivers all online coursework asynchronously.

• Example Major-Specific Courses: Foundations of graduate business; ethical and legal aspects of management
• Concentrations Available: Data analytics; information technology management; policy and organizational change

These days, an online degree might seem like the obvious choice. However, distance learning is only the right fit for a specific type of student . To determine if that’s you, ask yourself a few key questions:

• What’s your budget? Distance learning is a solid option for students looking to save money, as online students generally avoid paying campus-related costs such as housing and transportation. Additionally, some public universities allow students who exclusively enroll in online courses to pay in-state or otherwise discounted tuition rates.
• What are your other obligations? Online learning is often the right choice for parents and students who plan to work full or part time while enrolled. Many of the ranked programs in our guide were built for business professionals who want to complete their master’s degrees around their jobs.
• What’s your learning style? This is possibly the biggest question when determining whether or not online learning is right for you. If you are disciplined, organized and self-motivated, you can likely succeed in a less structured distance learning environment. If you crave regular interactions with a peer group or professor or prefer the structure of a physical classroom, campus-based learning might be a better choice.

There are two important types of accreditation: institutional and programmatic.

Institutional accreditation is the more important of the two. The U.S. Department of Education (ED) and Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) oversee the agencies that manage the institutional accreditation process. These agencies are each responsible for the schools within a group of states, vetting these schools for the quality of their academics, faculty and finances, among other areas.

You should only enroll at institutionally accredited schools, as this is the only way to qualify for federal financial aid. You can check a prospective school’s accreditation by visiting the accreditation page on its website or checking the directory on CHEA’s website.

Programmatic accreditation provides a similar vetting service in specific fields and disciplines. Its importance varies by field; however, programmatic accreditation is relatively important in business and management.

With master’s in management programs, keep an eye out for accreditation from three organizations: the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the International Accreditation Council for Business Education, or the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.

Consider Your Future Goals

An online master’s in management program is generally a good option for an early career business professional who aspires to managerial and supervisory roles in their field. Some people claim that a master’s in management is a more practical degree than an M.B.A. , focused more on minutiae and data such as budgeting and forecasting.

As such, many schools build their programs with working business professionals in mind. To that end, many online master’s in management programs do not include field experience or practicum experiences or internships. If you want your program to include this opportunity, you’ll have to research more carefully on the front end.

Since management is a general field, some online programs in the field offer more specific concentrations in areas such as nonprofit management, human resource management or supply chain management. If you know you want to enter one of these subfields, make sure to apply to a program with the right concentration option.

Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options

Per-credit tuition rates for the 10 ranked programs in our guide ranged from $347 to $775. Over the course of a typical 30- to 36-credit master’s in management program, these rates translate to approximately $10,000 to $28,000 in total tuition.

As of the 2021–2022 academic year, the National Center for Education Statistics found that the average college charged $20,513 in annual tuition. For a one- or two-year master’s program, this translates to roughly $20,000 to $40,000 in total tuition.

Make sure to fill out the FAFSA to finance your master’s program. The FAFSA can lead to loans, scholarships and grants. You can pursue similar opportunities through nonprofit organizations and schools. You can also seek out graduate assistantships through your school, but these opportunities are often reserved for on-campus students.

Is a master’s in management worth it?

It depends on your goals and circumstances. However, if you hope to advance to a managerial role in a business field, a master’s in management is often worth it, equipping you with qualifications and skills necessary to advance your career.

Is a master’s in management the same as an M.B.A.?

No, they are two separate degrees. Some would say that a master’s in management is a more practical degree, focused on budgeting and forecasting as opposed to big-picture thinking. A master’s in management is often built for early career business professionals, while an M.B.A. targets career changers and accelerators.

How long does a master’s in management take?

The programs in our guide generally take between 12 and 24 months to complete depending on how many courses you take per term.

Mikeie Reiland is a writer who has written features for Oxford American, Bitter Southerner, Gravy, and SB Nation, among other publications. He received a James Beard nomination for a feature he wrote in 2023.

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Online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Artificial Intelligence

Program at a glance, why earn a degree in artificial intelligence.

Our BS in Criminal Justice, Artificial Intelligence program can help equip you with the skills you need to navigate the intersection of AI and criminal justice. Learn how to use AI to enhance public safety and improve efficiency in the field.

Program details

Bachelor of science in criminal justice, artificial intelligence program overview.

The artificial intelligence in criminal justice concentration combines cutting-edge technology and artificial intelligence (AI) with the field of criminal justice. Students will gain a deep understanding of AI and its history, along with applications across the criminal justice system and ethical considerations.

Build your skills

• Delve into the concept of prompt engineering, a crucial aspect of building AI models that understand and generate human-like text – and explore techniques for prompt design, optimization and fine-tuning, with a focus on natural language processing tasks.  
• Learn techniques for designing prompts, evaluating their impact on model performance and leveraging prompts for various AI applications. 
• Develop a holistic understanding of AI, its history and applications across the criminal justice system while respecting democratic values, human rights, the letter of the law and the spirit of the law.   

Class size varies based on course objectives and the teaching demands of the subject matter. In general, Strayer University aims to keep the student-to-instructor ratio low. 

How long does it take to get a degree in artificial intelligence?

• There are 40 11-week courses in this program. 
• How many courses you take at a time will determine the length of the overall program.  
• Strayer University credits are expressed in quarter hours. 
• One quarter hour of credit is granted for the successful completion of 10 contact hours per course. 
• The standard requirement for a 4.5 credit hour is for students to spend 10 to 14 hours in weekly work, including in- and out-of-classroom work, for a total of 135 hours by the end of the course. Strayer’s course design uses this requirement to meet applicable regulatory standards.

Accredited online university

Strayer University has distinct  accreditations  and affiliations that attest to our academic quality. We’re committed to meeting quality standards, so you can earn a diploma you’re proud to display.  View the ACBSP student achievement information .

Strayer University is an accredited institution and a member of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE or the Commission)  www.msche.org . Strayer University’s accreditation status is Accreditation Reaffirmed. The Commission’s most recent action on the institution’s accreditation status on June 22, 2017 was to reaffirm accreditation. MSCHE is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education to conduct accreditation and pre-accreditation (candidate status) activities for institutions of higher education including distance, correspondence education, and direct assessment programs offered at those institutions. The Commission’s geographic area of accrediting activities is throughout the United States.

of Strayer bachelor’s alumni agree that Strayer was the right choice for earning their degree.

Strayer Alumni Survey, 2023

Cost & savings

Estimate the cost of your degree, how much does a bs in criminal justice cost.

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*Student is required to take two courses per quarter during disbursement period

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Program cost breakdown

In most cases, Strayer’s BS program consists of 40 courses, with the price of $1525 per course. There are additional fees for textbooks and supplies, a $65 technology fee each term and a one-time $150 degree conferral fee.

Transfer credits

Courses from another institution may be eligible for transfer credits to Strayer, which can reduce the number of courses you need to graduate and your overall tuition. You can transfer up to 28 classes toward your bachelor’s degree (if approved).  Strayer’s transfer credit page  has more information, as well as a tool to estimate how many transfer credits you may be able to apply to your Strayer degree program.

Scholarships and financial aid

There are a number of financial aid options worth exploring on our financial aid page. To apply for federal aid, prospective students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. Stafford loans are available for graduate study. These are direct unsubsidized loans, not based on financial need. Unlike subsidized loans, Stafford loan interest will accrue while in the program. Making interest payments while in school will help reduce the amount of principal that would otherwise build up.

There are also scholarships and private loans available for Strayer students.

Save up to $15,250 on your Strayer bachelor’s degree by accessing your general education courses through our affiliate, Sophia.*

*Savings assumes transferring 10 courses taken at Sophia. Eligibility rules apply. Connect with us for details.

Transfer up to 28 classes toward your bachelor’s degree.

More than 500 organizations – including corporations and community colleges – invest in their employees by partnering with Strayer University to offer access to discounted education programs. If your employer is a Corporate Alliance Partner, you may qualify for programs that can help you discover career pathways in your field.

Private loans

Nonfederal loans may pay the difference between the cost of attendance and the total of loans and grants received from other tuition assistance programs. The terms and conditions of federal loans are often more favorable than private loans and should be considered before exploring private loans.

Military tuition assistance

Scholarships are offered to eligible students currently serving in the military as well as military spouses. Strayer is also approved by Veterans Affairs to accept and process veteran education benefits. Learn more about Strayer’s active military assistance program here .

Veteran benefits

In addition to participating fully in the Yellow Ribbon Program, Strayer is approved by Veterans Affairs to accept and process veteran education benefits. Student veterans can receive transfer credit for military training and life experiences.

BS in Criminal Justice, Artificial Intelligence course list

Our artificial intelligence (AI) courses offer hands-on learning and practical applications of AI tools and technology. Gain insight and expertise on innovative solutions in the criminal justice system. View all courses .

What is a minor in college?

A minor is a group of five courses in a select subject area that can add depth to your resume and round out your degree. Pursuing a minor offers you the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills in a secondary area of interest outside of your major and concentration.

How does a minor work?

Since you can use elective courses to complete a minor, in some cases you may not have to spend extra time or money on additional courses to complete your degree. Keep in mind that courses used to complete your major can’t be applied toward a minor.

Should you get a minor in college?

Getting a minor can help give you professional skills. It demonstrates your forward thinking, self-motivation and organization – all valuable skills in the workplace.

Sample courses

Being an effective communicator is an essential skill for any profession. In this course, you will learn the secrets to writing, listening, and speaking with credibility in order to share your voice with the world.

Introduces psychology as a human and scientific endeavor. Includes examination of concepts and methods in learning, motivation, development, personality, and social behavior.

This course provides an overview of artificial intelligence, exploring its history, applications and impact on various industries. The course also covers ethical considerations and societal implications of AI. Practical exercises using popular AI tools and frameworks will provide hands-on experience.

This course introduces learners to the concept of prompt engineering, a crucial aspect of building AI models that understand and generate human-like text. They will explore techniques for prompt design, optimization, and fine-tuning, with an emphasis on natural language processing tasks. Students will learn techniques for designing prompts, understanding their impact on model performance and leveraging prompts for various AI applications. Prerequisite: CIS211

This course explores advanced applications of AI in various domains, such as healthcare, finance and autonomous systems and other industries. The course emphasizes practical implementation and real-world case studies to demonstrate the application of AI techniques. Topics such as reinforcement learning, ethical considerations, fairness and interpretability in AI are included.

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice admission requirements

Here’s what you’ll need to start the admission process for the Strayer Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program.

A completed application and enrollment agreement, as applicable

A diploma from an approved high school or its equivalent

Official copies of transcripts from all other colleges or universities attended

A valid, current and legible government-issued photo ID

Learn more about the admission process at Strayer. Students applying to Washington, D.C., or New Jersey campuses must provide proof of proper immunization.

Transferring to Strayer from another university?

Some or all of the credits you’ve earned may be transferable.

International bachelor's students

We welcome international students.

Campus locations

Come to a campus near you for guidance and support. You’ll have access to helpful resources, a supportive community and plenty of spaces to learn and grow.

Ready to take the next step?

Your admissions officer is here to guide you through every step of the process, from completing your application to choosing your concentration.

The Best Free AI Training Courses You Can Start This August

92% of those working in information and communication technology will see “high or moderate transformation” thanks to AI tools, according to a new report .

If that’s your field, there’s one clear solution: Upskilling with some AI training courses that can help you figure out how to apply the new technology to speed up your tasks. Top areas to improve in include prompt engineering — the term for writing text commands to ChatGPT or similar generative text bots — as well as AI literacy and data analytics .

The good news is that learning the basics of AI won’t need to cost you a dime: Plenty of online courses are available for free to help the general public get their grounding in the new technology.

Here, we’ve rounded up all the top courses available this month, with a wide range that covers general and specific training areas, as well as those that will take months to complete alongside courses that can be covered entirely in one afternoon.

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Polytechnic University of Milan: Artificial Intelligence – an Overview Specialization

⏰ Length: About 24 hours

Italy’s biggest technical university has expanded online with this course, which is itself composed of five smaller courses that will last a grand total of 24 hours. If you fit in three hours a week, you can complete it in a tidy two-month period. Since it’s available in 21 different languages, you won’t have to worry about brushing up on your Italian, which is molto bene .

The five course titles you’ll complete include: Artificial Intelligence: An Overview; Ethics of Artificial Intelligence; Artificial Intelligence and Legal Issues; Technologies and Platforms for Artificial Intelligence; and, finally, Machine Learning: an Overview.

That’s a broad swath of key subject matter for AI beginners, all from a top university. It pairs management knowledge alongside concepts including algorithms and machine learning, so middle managers can benefit from the practical AI upskilling they need as well.

You can get started today, over on Coursera .

IBM: AI Foundations for Everyone Specialization

⏰ Length: About 33 hours

Join the 30,000 students of IBM’s own round-up of beginner courses for AI with a selection that starts with the straightforwardly titled “Introduction to AI,” and includes three others: Generative AI: Introduction and Applications; Generative AI: Prompt Engineering Basics; and Building AI Powered Chatbots Without Programming.

IBM has a long history of cutting-edge computing knowledge, making them the natural pick for an intro course on the latest tech tool, Large Language Models. The initial intro course is just 8 hours long, and you won’t have to commit to more than that if you’re just hoping to wade into the topic a little.

Stick with the entire suite of courses, however, and you’ll pick up knowledge that can help you distinguish between generative AI and discriminative AI, identify the typical models and tools used for generating text, code, images, audio, or video, and even digest the most common approaches when it comes to writing effective prompts.

You can check out all the IBM introductory courses now on Coursera.

3Blue1Brown: But What Is a Neural Network?

⏰ Length: About 1.5 hours

Look, sometimes Coursera is a little too much effort. But who isn’t a fan of YouTube essays? Check out this 6-video playlist for a fast-paced, digestible approach to teaching people about a single term that most average people know next to nothing about: neural networks.

YouTuber 3Blue1Brown breaks down physics and math concepts, with the overall goal of educating his audience on the principles behind STEM concepts rather than forcing them to tackle rote math problems. The videos are easy to follow, and if you’ve ever found yourself sucked into a four-hour YouTube video on something like a theme park before, you’re not going to be surprised to hear that this course is easily the most fun option in this guide.

Different videos cover concepts like gradient descent, GPTs, and backpropagation. In under two hours, you can emerge with a nuanced grasp on why neural networks are so interesting and potentially powerful. Head over to Youtube for the full playlist .

IBM: Machine Learning with Python

⏰ Length: About 13 hours

If you’re already familar with the popular programming language Python, perhaps you’re better off skipping the general-knowledge courses and hopping right into a specific one: IBM’s guide to machine learning in relationship to Python. It’s not just a huge programming language with a myriad of applications across the tech industry; it’s one of the biggest languages within the world of AI tech.

With this course, you’ll learn about the most common Machine Learning algorithms, as well as a range of linear classification methods, from multiclass prediction and support vector machines to logistic regression. Plus, you’ll write your own Python code for decision or regression trees, and learn the right metrics to use when evaluating data sets.

You can check out the Python course here, or you can head over to the larger AI engineering certificate that this course is just one element within.

DeepLearning.AI: Generative AI for Everyone

⏰ Length: About 5 hours

The AI-focused education technology company DeepLearning.AI has a handful of intro courses available. You can start with this generative AI course, but there are plenty of others that should be enough to keep you busy for a while.

Site founder Andrew Ng teaches it, covering basics including how the tech works, what opportunities and risks it presents, and “how to think through the lifecycle of a generative AI project, from conception to launch, including how to build effective prompts.”

Strategy and productivity are stressed as skills you’ll gain from this one, placing it high on the list of quick courses for general workers and managers who want to figure out how AI tools can actually help them speed up their daily tasks. Visit Coursera to get started on this one today.

Prompt Engineer Your Way Into AI Learning

AI won’t be fully taking over the world anytime soon. According to some, the hype cycle is already dying down.

But the overblown threat of AI wiping out entire career paths will likely give way to a more mundane reality: AI tools will slip into everyday use in tiny ways. AI won’t become a project manager, but project managers can use the right AI tools to become 10% more efficient when drafting emails or adding meetings to their calendar.

It’s all a matter of knowing what steps to take, which is why we have a host of guides ourself, from how to write AI prompts to creating your own resume templates to integrating a new ChatGPT-powered application into your workflow.

Stay informed on the top business tech stories with Tech.co's weekly highlights reel.

We're sorry this article didn't help you today – we welcome feedback, so if there's any way you feel we could improve our content, please email us at [email protected]

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• Learning Innovation

3 Questions for Yale’s Teresa Chahine on Her New Free, Open Online Course

Why create a MOOC on the topic of creating change through social entrepreneurship?

By  Joshua Kim

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We don’t talk about MOOCs much anymore. But massive open online courses never went away. Lifelong learners and career knowledge builders have never been as spoiled for choice as they are now regarding access to high-quality, free online learning experiences.

One example of a fantastic free online course on Coursera is called Creating Change Through Social Entrepreneurship , developed and taught by Teresa Chahine , a professor at the Yale School of Management.

I was curious as to why a professor pulled in all the directions that professors are (research, teaching, service, life) would invest the time to create a MOOC. And why this MOOC in particular? Chahine graciously agreed to answer my questions.

Q: What inspired you to create this course on social entrepreneurship ?

A: When I published my book last year, Social Entrepreneurship: Building Impact Step by Step , I wanted to make the content accessible to everyone without barriers. Yale provided me with the opportunity to create a free online course hosted on Coursera.com, guiding learners through the 10-stage framework for creating social change that I present in my book.

It was so fun to present this information in a video format. I felt like I got to speak directly to my learners, looking through the camera’s lens and imagining who might be watching on the other side. So far, I’ve heard from learners in the Philippines, France, Jordan, Brazil, U.S., Lebanon, Nigeria, South Africa and so many other countries! I feel that each person wants to make their contribution in this world, and this course can help.

Q: There are other social entrepreneurship courses from reputable institutions on Coursera; what makes your course different? Can you share any unique features or experiences that students can expect?

A: This course is very practical. I guide students through the 10-stage framework for creating social change, using practical, hands-on approaches to immerse themselves in a cause they are passionate about. Starting with thorough research and community engagement, students get to ideate practical solutions, build business models around them, learn how to measure social change, ensure financial viability and secure funding.

One of the hardest parts of creating social change is getting started. I ask my students to get out there and talk to as many people as possible about the topics they care about, to learn from and listen to others who are involved. When I was a student trying to learn more about social entrepreneurship, I used a simple formula to request informational interviews from people I hadn’t met. I share this with my students and ask them to reach out to as many people as they can. Here is an extract from my book that summarizes this template:

This simple template usually gets a pretty high response rate! If you don’t have a university email, you can absolutely still use a work or personal email. Don’t hesitate to follow up until you hear back, and suggest potential times to get together. You can’t create social change until you first talk to as many people as possible about the problems you care about and your potential ideas for creating change.

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Q: What are some common challenges that aspiring change makers face, and how does your course equip learners with the tools and strategies to overcome these obstacles confidently?

A: Honestly I think the main challenge is that many of us wait to have the perfect idea before we take action. We feel that unless we can really make a huge difference and transform the problem, there’s no point in trying. I want my students to understand that most social change happens in a very incremental and collective way.

Whether you’re implementing a new recycling program in your neighborhood or office or changing the entire recycling policy for your city or state, this framework helps you get started. Each and every person, no matter who you are, no matter what your job, education, economic or social situation is, has the opportunity to connect with others and create a contribution. It can often feel daunting, not knowing where to start. That’s how this course helps, by making you do it, even just for practice. Then you can figure out what your unique path to creating your contribution might be. And you can be part of a community of learners that can support you!

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The Case for College in the Era of Online Learning

• Robert Walker

In-person education provides valuable experiences, opportunities, and skills that can’t be replicated online.

Does pursuing a college education still make sense in the age of online learning and AI — when we have access to information for free via the internet? The problem with this question is that it frames college as an information gatekeeper, misunderstanding much of its value. For many, higher education institutions offer more than that: a transformative journey where students can network and develop transferable soft skills that require teamwork and repetition. You can maximize your college experience by leaning into these opportunities while simultaneously staying up to date with the latest technological trends. By being agile, networking vigorously, cultivating problem-solving skills, and seeking learning opportunities in the real world while in school, you can prepare yourself for a successful career.

Today, we have access to more information than ever before. YouTube and TikTok can provide us with in-depth learning opportunities for free — from professional development tips to AI tutorials . In more recent years, large language models like ChatGPT and Gemini have shown they can answer almost any question that comes to mind with an increasing level of accuracy .

• RW Robert Walker is the director of high school admissions at University of Advancing Technology. Walker has over 12 years of in-depth experience in recruitment and technology, has a genuine passion helping others achieve their educations dream,s and holds advanced degrees in technology leadership and cyber security.  

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Provider Training

Online basic training available.

A provider training course for the Children with Special Health Care Needs Services Program is available. This free online training will take you through all facets of being a program provider, including enrollment, client benefits and how to file claims and appeals.

CSHCN Services Program Basics

This training is for providers enrolled in Children with Special Health Care Needs Services Program. Topics include:

• Clients and benefits
• Provider enrollment and responsibilities
• Authorizations and prior authorizations
• How to file claims and appeals
• The administrative review and fair hearing processes

To access this free training, providers can visit the Provider Education and Training page on the Texas Medicaid and Healthcare Partnership (TMHP) website and follow instructions to access the TMHP Learning Management System (LMS).

Free Continuing Education Units

Texas health steps.

The Children with Special Health Care Needs Services Program encourages providers to take advantage of the free, online, accredited continuing education courses offered through the Texas Health Steps (Medicaid for Children) program. Courses are accredited for doctors, nurses, social workers and health educators, but are available to anyone. Topics relevant to the CSHCN Services Program include Introduction to Medical Home, Case Management Services in Texas, Developmental Screening and Cultural Competence.

Go to Texas Health Steps to view and register for the courses. Once you complete the courses you will receive free continuing education units instantly.

Free EMDR Certification

The University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work is excited to partner with the PA Department of Human Services' Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) to provide high-quality Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) training and certification to qualified PA Medicaid mental health providers with the intent of increasing knowledge, expertise, and skillsets.

EMDR is an evidence-based therapeutic intervention that is most often used to treat trauma. It focuses on the individual’s present concerns and goes beyond talk therapy to use eye movements and other forms of stimulation to activate the brain’s ability to resolve these concerns. EMDR can help to process upsetting memories, thoughts, and feelings related to the trauma. By processing these experiences, relief from trauma symptoms may occur.

Crafted with your timetable at the forefront, we've streamlined the process, making it easier and more accessible than ever to integrate EMDR into your practice...allowing you to excel in this revolutionary therapy.

This program has a rolling admission application and will stay open until September 1, 2024. All upcoming training cohorts will be selected and notified 4 weeks prior to the scheduled training date start. If you do not receive an email you have not been selected for that month's cohort. Please ensure you check all email folders (junk included) and respond promptly to our email invitation or your spot may be given to another training participant. Decisions are made based on demographics, county representation, area/scope of work, and more factors to create diverse cohorts. We are not able to respond to emails sent to check on your personal application status.

Dive into a cooperative learning setting alongside fellow professionals who share your interests, eliminating any apprehensions about mastering a new therapeutic approach in this comprehensive certification program.

• Become fully EMDR Certified!
• Obtain 52 hours of Continuing Education
• All training and consultations are virtual
• Unlimited access to videos, printable worksheets, slides, handouts, and more
• Excellence in learning with trainers who are world-renowned trauma and EMDR experts
• Our program is ONLY for licensed helping professionals in PA who are Medicaid providers

To be eligible for EMDR certification (per EMDRIA standards), training participants must obtain the highest level of licensure in their field. If you are in the process of obtaining your licensure, you may apply once you have it and meet all other program criteria. For PA providers, this is the confirmed list of clinical licensures that are eligible for this program: 

• Licensed Psychologist

This program consists of six phases:

• 20 hours of didactic (lecture) - live virtual training
• 20 hours of experiential practice - live group virtual learning
• 10 hour of group consultation - virtual
• 12 hours of EMDR Continuing Education – live virtual trainings
• ​20 additional hours of consultation for certification while seeing clients -10 hours of group consultation, 10 hours of individual
• EMDR Certification Application

Participants must commit to the following:

• Complete the entire 40-hour EMDR basic training course (which includes the initial 10 hours of group consultation) within 12 months from your initial start
• Complete an additional 20 hours of consultation (10 hours individual, 10 group)
• Conduct a minimum of 50 clinical sessions with at least 25 different clients in which EMDR is utilized
• Complete 12 hours of continuing education in EMDR
• Apply for EMDR certification
• Sign a binding commitment agreement (The agreement states that you will complete all of the parts of the certification program, continue to reside in PA, and stay employed at an organization that meets eligibility criteria for the length of the program. If not, you will need to repay the training and consultation cost so that can be used towards another training participant)
• Complete regular surveys and data-gathering assessments
• Committing the time and energy to finish the entire certification process

Available spots are extremely limited – Secure your spot by registering now to join your fellow cohort! This offer is exclusively available for licensed helping professionals in Pennsylvania.

Training Dates:

• August 12-14, and August 19-20
• September 16 - 20
• October 28, 29, 30 and November 6, 7

Training Considerations

• Ensure a stable internet connection
• Use an updated web browser and install any required software.
• Utilize a hands-free device such as a desktop, laptop, I-Pad (mobile devices not recommended)
• We will be using Zoom so ensure you check for updates prior to training
• Plan for backup internet and power options.
• Share a contact number with staff and or group members for technical issues.
• Create a quiet distraction free workspace
• Workspace lighting is better when it's front facing and not back lit.
• Choose comfortable functional and learner friendly seating.
• Please do not engage in training while operating a motor vehicle
• Please be in a confidential workspace like you would in a therapy session
• Download and review pre-training materials.
• Consider printing the practice worksheets for practicum
• Review and begin MYQuest assignments
• Have a notepad and pen ready for notes.
• Save digital resources and materials for future reference.
• Be punctual and return timely from assigned breaks.
• Mute the microphone when not speaking.
• Utilize the chat feature for questions or raise your hand to address the facilitator directly.
• Always keep the camera on this is an EMDRIA requirement.
• Ensure confidentiality and security
• Consider a headset with a microphone to enhance your audio experience.
• Respect others' background and appearance.
• Be courteous during discussions.
• Dress comfortably and appropriately.
• Have snacks, hydrate, caffeinate if needed
• Rest well prior to training and prepare to rest after
• Consider not scheduling work or only light work after training daily.
• You must meet the following qualifications to be eligible for this free program:
• Be independently licensed or certified in your profession with a minimum of two years’ experience in your field
• Provide billable mental health services in Pennsylvania
• Either you as a practitioner or your larger organization must be an approved and active Medicaid provider with a PROMISe ID number
• Having access to and ability to conduct a minimum of 50 clinical sessions with at least 25 different clients
• Have access to a working computer with a good quality camera and microphone and a comfortable understanding of how to use technology to access online trainings and course materials

You may still enroll in this program but will need to pay for the training and consultation services provided, as well as the CE courses and certification application fee. Estimated total cost is between $2,000-$3,000

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based therapeutic intervention that focuses on the individual’s present concerns and goes beyond talk therapy to use eye movements and other forms of stimulation to activate the brain’s ability to resolve these concerns. It is commonly used to treat trauma and PTSD. To learn more please visit the EMDR website .

We are contracting with EMDR Consulting to provide our training and consultation services. EMDR Consulting is an EMDRIA Approved training provider. Their approval status can be viewed on EMDRIA’s website. EMDRIA sets the standards and grants approval to individuals or organizations to provide EMDR Training.

This training program is designed to be 100% remote to remove all geographical barriers of access. The trainings will be held live on Zoom, and the course materials will be housed in online learning management system managed by EMDR Consulting.

• EMDR Consulting’s training manual and worksheets
• Online activities before, during, and after the training
• 20 hours of didactic (lecture) – in-class live learning
• 20 hours of experiential practice – in-class live learning
• 10 hours of group consultation
• Free downloadable audio and/or videos files of additional EMDR presentations
• Free membership to EMDR Consulting’s Clinician Listserv

EMDR consultation is a collaborative relationship between mental health clinicians that aims to help consultees learn and solidify their knowledge, skills, and decision-making process regarding EMDR therapy. 

Participants will need to complete a total of 20 consultation hours following their basic training. Out of these 20 hours, 10 hours must be individual consultations, while the remaining hours will be in a group consultation format. Consultation calls are intended for EMDR-focused clinical support, EMDR-specific guidance, or EMDR integration support, but not for supervision.

No. Once you have completed EMDR Training, you are considered an EMDR-trained clinician, and you will receive a certificate of course completion. EMDRIA Certification in EMDR requires additional levels of continuing education and consultation in EMDR and is a separate process that begins after you have received your basic training certificate of course completion. The CE and consultation needed for certification is included in this comprehensive program.

To apply for full EMDR certification, you must take 12 hours of continuing education in addition to the basic training courses. We will have several course options for you to choose from so you can pick subjects that will closely align with your area of practice.

We offer social work, LPC, and MFT continuing education. We are currently applying for APA, NCC, CME, general CEU Peer Specialists, and CADC credits as well.

• It is around $4,000 when you factor in the basic training, cost of consultation, 12 hours of EMDRIA-approved CE trainings, and the certification application fee. Qualified providers who meet program eligibility will receive all of these services for free.
• If you don’t meet the qualifications for this program, you may still enroll but will need to pay for the training and consultation services provided, as well as the CE courses and certification application fee. Self paying participants can choose to take just the training and not the full certification. Estimated total cost for full certification is around $4,000.

Social workers, licensed professional and nationally certified counselors, marriage and family therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, drug and alcohol counselors, etc.

Instructors

George is a Veteran of the United States Navy, serving more than eight years as a Hospital Corpsman. George served a tour during the Gulf War and completed his Bachelor’s degree while on active duty. After leaving the Navy, George enrolled in graduate school, earning a Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW) from Howard University.

George was trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) by Roy Kiessling in 2016. At the time, George was working in community mental health, serving on an Assertive Community Team, Community Support team and providing Intensive In-home Therapy. Immediately, EMDR improved the assistance he was able to provide to clients and George knew that EMDR would be his modality of choice for addressing trauma. George also knew that he wanted to teach this process to other clinicians and began his journey from certification, to consultant, to trainer. George has been coaching, mentoring or training other clinicians in EMDR since 2017.

In addition to conducting EMDR trainings and consultation, George works in private practice in North Carolina, where he treats children, adolescents, adults and couples using EMDR therapy. Believing we are the captains of our own ships and architects of our own lives, George enjoys strength building, guiding, teaching and coaching others to a better place. George’s passion is to empower others is also his way of giving back for all those that have contributed to his success along his own journey.

Yunetta Spring Smith is a Licensed Professional Counselor, author, and international speaker. She was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and raised a military BRAT. She owns Spring Forth Counseling and Ground Breakers Coaching and Consulting and founded the first BIPOC EMDR therapy directory. Yunetta was trained in EMDR in 2017 and has been moving forward since. She has grown to become an EMDR-certified therapist, an EMDRIA advanced trainer, an EMDRIA Approved Consultant and Coach, and she’s an EMDRIA Approved trainer. Yunetta works with children who live in adult bodies, meaning she works closely with individuals impacted by childhood, racial, religious, and military-related trauma. Yunetta strongly emphasizes race, culture, and identity in her consultations, training, and overall therapeutic approach. Yunetta has worked in various settings, including community mental health agencies, crisis response teams, private practices, child development centers, schools, and military installations. Her broad experiences have shaped her integrative approach to EMDR, setting the foundation for her goal to make EMDR more accessible and relatable to underserved communities. Yunetta is a groundbreaker, a stigma breaker, and a cycle breaker whose intention is to cultivate culturally sensitive spaces for healing, wholeness, compassion, and change through the power of EMDR.

She began coaching with EMDR trainings and consulting other clinicians in 2022. Noshima works in private practice where she works with women, couples and LGBTQ BIPOC young adult women. Prior to private practice, Noshima’s experience included community health and research settings. Noshima enjoys utilizing EMDR to assist clients in making connections and shifting perspectives to improve their overall health and wellness.

She has been coaching for over one year and is currently a consultant in training.  She works with a variety of populations in therapy. The age range that she serves starts from “the cradle to grave” which starts as young as 4 years of age to the very mature population. Beverly works with individuals, couples and first responders. She started out working with children in community mental health in day treatment settings and currently works in a private group practice, in Winston- Salem, NC.  

She has been coaching EMDR since 2017. Carol Ann has a practice in Knoxville, TN. She specializes in Addiction, Trauma and Ego State Therapy.  She is dedicated to helping people overcome challenges and live productive meaningful lives.

She is a Certified EMDR Therapist, Approved Consultant and a Trainer-in-Training. Dr. Roby has engaged in EMDR coaching with various trainers for the past five years. She has experience working in community mental health settings, university-based counseling centers and private practice. Dr. Roby specializes in trauma, grief, and intimate partner violence.

He became an EMDRIA CIT in 2020 consulting those working toward certification and earned Approved Consultant status in 2022. He began coaching/facilitating with EMDR Consulting in 2023. He is currently in solo private practice virtually and works with adult clients, CPTSD and trauma, Suicide loss bereavement, and LGBTQIA folx.”

If you have any additional questions, please reach out to [email protected]

Triathlon at 2024 Paris Olympics: How it works, Team USA stars, what else to know

Here's what you need to know about triathlon at the 2024 Paris Olympics .

When did triathlon become an Olympic sport?

Triathlon became an Olympic sport in 2000 at the Sydney Games. At the 2020 Tokyo Games, a mixed relay event was introduced.

How does Olympic triathlon work?

Olympic triathlon competition includes men's, women's and mixed relay events, with the mixed relay consisting of two men and two women per country. The field includes 110 qualifiers (55 men, 55 women).

In the individual events, athletes complete a 1,500-meter swim, a 40-kilometer cycling race and a 10-kilometer run. There are no heats; the only competition is the final.

The mixed relay event is a shorter course in which each athlete completes a 300-meter swim, a 6.8-kilometer cycling race and a 2-kilometer run, then tags a relay teammate in a female-male-female-male succession.

Who are the top Team USA athletes in triathlon?

• Morgan Pearson (men): Pearson was one of four to win a silver medal at the 2020 Tokyo Games in the mixed relay competition. He qualified for the Paris Games at the 2023 World Triathlon Paris Test Event and most recently won the 2024 Americas Triathlon Championships Miami with a time of 1:43:39.
• Taylor Knibb (women): Like Pearson, Knibb was part of the mixed relay team that took silver at the 2020 Tokyo Games and qualified for the Paris Games at the Paris Test Event. She is a two-time champion of the Women's 70.3 Ironman competition, most recently with a time of 3:53:02 at the 2023 event.
• Other Americans who qualified: Seth Rider, Kirsten Kasper and Taylor Spivey.

What's the international landscape in Olympic triathlon?

No country has been especially dominant over the sport's relatively brief history of six Olympics. In individual competition, five countries shared six medals at the 2020 Tokyo Games (Norway, United States, New Zealand, Bermuda, and two for Great Britain).

Based on an impressive 2023 season, Great Britain's Alex Yee is a strong contender for men's gold. Yee took silver in the 2020 Games. On the women's side, Bermuda's Flora Duffy returns to defend her 2020 gold medal against a deep field of top contenders from Great Britain, France and others.

(ANN-24-13) Training Workshops – 2024-25 FSA Fundamentals Training Series

Dear Colleague:

We are pleased to announce the launch of our 2024–25 FSA Fundamentals Training Series. This training series comprises two courses:

FSA Fundamentals Online , a self-paced, online course that is now available in our  FSA Training Center , and

FSA Fundamentals Virtual Workshop , scheduled for October 2024 through June 2025. Each virtual workshop is instructor-led, four and one-half days in length, and conducted online.

Participants wishing to register for and attend an FSA Fundamentals Virtual Workshop must first successfully complete the FSA Fundamentals Online Course. Together, the online course and virtual workshop comprise the FSA Fundamentals Training Series.

This announcement provides information about the virtual workshops scheduled for October 2024 through June 2025.  Please note that the virtual workshops are categorized by school type: clock-hour/nonterm credit-hour or credit-hour.

The following Questions and Answers provide important information about the workshops.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Q1: who must attend the training.

A1:  If your school meets either of the following criteria, you must attend the FSA Fundamentals Training Series:

Your school is applying to participate in the  Title IV  federal student aid programs for the first time, and needs to fulfill the FSA Fundamentals training requirement to complete your certification, or

Your school is undergoing a change of ownership (in some instances).

Questions about these requirements should be directed to the regional School Participation Division office that serves your school. Contact information can be found on the  Title IV Participation Application  home page.

If your school meets one of the criteria above, you must ensure that the Owner/President/CEO (or their high-level school official designee) and Financial Aid Administrator attend and complete the FSA Fundamentals Training Series.  Both  the Owner/President/CEO (or their high-level school official designee)  and  the Financial Aid Administrator must complete the online course and attend all four and one-half days of the virtual workshop to fulfill the requirement. Please note that these two officials may attend different workshops; they do not need to attend the same session. To get started, see  Q6: How do I register for the training?

Q2: Who may attend the training?

A2:  Individuals who do not meet the criteria as outlined above but wish to attend as a refresher or as basic training on the  Title IV  programs may attend. Please note that we also offer  FSA Basic Training for New Staff  in the  FSA Training Center . This is a more flexible, self-paced training course ideally suited for newly hired financial aid administrators, staff from outside the financial aid office, and financial aid administrators in need of a refresher course. For more information on which course is right for you, please choose the  Start Your Training Here  icon on the home page of the  FSA Training Center .

Q3: I work at a clock-hour/nonterm credit-hour school. May I attend any training session?

A3:  No. The virtual workshops are divided into clock-hour/nonterm credit-hour and credit-hour sessions to streamline the training material for the online format. Please be sure to register for a workshop that covers your school type.

Q4: I work at a credit-hour school. May I attend any training session?

A4:  No. The virtual workshops are divided into clock-hour/nonterm credit-hour and credit-hour sessions to streamline the training material for the online format. Please be sure to register for a workshop that covers your school type.

Q5: What will the training cover?

A5:  The FSA Fundamentals Online Course and the FSA Fundamentals Virtual Workshop address the following topics:

What are the  Title IV  federal student aid programs?

How does a school obtain and maintain institutional eligibility?

What must a school do to request and receive funds from the Department of Education?

What policies and procedures does a school need to have in place?

How does a school process aid for its students by determining eligibility, calculating financial need, packaging aid, adjusting aid, and recalculating aid?

What are the requirements for disbursing aid to students?

What must a school do regarding student departures and calculating a return of  Title IV  aid (R2T4)?

What are the reporting requirements for a school?

Q6: How do I register for the training?

A6:  Anyone wishing to attend the virtual, four and one-half day workshop, FSA Fundamentals Virtual Workshop must first successfully complete the online, self-paced prerequisite course, FSA Fundamentals Online. Please plan ahead and complete the online training so that you can register for the virtual workshop you want to attend.

After successfully completing the online course, you will be provided a link to register for one of the virtual workshops. If you are unable to attend, we require that you cancel your registration so that other individuals who wish to attend may do so. Your seat in the workshop is reserved until you cancel your registration.

To access the FSA Fundamentals Online Course and receive information about the registration process, follow these steps:

Go to the  FSA Training Center , located at  fsatraining.ed.gov .

Log in to the  FSA Training Center  with your username and password.

If you do not have a username and password for the  FSA Training Center , scroll down to "Create new account" at the bottom of the login page and follow the instructions to create a username and password.

After logging in, select Training Courses on the black main menu bar.

Select FSA Fundamentals Training Series from the dropdown selection.

Read the FSA Fundamentals Training Series home page in its entirety. To begin the FSA Fundamentals Online Course, select  FSA Fundamentals Online Course under Step 1 and navigate to the online course.

Select the Start Here button on the self-enrollment page for the FSA Fundamentals Online Course and proceed with the training.

Q7: When are the virtual workshops?

A7:  The virtual workshops will be offered October 2024 through June 2025. The schedule is as follows:

Clock-Hour/Nonterm Credit-Hour Workshops

Oct. 21–25, 2024

Jan. 27–31, 2025

Feb. 24–28, 2025

March 24–28, 2025

May 19–23, 2025

June 9–13, 2025

Credit-Hour Workshops

Nov. 18–22, 2024

April 21–25, 2025

ALL WORKSHOP HOURS ARE NOTED IN EASTERN TIME (ET).  Workshop hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. ET on Friday. In addition, participants will be required to complete activities before and after these core hours.

This information is provided for planning purposes only. As a reminder, you may not register for one of the virtual workshops until you have completed the FSA Fundamentals Online Course and have gained access to the registration page.

Q8: Is there a charge to attend the workshop? What do I need to have on hand?

A8:  There is no charge to attend the workshop.

Once you have registered, your registration confirmation email will provide specific instructions for the downloading and printing of all workshop materials. We recommend you have pens/pencils, highlighters, and a calculator on hand for the virtual sessions. In addition, because our goal is to replicate the in-person classroom experience as much as possible, a webcam on your computer is required.

Q9: Will I receive a workshop record of completion?

A9:  Upon successful completion of the virtual workshop, attendees may access their “Record of Learning” through the Dashboard menu link in the black main menu bar on the home page of the FSA Training Center. You will be able to view and print your Completed Learning page as proof of completion of the FSA Fundamentals Training Series.

In addition, upon confirmation of your attendance at all sessions of the virtual workshop, you will be able to print a Certificate of Completion for the FSA Fundamentals Training Series in the FSA Training Center. Details will be provided at the end of the virtual workshop.

We look forward to your participation in this training opportunity. If you have questions about the FSA Fundamentals Training Series or the registration process, please send an email to  [email protected] .

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This Is How Much the Winning 2024 Olympic Mountain Bikes Cost

Hint: they ain’t cheap

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High-end bikes are staggeringly expensive, but those prices soar even higher when considering the custom paint jobs and high-performance components featured on the mountain bikes at the 2024 Olympics. Money is no object when it comes to a rider’s career, and a nation’s pride is on the line.

Unlike most other sports in the Olympics, cycling’s governing body, the UCI, requires that all bicycles used in competition must be commercially available to the public. This stipulation means that if you’ve got the money, you can buy or build, the exact bike ridden to gold, silver, or bronze. (Your results may vary, of course.) We’ve crunched the numbers and rounded up the details: Below are our price estimates of the fastest mountain bikes at the 2024 Paris Olympics and their production counterparts.

2024 Olympic-Podium Mountain Bike Quick Facts

• Winningest brand: Pinarello with two gold medals
• Winningest model: Specialized’s S-Works Epic World Cup with two silver medals
• Full suspension mountain bikes: 5
• Hardtails: 1
• Bikes with dropper seatposts: 6
• Bikes with Shimano mechanical drivetrains: 4
• Bikes with SRAM electronic drivetrains: 2
• Bikes with electronic suspension control systems: 2
• Bikes with Berd string spokes: 3

Women’s Olympics Podium Bikes

Gold: Pauline Ferrand-Prévot’s Dogma XC Hardtail ($12,500)

Pauline Ferrand-Prévot dominated the women’s cross-country race. The 12-time World Elite Champion attacked on the first lap, breaking away from the field and extending her lead each lap. When she crossed the line seven laps later, the French rider had built up a nearly three-minute lead over the best female riders in the world.

She was one of a handful of women who opted to race a hardtail at this year’s Olympics. Ferrand-Prévot, who races for INEOS Grenadiers and is sponsored by Pinarello, found success on her Dogma XC hardtail on the fast and relatively tame—by World Cup standards—Paris course.

Key features of Ferrand-Prévot’s Dogma XC hardtail include a Suntour Axon 34 Werx Boost EQ suspension fork and a Suntour Vertical helium dropper seatpost with 60 millimeters of travel. She sped away from the pack on a wheelset featuring Princeton Carbonworks P1 Race Tech rims laced with Berd ’s ultralight polyethylene “string” spokes that weigh considerably less than traditional stainless steel spokes. Continental Race King tires rounded out her wheel set-up. While electronic drivetrains may be all the rage these days, many racers, including the recently crowned women’s Olympics XC champ, still prefer the lightweight and faster shifting of Shimano’s XTR drivetrain .

We estimate that, as built, her bike would cost buyers approximately $12,500. While you can’t buy Ferrand-Prévot’s gold medal build, you can get close with this $11,200 production version .

Silver: Haley Batten’s S-Works Epic World Cup LTD ($16,000)

Haley Batten’s second-place finish in Paris is a reason to celebrate for Team USA. Americans have struggled in cross-country racing at the Olympics despite inventing the sport. Susan DeMattei finished third in the inaugural mountain bike event at the 1996 Games in Atlanta, as did Georgia Gould in 2012 at the London Games.

Batten’s race for silver was hard-fought and represents the highest finish (woman or man) of any American in Olympic mountain biking. She caught the chase group attempting to reel in Ferrand-Prévot, but a cracked carbon wheel and flat tire set her back. Undeterred, the 25-year-old from Park City, Utah, was able to swap her rear wheel in the pit zone and rejoin the race.

Batten, who rides for Specialized, had three bikes to choose from: a hardtail, a full suspension, or a hybrid design that’s nearly as light as a hardtail with just enough rear suspension to improve traction. She opted for option #3, the Specialized S-Works Epic World Cup. This purebred race bike has a scant 75 millimeters of rear suspension that relies on flex in the carbon seatstays, instead of pivots, to save weight. Batten’s race bike was equipped with SRAM’s premier XX Eagle Transmission drivetrain as well as the component company’s electronic suspension control system, known as Flight Attendant. This smart suspension system automatically controls suspension damping to make the bike as efficient and fast as possible. It seems like it worked.

Batten’s build is around $16,000. It’s not available as a stock option from Specialized, but the LTD edition of the S-Works Epic World Cup is close at $14,000.

Bronze: J enny Rissveds’s Ibis Exie ($12,500)

Sweden’s Jenny Rissveds took home gold at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. She set her sights on a second gold medal in Paris, but Ferrand-Prévot’s lead was insurmountable, leaving Rissveds to battle Haley Batten for silver. Rissved actually helped Batten get back into the race, following her unfortunate mechanical, by shouting out to the American’s mechanics that Batten would be coming through the pit zone with a flat tire, thereby ensuring they’d be prepared a quick wheel change.

Rissved rode consistently throughout the race, ultimately crossing the line five seconds behind Batten. The Swedish racer finished aboard an Ibis Exie that was handbuilt in California, making it a rarity among carbon mountain bikes, most of which are manufactured in Asia.

Of the three women’s podium bikes, the Exie features the most suspension, with a 120-millimeter Fox Stepcast suspension fork paired with 100 millimeters of rear wheel travel. Standout components on Rissved’s Exie include prototype Ibis carbon wheels, an Inpeak power meter, Shimano’s XTR drivetrain, and a Fox Transfer SL dropper seatpost. While we’re on the subject of droppers, it’s notable that although each of these three riders opted for bikes with varying amounts of suspension travel, they were all willing to accept the weight penalty that comes with running a dropper seatpost. Dropper seatposts were a rarity in XC racing a few short years ago, but have become essential as many World Cup courses have become more technically demanding.

Rissved’s Ibis Exie would retail for approximately $12,500. The top-end build Ibis currently offers includes a SRAM XX Eagle drivetrain, rather than Shimano’s XTR, and will set buyers back $12,200.

Men’s Olympics Podium Bikes

Gold: Tom Pidcock’s Dogma XC ($17,000)

Tom Pidcock is one of the world’s most versatile professional cyclists, having won World Cup championships in cyclocross as well as mountain biking and secured an impressive stage win at the 2022 Tour de France. The British racer, who had to abandon this year’s Tour de France after contracting COVID in mid-July, still had the fitness necessary to successfully defend his gold medal from the Tokyo Games.

While Pauline Ferrand-Prévot made her race-winning move during the first lap of the women’s race, Pidcock fought to regain the lead following a puncture on the fourth lap to trade blows with French racer Victor Koretzky.

Pidcock, who also races for INEOS Grenadiers during the regular season, had a Pinarello hardtail and full suspension to choose from. Despite criticizing the Paris course as “just gravel” and “bland” in a pre-race interview, Pidcock decided to race his Dogma XC full suspension. His race bike featured 100 millimeters of front suspension matched with 100 millimeters of rear travel. To maximize efficiency, the defending gold medalist relied on Suntour’s electronic Tact suspension system , which, like SRAM’s Flight Attendant, automatically adjusts the firmness of the front and rear suspension to match the terrain.

The rest of Pidcock’s build closely resembled his INEOS Grenadier teammate Ferrand-Prévot, with a 60-millimeter Suntour Vertical helium dropper seatpost, mechanical Shimano XTR drivetrain, and those ultralight Princeton Carbonworks P1 Race Tech rims, Berd spokes, and Continental Race King tires.

With its electronic suspension control and boutique carbon wheels, Pidcock’s race bike costs nearly $17,000. The off-the-shelf build will set buyers back a cool $14,000.

Silver: Victor Koretzky’s S-Works Epic World Cup LTD ($14,000)

French rider Victor Koretzky gave it his all during his battle with Great Britain’s Tom Pidcock and came away with a silver medal for his efforts. The three-time World Cup winner, who races for Specialized, had the same trio of bikes to choose from as fellow silver medalist Haley Batten. Koretzky and the majority of Specialized athletes felt the S-Works Epic World Cup was the right bike for course.

While Batten’s Epic World Cup boasted SRAM’s AI-controlled Flight Attendant suspension system, Koretzky kept things analog, with a cable-actuated lockout system to firm up the 110-millimeter RockShox SID fork and 75 millimeters of rear suspension during sprints and climbs. Specialized’s lightweight Roval Control SL 29 carbon wheelset wrapped in a fast-rolling combination of an S-Works Renegade front tire paired with an S-Works Captain rear tire helped the French hold off all but one competitor.

With the exception of a 100-millimeter RockShox Reverb AXS dropper seatpost, Koretzky’s build is nearly identical to the stock version of the LTD edition of the S-Works Epic World Cup , which retails for $14,000.

Bronze: Alan Hatherly’s Cannondale Scalpel LAB71 Special Edition ($16,000)

This year’s Olympics was Alan Hatherly’s third time representing South Africa at the Olympic Games. The 28-year-old racer finished 28th in 2016, 8th in the 2020 Games, and finally secured a podium finish in Paris. Hatherly chased Victor Koretzky, attempting to match the Frenchman’s pace before ultimately settling back and holding on to third as Pidcock and Koretzky battled for gold.

Hatherly, sponsored by Cannondale, rode a special edition of the company’s full-suspension mountain bike, the Scalpel. Cannondale’s “LAB71” designation denotes limited-production models, constricted from premium materials and featuring premium components.

The eight-time South African mountain bike champion’s bike featured a custom paint scheme inspired by the nation’s flag. Build highlights included 120 millimeters of front and rear travel with Cannondale’s iconic single-sided Lefty Ocho fork at the helm. Shimano’s XTR group handled shifting and braking duties, while a 100-millimeter Fox Transfer SL dropper seatpost allowed the bronze medalist to descend the handful of technical descents confidently. Similarly to gold medalists Ferrand-Prévot and Pidcock, Hatherly employed Berd’s PolyLight spokes to save precious grams.

With all the custom touches included, Alan Hatherly’s Cannondale Scalpel LAB71 Special Edition likely comes in around $16,000. The production version is slightly more palatable at $14,000.

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Baltimore City Department of Public Works

You are here, dpw to pause trash and recycling collections on tuesday, august 6.

Due to COVID-19, some City services are operating on a modified basis.

Find the current status of services here.

Monday Aug 5th, 2024

In response to the tragic death of Department of Public Works (DPW) crewmember Ronald Silver II at the end of last week and as part of our ongoing commitment to employee safety, DPW will conduct a mandatory heat safety training session on Tuesday, August 6. This session will focus on the Occupational Safety Health Administration’s guidelines for recognizing the signs and symptoms of heat stroke and related illnesses and ensure employees recognize heat stress hazards and act appropriately to address those hazards. It is required for all employees from the Reedbird and Bowleys Lane facilities. Transportation will be provided to accommodate all staff.

While Tuesday’s training targets Reedbird and Bowleys Lane employees, this series of sessions will be offered to all DPW employees and is in addition to DPW’s ongoing heat education efforts. Normal duties will resume on Wednesday, August 7. Due to the training, trash and recycling collections will be suspended on Tuesday, August 6, with a make-up day scheduled for Saturday, August 10. Residents can call 311 to confirm if they are affected by this schedule change.

Service Adjustments:

• Trash and Recycling Collections: Suspended on Tuesday, August 6. The make-up day is Saturday, August 10.
• Mechanical Street Sweeping: Operations will continue as scheduled.
• Residential Drop-Off Center and Landfill Operations: Unaffected by the service change.

On Tuesday, drop-off centers will remain open to residents and haulers during regular operation hours:

• Northwest Transfer Station, 5030 Reisterstown Road (7 a.m. - 5 p.m.)
• Quarantine Road Landfill, 6100 Quarantine Road (9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.)
• Northwest Residential Drop-off Center, 2840 Sisson Street (9 a.m. - 7 p.m.)
• Southwestern Residential Drop-off Center, 701 Reedbird Avenue (9 a.m. - 7 p.m.)
• Eastern Residential Drop-off Center, 6101 Bowleys Lane (9 a.m. - 7 p.m.)

DPW remains committed to prioritizing the health and safety of our frontline workers as the City grapples with the impact of extreme heat. We will continue to assess working conditions at all sites and make necessary adjustments to ensure a safe working environment for all employees.

DPW is currently assisting the Maryland Office of Safety and Health (“MOSH”) as they investigate the circumstances around Mr. Silver’s death. As part of standard procedure, the Baltimore Police Department’s (BPD) Special Investigation Unit is conducting its own review of the incident. We are fully cooperating with both efforts and request that any inquiries specifically about the investigation be directed to the Baltimore Police Department, as this remains an active investigation.

Throughout the Summer, the department has worked to provide real-time solutions as high temperatures continue to impact Solid Waste operations. Some of the additional resources include c ooling stations at the Reedbird and Bowleys Lane Sanitation Yards. New trailers are now available to provide crews with relief from the heat. Before the arrival of the new trailers, DPW used Charm City Circulator buses as cooling stations. Solid Waste supervisors also deliver ice, cold water, and Gatorade throughout each shift. Ice machines have been repaired, and additional freezers are on-site to ensure ice is stocked and available.

In the long term, the Scott Administration has sought to make investments in facilities that have been neglected for decades, committing over $20 million for the renovation of DPW’s Solid Waste facilities over the next three years. These improvements are integral to the City’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), with construction expected to begin as soon as next year. Funding allocations include:

• Western Sanitation Yard (Reedbird/Cherry Hill) - $8.1million
• Southeast Sanitation Yard (Kane Street) - $7.8 million
• Eastern Sanitation Yard (Bowleys Lane) - $2.1 million
• Health and Safety Improvements - $3.2 million

Related Stories

Dpw suspends trash, recycling & street sweeping on friday, august 9 trash, recycling make-up day is monday, aug. 12.

Due to weather advisories issued by the National Weather Service, the Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) is cancelling all trash and recycling collections and mechanical street sweeping services on Friday, August 9, 2024.  The trash and recycling make-up day will be Monday, August 12.

Mayor Brandon M. Scott, Acting DPW Director Khalil Zaied Statement on Loss of DPW Crew Member on Duty

Late yesterday afternoon, we lost a dedicated crew member of the Baltimore City Department of Public Works’ Bureau of Solid Waste. Our hearts are first and foremost with him, his family and loved ones, and his DPW colleagues as we grapple with this loss. Late in the afternoon nearing the conclusion of their workday, in the Barclay neighborhood of Northeast Baltimore, Ronald Silver II experienced a medical situation that required immediate assistance while he and his fellow crew members were riding in their truck. Emergency Medical Services were called, dispatched, and Mr. Silver was transported to the hospital, where he passed away.

NOW AVAILABLE: DPW’s 2023 Water Quality Report

Today, the Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) is announcing that its 2023 Water Quality Report is available online. This annual report provides Baltimore City, Baltimore County, and Howard County residents with important information about where the City’s drinking water comes from, what chemicals it contains, and how it meets federal standards for tap water. In this report, DPW highlights our employees who monitor and treat the water from the City’s reservoirs, Loch Raven, Liberty, and Prettyboy, and take steps to safeguard the water throughout the distribution process.

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This Bawdy Dramedy Presents a Fantasy of Online Sex Work

A new Norwegian series on Max follows a stifled wife and mother who finds excitement and a new identity by posting explicit photos online.

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By Margaret Lyons

The Norwegian dramedy “MILF of Norway,” (on Max in Norwegian, with subtitles, or dubbed) follows a stifled wife and mother looking for attention, approval, money, pleasure — a jolt. And if all it takes is posting some topless photos on the internet, what of it? “A little change should be fun,” her dry husband tells her. “You need that.” If only he knew.

Lene (Mariann Hole) takes a back seat in her life. Truly: Her 14-year-old son, Mons, rides shotgun when her family drives somewhere. She’s fresh off an obnoxious firing from an agency she calls a “pathetic hipster dump,” and she feels undervalued and ignored in her life. Her best friend can’t stop griping about her husband’s online porn habits, and eventually curiosity gets the better of Lene — or maybe it’s a dormant adventurousness stirring back to life. After a mere nipple pic garners 37 likes, she’s all in, scrolling and posting and trying to find her specific niche in the market. Push notifications become her drug of choice, and she starts taking classes and networking.

The series plays out a cotton-candy fantasy of online sex work, in which the adoration and cash roll in and nothing bad happens, and Lene can convince herself that she’s the special genius this whole industry has been waiting for. Calamitous dinner parties do not bother her; if others choose prudishness, that’s sad for them, but now she’s more sexual, evolved and interesting than they are. Maybe she’ll just make some new, cooler friends who also post explicit content of themselves. Maybe they’ll all just have a flirtatious, laugh-filled montage together.

Some of the beats here feel ordinary, but the show’s cheeky tone brightens the proceedings, giving them a kooky, fun edge. Even better is the set and production design — if you are a fan of interesting lamps, this might be television’s richest bounty. Lene’s house practically glows, as if we’re seeing it in dreamy flashback.

“I understand it can be hard to know how you should look at people,” Mons’s teacher tells him after some classmates complain that he is staring. Everyone in this show is struggling with that — some in concrete ways and others more philosophically.

Five of eight episodes have aired, with new installments arriving each Thursday.

Margaret Lyons is a television critic at The Times, and writes the TV parts of the Watching newsletter . More about Margaret Lyons

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• ALL BENGALS+

Myle Murphy Growing From Battles With Amarius Mims: 'Just Great Work'

Russ heltman | aug 8, 2024.

• Cincinnati Bengals

CINCINNATI —  Myles Murphy has plenty of opportunity awaiting him this season on the Bengals' defense. The second-year edge rusher flashed in moments as a rookie and now gets to put a first-year tackle to the test.

Murphy discussed his early battles against Amarius Mims with our own James Rapien.

"Me going against Amarius, someone just that size, that stature, that quickness. I think it's very beneficial as well," Murphy said . "Not a lot of people in the NFL are built like that. Now, there are a lot of people in the NFL that are very technical, very athletic, very strong, but I feel like going against him every day is great work, like honestly, just great work, physically and mentally, honestly, being able to develop a pass rush plan and growing."

Murphy notched three sacks and 15 pressures on 165 pass-rushing snaps in his rookie season. Those numbers should all take a jump over the next few months.

Bookmark Bengals Talk for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more! For more on the Bengals,  subscribe to our YouTube Channel.

You May Also Like:

Bengals Comfortable With Plan for Offensive Tackle Trent Brown, Who Could Still Start at Right Tackle

Evan McPherson Dives Into Contract Extension Talks Amidst Historic Kicker Extension

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Zac Taylor Updates Bengals Injuries as Preseason Game Preparation Begins

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Joe Burrow Believes Production With Ja'Marr Chase Can Reach New Level

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Willie Anderson Offers Up Big Praise for Bengals Offensive Line Coach Frank Pollack

PFF Names Bengals Cornerback as Rookie With Most to Gain This Training Camp

Joe Burrow Ranked Lower Than Expected in NFL's Top 100

Look: Young Bengals Fans Chant For Ja'Marr Chase as 'Hold-In' Continues

Joe Burrow Highlights Young Receiver Development Without Ja'Marr Chase at Training Camp

Zac Taylor Sheds More Light on Joe Burrow's Practice Plan as Cincinnati Awaits Return of Ja'Marr Chase

Look: Madden 25 Ratings Released For Bengals Wide Receivers And Safeties

Zac Taylor Notes Joe Burrow is Bigger Entering Training Camp: 'I Think It's a Good Thing'

Zac Taylor Dives Into Trent Brown Entering Training Camp on NFI: 'Just Trying to be Smart'

Be sure to keep it locked on All Bengals all the time!

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RUSS HELTMAN

Russ Heltman is a contributor for AllBearcats and AllBengals. He is the morning host and producer for 89.3 WMKV in Cincinnati, OH.  Russ can be found on Twitter: @RussHeltman11 or you can reach him by email at [email protected].

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How Do Online Classes Work?

One of the biggest considerations when choosing the right college is whether to take an online class or stick to on-campus learning. Online college classes involve students completing homework assignments, taking tests, and engaging in classroom discussions while studying remotely from a computer or laptop. While attending college , some students only take one-off courses, while others complete entire degrees online . By taking classes online, you'll be able to learn from the comfort of your own home while still engaging with your classmates and teachers. This way of learning has become increasingly popular, with 71% of undergraduate students at private institutions exclusively enrolled in online classes as of 2021. 

So, how do online college classes work anyway? This article covers everything you need to know in order to take online classes, including what platforms are used, what type of computer is best, and how in-person requirements fit into the picture. 

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How Does Online Schooling Work?

The structure of online courses work a lot like on-campus courses. You'll have required readings or lectures along with online classroom discussions and subsequent exams or essays. 

Importantly, online college classes work by utilizing software known as a learning management system (LMS). These applications host, administer, record, and report all of the content contained in a college course. Schools each use an LMS to assess a student's understanding of a subject by funneling lessons and tests through this digital system. Think of it like the hub of your education. Teachers can film lectures through video conferencing, administer tests, generate grade reports, and collaborate directly with students. 

An LMS contains the same curricula and the same instructors as a school's on-campus counterparts. Therefore, you will earn the same education and diploma. 

The Format of Online Classes

To understand how online classes really work, you need to first know the differences between asynchronous and synchronous coursework:

Asynchronous classes mostly refer to remote learning where teachers upload course lessons and lectures onto a digital learning platform. Then, you can engage with these materials on your own schedule. Keep in mind, you'll still have to adhere to deadlines for homework and tests. 

Synchronous classes , on the other hand, are more akin to traditional learning, with set start and end times that you must be present for. The table below will further explain the differences between these two learning formats.  

Asynchronous vs. Synchronous Classes

Synchronous Learning

• Takes place in real time at a physical or digital location on a set schedule
• You can engage with teachers and classmates in real-time, such as through Zoom or Google Classroom
• Offers a more structured classroom environment based on the parameters set forth by the instructor 
• Materials and information is sometimes only available for access during classroom hours

Asynchronous Learning

• Takes place anytime and anywhere, as the curricula is based around a flexible schedule
• You may not be online during the same time as your teachers or classmates, which may make networking more challenging 
• Offers a more lenient learning environment based on your personal study preferences
• Materials and information can be accessed anytime through the LMS

How Long Are College Classes?

The length of college classes depends on several factors, including the course level, how many credits it's worth, and if you're taking it during a normal semester or as a summer class. In general, however, college classes range from 50 minutes to an hour and 15 minutes long. 

The same applies to online classes that are taken through an LMS. However, online learning can give you more flexibility by allowing you to finish classes at your own pace. 

Examples of Typical Assignments

LMS platforms are extremely versatile. 

• As a student, you may be asked to take a test which contains a variety of question formats, including multiple choice, true or false, fill in the blank, or mathematical operations. 
• Essays are another typical assignment, where you are presented with a question or topic and must write your response at-length. These long-form assignments may require you to upload images, add attachments, or even create a powerpoint presentation. 
• There are also discussion forums available on most LMSs, where students and teachers can engage with one another in an ongoing conversation. 

What Is a Good Computer for Taking Online College Courses?

Both Windows and Mac can run popular LMS software, like Blackboard and Canvas. Advances in technology have made personal computers more than capable of operating LMS software for taking an online course. In fact, many colleges offer free laptops or tablets to remote students who are enrolled in online programs. Manufacturers, such as Acer, make affordable laptops for remote learning, including the Acer Swift 3 and the Acer Chromebook Spin 713. The 2020 Macbook Air is also a strong option if you want to take advantage of its powerful hardware and affordability, as compared to more expensive Macbook Pro models. Keep in mind, if you opt for a tablet, such as an iPad, you may encounter limitations due to browser or tool incompatibility. For this reason, laptops are a much better option. 

Are Online Classes Easier?

Online classes are not inherently easier than in-person classes. However, they may fit the learning styles of some students more than studying in a physical classroom. If you experience social anxiety or test anxiety , for example, you may find that remote learning isn't as challenging. Plus, given the flexibility of asynchronous classes, you may feel better about meeting your classroom requirements. As mentioned above, taking online courses means completing the same coursework and passing the same exams as on-campus courses. 

What If I Need Help With an Online Class?

If you need help with taking an online class, it's best to take advantage of the resources your school offers. 

Remote learning institutions often have 24/7 tech support services for enrolled students. 

There's usually a help desk support system or dedicated email address where students can submit tickets and outline their problems. This allows you to troubleshoot your hardware and software issues anytime of the day or night. 

Can Online Tests Detect Cheating?

Online tests are administered directly through an LMS. These systems have ways of detecting and preventing cheating during online tests. Blackboard, for example, utilizes the Respondus LockDown Browser system, which keeps users in full-screen mode and prevents students from utilizing right-click functions, such as copy and paste. Similarly, Canvas monitors exactly when a user has stopped viewing a question or left the page entirely.

In some cases, you'll be required to take a proctored exam. In the case of the edX LMS, this means the system will remotely monitor your desktop by having access to your microphone and webcam. All movement and data is recorded and reviewed to ensure the academic integrity of the test taker. 

Is It Harder to Network With Peers?

For remote college students, networking is important when it comes to maintaining a social life and opening the door for future career opportunities. Given that Millennial and Gen Z students are very social media savvy, the issue of networking may not seem as difficult as you'd think for these distance learners. 

According to data compiled by Digital Information World, 86% of college students are seeking new ways to socialize with peers since the pandemic. Services like Zoom and Google Classroom make it easier to network while studying remotely. 

Should I Take Online Classes?

When considering whether to attend college online, it's important to think about the big picture of online learning and how it will coincide with your study habits . Ask yourself these questions: 

• Am I confident that I can stay on track with minimal supervision?
• Will my college experience be as fulfilling without direct social interaction with my peers?
• Does my chosen college have an LMS that's available through mobile?
• Is internet speed going to be an issue for me?

It's also worth noting that online learners are less likely to graduate than traditional students. This is likely due to the informal schedules and lack of structure that comes with asynchronous learning. However, if you're confident in your stick-to-itiveness, then you might find that online learning offers many benefits and an online degree may be worth it after all.

What About In-person Requirements?

Some — albeit few — online degree programs require in-person learning via internships or residencies. 

Nursing degrees , for example, require students to complete in-person clinical hours before graduating. Not only do these requirements come from the school, but state licensing boards require them as well. Typically, students must complete these hours at appropriate agencies in their community. Mechanical engineering is another such field, where students need in-person training during their program. As an example, schools may require a cooperative experience, which is an in-person internship that can be completed at an approved employer. 

For both of these degrees, students need to coordinate with their instructors on which employers meet the program's requirements. Some schools require students to complete their internship within a certain number of miles of the school; others have lists of cooperating employers and organizations nationwide. 

Things You Should Know Before Taking Online Classes

Whether you plan to take a single course to make up for lost credits, or complete an entire degree online, here are some important points you should consider before taking online classes:

• Online classes are widely available in a variety of fields. 
• Online courses require students to pursue alternative ways of socializing. 
• Some students may struggle with the lack of accountability that comes with studying remotely.
• Online classes use an LMS that administers tests and maintains accountability through deadlines and cheating prevention.
• Online degrees are just as respected as on-campus degrees. 
• Synchronous classes feature more classroom engagement while asynchronous classes require mostly solitary learning. 
• Online classes are heavily favored by adult learners and those who are switching careers. 

Read our article about the steps you can take to prepare yourself for success with the first day of online classes . 

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How Do Online Classes Work? What to Know Before You Start

Whether you’re considering going back to school to start or to finish a degree, taking online courses is an option that allows you to maintain control of your schedule.

Before you decide what course format you want to pursue, you may be wondering exactly how online college classes work.

How are Online Classes Different Than Face-to-Face Classes?

You might be familiar with taking a college class in a face-to-face environment in a traditional college setting. The basic premise is still the same online; you’ll have a syllabus to introduce you to what the class — or course — is about and the learning outcomes you'll work toward.

The syllabus also shows you what materials are required for the course, the types of assignments to expect, grading information, the assignment schedule and academic policies.

Attending classes on campus may tie you to a traditional semester schedule, limiting opportunities to begin a degree program to once or twice per year. Online classes may differ, offering term start dates  year-round. At Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), for example, there are 8-week terms for undergraduate classes and 10-week terms for graduate, allowing ample opportunities for you to enroll throughout the calendar year.

What to Expect in an Online Class

A vast array of resource materials is available through a virtual library, and quite often with 24/7 chat assistance.

Every class also has an instructor you can reach out to with questions or if you need support. These instructors bring a wealth of experience relating to the course's subject matter, which means they can help you connect the dots between what you're learning and how it applies to the industry.

Are Online Classes On Your Own Time?

Online classes that follow an asynchronous learning  format do not meet at a defined time each week. Instead, you’ll have the flexibility to do coursework when it makes sense  for you within the framework of the course schedule. 

For instance, at SNHU, courses in online degree programs are broken out by week-long modules with due dates clearly defined each week. You may choose to complete all assignments for that week within a two-day period or chip away at work throughout the week. Depending on whether you're a night owl or an early bird, you can find the time of day that's most convenient and productive for you.

Robyn Roberts '23 , a semi-truck driving great-grandmother, said she completed a majority of her online bachelor's in business administration  degree while the road. "I pulled into rest areas and stopped and did discussion boards," she said.

What is the Online College Community Like?

And while the work will be done from wherever you are, you’re not alone if you choose a school that has supports in place to help you succeed. 

Online students at SNHU work with an admission counselor to ensure the degree program they choose is the right fit . Upon enrollment, an academic advisor is assigned to them to provide support throughout each course and assist with scheduling, resource advice and lend a hand whenever needed. Adjunct instructors are available throughout each SNHU course to clarify information, answer questions and facilitate learning.

If you'd like to get involved with extracurriculars , some schools have an online portal where you can connect with other students, join clubs and participate in activities. Events including SNHU's annual LEADS conference  also allow you to connect with others in the community while also focusing on your personal and professional development.

There are many opportunities to engage in experiential learning , too, at SNHU, no matter your degree program. Experiential learning is a type of learning that allows you to develop and apply your skills in real-world projects. If you're earning a healthcare-related degree at SNHU, for instance, you could participate in the Higher Education and Real World Training (HEaRT) Challenge. During a HEaRT Challenge , you'll learn about a problem an employer is facing and team up with your classmates to propose a solution.

While these supports may not be in place at every school you consider, it’s important to focus on what is meaningful for you — and ensure you select a degree program at a university that has what you need to work toward your goals.

Find Your Program

How many classes do you take in college.

How many classes you take depends mostly on you: whether you’ve already taken courses or not, how much time you can commit to school and which degree you hope to earn.

The number of credits it takes to graduate  from college depends on your program:

• An associate degree  is generally 60 credits in length, or about 20 classes.
• A bachelor’s degree  program typically requires 120 credit hours (or approximately 40 classes).
• A master’s degree could be anywhere from 30-40 credits, and sometimes up to 60 credits (from 10-20 classes), depending on the program you choose. For example, an MBA  — or Master of Business Administration — may take as few as 30 credits to complete, while a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing  could take 48 credits.

If this isn't your first time attending college, you may be able to transfer credits to your new program, altering your timeline and cost to completion. At SNHU, you could have up to 75% of your program finished by the time you start classes. Here are a few quick steps to take:

• Complete the free 5-minute  online application . There’s no obligation after filling it out.
• Get your transcripts requested — for free. Chat with an admission counselor, and we'll request your transcripts on your behalf.
• Receive your free evaluation. Soon after all your transcripts are in, you'll get your official evaluation. It will show you what was transferred in — and what classes you need to complete.

You may also be able to finish faster with prior learning credits  obtained through certain certifications, trainings and military education.

Part-time or Full-time Student: How Many Classes is Full Time?

This may vary at other schools, so it’s important to ask questions up front to understand what constitutes full and part-time — and how your financial aid award  might impact your options.

Is It Harder to Do Online School?

The best online classes have academic rigor and knowledgeable faculty with expertise in their fields. That winning combination, along with supportive resources and staff, creates a learning environment comparable to what you’d expect in a face-to-face class setting.

Some classes may feel easier than others for you based on your interest and comfort level with what’s required of you in a particular course. If writing is something you absolutely love and a class is writing-intensive, that course may be one you’ll feel really comfortable in. If a course seems like it may be challenging, it’s important to consider what resources are available to assist you in the areas you feel you need additional help.

For example, some schools offer 24/7 drop-in tutoring sessions as well as access to a writing center. Leveraging these resources can help you turn in your best work.

Knowing what supports are in place for you as a student can turn what might have been a difficult experience into a course you may thrive in.

If you're having trouble picturing yourself as an online student, you might wish to explore the advantages and challenges that come with a virtual setting and flexible schedule. That can help you determine whether online college courses are worth it  for you.

Success Tips for Online Classes

To do well, it’s important to assess the time you have available for coursework and plan accordingly, leaving yourself some flexibility to pivot as needed if challenges in other areas of your life come your way. Schoolwork may be something entirely new for you, and you could be uncertain about how to maximize your success in a course.

Here are two tips to help:

• Managing your time is essential for your success — and there are time management strategies  that can help you tremendously, including prepping well for a project, prioritizing tasks and developing a schedule and sticking to it.
• Practicing good study habits is another way to boost your learning. Think about how you learn; how you best engage with new information and what sticks and what doesn’t. Be sure to put yourself in an environment where you can best focus  and retain information. Ensuring you have ample time to complete your assignments is equally as important. You’ll have a hard time focusing if you’re short on time and feeling stressed  — and when you allow yourself the time you need, you’ll have an opportunity to reach out for help should you get stuck on any part of an assignment.

While your experiences or concerns may feel uniquely personal, rest assured that others have been where you are now and had the same desire to earn their degree.No matter where you’re planning to continue your education, the basic ingredients for college success are the same.

A degree can change your life. Find the SNHU online college degree  that can best help you meet your goals.

Pamme Boutselis ’15, ’17G is an award-winning writer and content producer, currently serving as a senior director of content and a communication adjunct at Southern New Hampshire University. She loves hearing and sharing stories. As a writer spanning a 25-year career, her work has been featured in print and online via news media, career and education-focused blogs, regional magazines, technology publications and more.

A bachelor’s and master’s in communication – earned as an adult learner – positively impacted her life and career, melding decades in diverse industries with professional and academic knowledge and experience. A serial volunteer, Boutselis has been a TEDx organizer since 2013 and a speaker coach. She’s been fortunate to work with dozens of nonprofits throughout the years. Learn more on LinkedIn .

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Going the Distance: Why Online Learning Works

Learn more about the benefits of online learning, what online learning involves, and why it could be a good option for you.

Mary Sharp Emerson

There’s no debate that online learning has become a staple of higher education. And today’s online courses encompass a wide range of subjects and are more accessible than ever.

From current college students to people seeking a career change to professionals looking to update their skills, there is an online program for everyone. 

More than 6.5 million people were enrolled in some type of distance learning course offered through a degree-granting college or university in 2017, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.  

But why is online learning so popular, what methods make it effective, and where did it all begin? And most critically, how does the online educational experience match up to the traditional classroom? 

Let’s dig into the answers to these questions.

Distance Learning: New Technologies for an Old Practice

Distance learning online may be new, but the desire to learn from field experts from afar is not. In fact, all that’s really changed over the centuries—yes, centuries!—is the speed and style of communication.

For instance, in 1728, distance learning took place through correspondence courses in shorthand. Assignments were distributed and collected via parcel post.

In the early 1900s, radio emerged as a new educational opportunity. In 1919, for example, University of Wisconsin professors began the first federally licensed radio station dedicated to educational broadcasting.

However, truly functional distance learning remained little more than a fringe endeavor until the birth of the World Wide Web in 1991. 

Today, online learning is the fastest growing segment of education , even as overall enrollment at postsecondary institutions declines. It’s no wonder that 65 percent of institutions report that online learning is critical to their long-term strategic plans.

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Why Students Choose Online Courses

Learning styles are as varied as people themselves. While there’s no one “best” course format, research suggests that for some, online learning can be a rich experience. 

For instance, studies show that high self-efficacy often leads to success in online courses. In addition, computer literacy, good time management skills, and a positive attitude toward e-learning have been shown to be key characteristics of students who learn effectively in a blended learning environment.

In most cases, online and blended learning are as effective as a traditional classroom setting. But they may offer unmatched benefits for students studying part time or from a distance.

Scheduling flexibility

Most people agree that the biggest benefit of online courses is their flexibility. According to a recent study by Best Colleges , more than half of online learners have children at home or are currently working. Online courses offer the opportunity to complete classwork when it is most convenient, without sacrificing the quality of the educational experience.

Many online courses can be completed in the evenings, over the weekend, or during lunch hour. Assignments can be finished in large blocks or broken down into small sessions over the course of the day or the week. 

In other words, students can choose the schedule that works best for their particular situation.

Easy-to-use technologies facilitate collaboration

Many online courses today rely heavily on online learning platforms or learning management systems that allow collaboration between students and instructors. These are coupled with online discussion boards, one-on-one messaging, and of course, email for soliciting feedback, discussing concepts, and networking.

Most of these technologies are easy to use, a far cry from the unwieldy online conferencing tools of even a decade ago. Most can be downloaded as an app on a smartphone and/or laptop. And once installed, navigating through the course materials—whether live or recorded—is remarkably simple.  

Best of all, the technology used in online courses makes it possible for students with disabilities (whether they be visual, auditory, or physical) to participate fully in classes and discussions.

Plenty of career-boosting course options

Online learning offers thousands of courses designed to meet just about any individual goal, from anywhere with an internet connection. 

Online course technology lets institutions extend their opportunities to people living in regions with limited options. This not only expands educational options for those in remote or under-resourced areas, it allows them to network with professionals and experts in their desired field. 

Plus, the availability of workshops, individual courses, microcredentials, certificates, and degrees lets students tailor their pathway to fill particular gaps. 

Distance programs put learners of every age and background solidly in control of their development, allowing them to take just the courses they need to reach their goals. These factors are why online education is a foundation of the lifelong learning philosophy . 

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What are the different types of online courses? 

Today’s modern online classes offer the same quality of instruction, educational experience, and networking opportunities as the traditional classroom.

Generally speaking, there are three different types of online classes or courses to choose from:

• Asynchronous: Learners read or listen to course material on their own, at their own pace, completing assignments independently
• Synchronous: Students use video-conferencing platforms to interact in real-time with both instructors and classmates
• Blended: A mix of recorded lectures, slideshows, and PDFs can be accessed at any time for self-paced learning, coupled with regularly scheduled video conferencing for real-time interaction; some courses may even include campus visits for additional collaboration

The range of online formats ensures that anyone seeking to enrich their educational background outside of the traditional classroom can do so in the way that best suits them, without sacrificing the quality of the educational experience.

Moreover, the availability of self-paced, yet still interactive, distance education reflects a larger shift in education as a whole toward student-centered learning.

Why Distance Learning Works

Pedagogical theory in general has shifted away from behaviorism, in which learners were viewed as blank slates which could be filled with information and habits through drill and reward.

Today’s cognitive theory and constructivist teaching seek to understand how people build new knowledge within the framework of what they already know and understand. 

Constructivism in particular dictates that learners be at the helm of their own education, while instructors act as mediators who introduce ideas, ask questions, and encourage students to explore new ways of thinking on their own.

Online courses present a rich opportunity for this kind of teaching and learning. Students can absorb new information independently and come together to synthesize that information into real-world knowledge with classmates and instructors.

This ideal match between the theory of learning and the actual implementation of instruction may explain the success of students in online classes. 

Yet whatever the reason, this is certain: Online education is fundamentally changing the paradigm of higher education. It is opening up learning possibilities to students everywhere, in nearly every circumstance, and delivering that education in a way that is proving to be effective, convenient, and empowering.

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Emerson is a Digital Content Producer at Harvard DCE. She is a graduate of Brandeis University and Yale University and started her career as an international affairs analyst. She is an avid triathlete and has completed three Ironman triathlons, as well as the Boston Marathon.

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Coursera is one of the top online learning platforms, offering everything from free Yale courses to career programs from Google. Here's how to navigate choosing classes or programs.

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• Coursera is an e-learning platform with thousands of free courses and professional certificates.
• Topics range from computer science to psychology and courses are led by top colleges and companies .
• Below, find answers to Coursera FAQs, reviews, and other information about the company so far.

For many, online learning can be an attractive alternative to obtaining in-person university degrees. Top e-learning platforms offer free courses from the best schools in the world , famous companies like Google run short-term job training programs , and coding bootcamps are quickly becoming a means to quick and lucrative career switches . 

Coursera is one of the most popular online learning platforms out there, offering a wide range of free courses, short certificate programs, and even online master's degrees. 

What is Coursera?

Coursera is an online learning platform founded by two Stanford University computer science professors. It offers thousands of online courses in partnership with over 200 of the world's leading universities and companies, including Yale , Princeton , Penn , Stanford , Google , and more.

The site offers free individual courses as well as bachelor's and master's degree programs that reduce barriers to higher education. There are also professional certificate programs  designed to aid workers in securing new roles or promotions. 

How does Coursera work?

To use Coursera, you'll need to create a free account (or log in using your Facebook, Google, or Apple account). Once you're signed up, you can take free and paid courses in a few different ways:

• You can "Enroll for free" in one-off courses like Yale's Science of Well-Being or SUNY's How to Write a Resume .
• You can try out longer programs like Google's crash course in Python programming for free as part of a seven-day trial and then pay $39-$49 per month to earn a certificate of completion.
• You can also browse courses that are part of longer programs for free by clicking the enroll button and then "audit this course." 
• You can pay to take official MasterTrack and degree programs, which can cost a couple of thousand dollars, depending on the program.

What kinds of classes does Coursera offer?

Coursera's education offerings run the gamut from personal development courses like its extremely popular Yale Science of Well-Being to workforce upskilling programs from companies like Google and IBM . Coursera also offers online degrees in industries such as public health and computer science .

Are Coursera courses free? 

Many Coursera courses are free to audit, but students don't get access to things like graded homework assignments or certificates of completion when they're auditing a course.

Courses that are part of longer programs or specializations are usually free to try with a seven-day trial.

How much do Coursera courses cost?

Courses can range from $39-$49 per month to hundreds of dollars depending on the type and topic. The site also offers Coursera Plus , which is a $399 annual subscription that gives its members unlimited access to over 90% of the e-learning platform's online courses (over 3,000 classes).

Does Coursera offer degrees?

Yes, there are options for online master's and bachelor's degrees . 

Does Coursera offer certificates?

Yes, Coursera offers certificates of completion for its courses if you pay for the course and complete the assignments. 

Does Coursera offer financial aid?

Yes. However, programs like Coursera MasterTracks (partial master's programs) are not eligible for financial aid.  

• Main content

How exactly do online colleges classes work?

Introduction.

In these contemporary times, modern technology has revolutionized the world of traditional learning. Rather than being bound to the classroom, students can now learn and study through the privacy of their own home with online learning. If you are interested in attaining a degree or certification online, this article was written to help answer the question, “how to online classes work?”

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Defining online learning.

Although one might think the world of online learning is complex or esoteric because of the technological implications the phrase carries with it, the concept is quite simple. In essence, online learning transpires when a student takes courses online. Thus if you are interested in online education, you need a computer. 

You do not necessarily have to own one, but you should always be able to access one. This can be done in several ways, including through a university computer lab, local library, or friend’s laptop. While you can use a computer with dial-up access to do the coursework, a high-speed internet connection will help you complete your assignments more quickly.

How Do Online Courses Work?

Whether you are taking online courses in high school, college, or for personal interest, online classes work in much the same way. Students get a username and password to log in to an LMS, or learning management system. There are various LMS models, including Canvas, Moodle, and Blackboard, but in general, they all serve as a portal or dashboard that acts as a virtual classroom. On the LMS, students can typically:

• Contact teachers or professors
• Interact with other students
• Access course materials 
• Watch or listen to lectures
• Download PDF’s
• View slideshows
• Monitor their progress
• Take exams and quizzes
• Access technical support services

Important Note:

If you want the most flexibility in an online course, you should look for a program where you can also access the LMS on other devices like a tablet or your smartphone. Not all schools offer this feature. If you have a busy schedule and are trying to work your courses into other responsibilities and obligations, it’s worth finding a program you can log into from a mobile app. That way, you can complete your coursework any time you can squeeze it in. 

See also: 50 Most Affordable Online Colleges with High Graduation Rates

Completing Your Assignments Online

Some people believe online classes have radically different educational goals than traditional classes, but the objectives are generally the same. An online student will be expected to complete assigned readings from textbooks as well as homework assignments. Rather than physically turning in such assignments to the professor or instructor, you will upload them within a designated field on a website. 

Online classes typically require participation, just as traditional classrooms do. In many cases, a professor may set up a message board for the class and require students to answer questions and ask each other questions about the material to make the learning experience more engaging and interactive. These participatory activities can count towards one’s final grade just as in-class participation does in the traditional learning setting.

The Format for How Online Classes Work

Unlike traditional brick and mortar classes, online coursework is typically completed in one of two formats—synchronous or asynchronous. You will want to keep this in mind as you consider which online degree program is right for you. 

Synchronous Format

In synchronous formats, classes are more scheduled. Typically, the entire classroom logs into class at a specific time to listen to a lecture, complete projects, or interact with the professor and other students. Since the class begins and ends on a particular day and time, you’ll have to carve out time in your current schedule to meet the class requirements. 

Asynchronous Format

The asynchronous format is far more flexible. Although you will still have specific deadlines for your assignments, and you may need to check in from time to time, asynchronous classes are done independently. They work best for students who need to arrange school around other obligations and those who thrive best when they are left to complete coursework independently.

Depending on your school’s particular program, the formats can vary from course to course. Some schools have only synchronous courses, while others have a combination of asynchronous and synchronous classes. You will want to consider your schedule carefully before committing to an online degree program. 

How Do Online Classes Work in College Classes Needing Hands-on Instruction? 

The truth is, not everything can be taught online. There is often a physical component to learning that absolutely requires an in-person experience. And by nature, certain theories and concepts are difficult to grasp without actually putting them into practice. For example, you’re just not going to learn welding or carpentry online in the same way you would if you were in a workshop on campus. 

In fields like nursing, where some of the coursework requires working in a clinical setting, you won’t be able to finish your degree entirely online. And of course, any courses that take place in a lab will need an actual laboratory setting.

Art classes are another example of courses that do not lend themselves as well to remote learning. Art is subjective, to begin with, and color, shading, and other aspects of a project can be distorted when presented digitally. Most art students thrive much better in a studio environment where they get hands-on instruction. 

In these cases, you will likely not be able to complete your degree entirely online. Instead, you would work within a hybrid format where the theory and written portion of your coursework is completed online, but you would meet in a traditional physical setting for various components of your classes. 

See also: How Can I Get an Online Degree in a Field that Requires Clinical Experience?

How Do Online College Classes Work When Completing Exams Online?

In addition to completing homework assignments and participation assignments, online learning incorporates the administering of exams. In some cases, these exams are downloaded into Microsoft Word or a similar program. Once this is complete, the student takes the exam and uploads it for the instructor to grade. In other cases, exams can be taken through the class website. 

Exams are often timed, meaning that the student needs to be confident that there is enough time to complete the test without interruption or distraction. It is also essential that the student make sure that the internet connection is secure during testing periods. While the professor will generally allow you to make up the exam if you are logged off the internet, it is an inconvenience to begin a test all over. This is especially true if you aren’t able to save and retrieve the answers you have already recorded.

Open Book vs. Closed Book Exams

In some cases, a course instructor may make exams and quizzes “open book,” meaning that students can refer to their texts or other learning materials in attempting to select the correct answers. This is not always the case, though. In some events, you will have closed-book exams, and the honor system is used such that students are expected not to refer to their texts when answering questions.

How Do Online Classes Work in Terms of Honesty?

Academic dishonesty has become a significant problem recently. One study reported that nearly three-quarters of all students in online degree programs have admitted to cheating on at least one of their exams. To combat this issue, many schools have their students sign honor codes. Another way institutions are trying to decrease cheating is by adopting strict no-tolerance policies against dishonesty. Other schools have begun using anti-cheat software for exams and tests.

As you might imagine, none of these tactics is 100 percent effective. If you put a high priority on personal integrity, you will realize that cheating during your online coursework is somewhat counter-productive. After all, you are the one paying for academic services, and not the other way around. Academic cheating really means you are only cheating yourself out of the experience you signed up for. 

How Does an Online Course Work as Opposed to a Traditional Schedule?

Every school is different; however, the required credit hours to complete a degree program will be the same whether you are taking online courses or attending them in person. Naturally, transfer students can often apply credits to a new school and reduce the amount of time needed to complete their degree.

The primary difference is that some schools have implemented fast-track programs for online learners that allow them to complete a program in less time. In some cases, students can reduce the time needed to graduate to between 12 to 18 months. This is because the coursework itself can be taken at your own pace. If you are driven and motivated to graduate sooner than the allotted time, you can do more work in less time.

In asynchronous courses, for example, you are not held back by other students’ questions, a professor going to look for a pen, timed exercises that you have to wait for, and other incidentals. Surprisingly, this can free up a lot of time. 

Nevertheless, you will still be expected to do the work. Most often, the minimum amount of logins required for an online class is two to five each week, and the average time students spend on remote coursework can range from 10 to 20 hours weekly.

See also: Are Online Classes Easier Than Classes Taken in the Classroom?

What Are the Advantages of Online Courses?

It’s Less Expensive

It’s no secret that higher education is expensive. Between student housing, activity fees, books, cafeteria costs, and other expenses, it all adds up. With online courses, you are only paying for the cost per credit. If you’re trying to save money, remote learning is definitely the way to go.

You Can Go to the School of Your Choice

If you have your heart set on a particular school, but it’s just too far away to be practical, online degree programs can make your dreams come true. If you live in Maine and want to attend UCLA, you can! Online learning has leveled the playing field for those previously restricted by what part of the country they live in. 

See also: Are Online Colleges a Good Choice for Working Students?

Plenty of options

Online college has come a long way in just a few short years. No matter what you’re interested in studying, chances are you can find a remote program to meet your needs. Whether you want to get a degree in business, animation, science, nursing, public health, or any other field, there are hundreds of programs to choose from. 

Flexibility

People are busy these days. Online learning allows you the flexibility to work one or more jobs, take care of a family, and maintain other personal responsibilities. You can work on your classes between other activities in your life.

No Attendance Issues

If you’ve ever had problems getting to traditional in-person classes, you know how frustrating that can be. With remote coursework, whether your car breaks down, you get caught in a blizzard, or you have a nasty cold, you can still manage to make it to class. 

What Are the Disadvantages of Online Courses?

Loss of Community

For many people, college courses are one of the ways they connect with others. Being together in a classroom of your peers presents an opportunity to meet new people and make personal connections with those that share your interests. This experience is not easy to replicate in an online environment. 

No Structure or Routine

Some people thrive on having a schedule to depend on day in and day out. The idea that they have a commitment to be somewhere specific at a particular time is how they structure their days. If you have trouble when the boundaries between school, work, and home life blur together, life may seem mundane and boring. Physical classes require you actually to get up and go somewhere.

Lack of Focus and Discipline

Some folks do not need a lot of prodding to get things done, and others are born procrastinators. Neither way is the “right” way. They are just personality traits. However, if you are not a highly motivated self-starter, work can quickly pile up on you. Sometimes, the accountability of showing up to class is what some students need to stay on track.

No Campus Life

For many students, the whole college experience—complete with homecoming, football games, Greek life, and social events is something they have been looking forward to for years. Without the campus life experience, college seems less like a great time in your life and more like a chore. 

Lack of Privacy and Space

Before the pandemic, this was likely not a problem, but with everyone in a household working or doing school remotely, that means a full house for many students. There may be no dedicated study space at home, let alone a quiet spot to get your coursework done. This kind of togetherness can take a toll on even the best of relationships. 

Learning More About How Online Classes Work

Once you understand the basics regarding how online classes work, you can decide whether they are right for you. While some people may feel more comfortable with the traditional classroom setting, others will find that online learning is advantageous and even ideal for them. To learn even more about online learning, check out the resources below:

• How Long does it Take to Complete an Online College Course?
• What is a Good Computer for Taking Online College Courses?
• At What Age Can you Start Taking Online College Courses? 

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How Do Online Classes Work? Are They Right for You?

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Online classes can provide a convenient and cost-efficient alternative to traditional, face-to-face classes for people who want to further their education . But how do online classes work, exactly?

Most people are aware that online classes are probably different from in-person courses, but many aren't sure what the process of taking an online course is like. To help you develop a working knowledge of how online classes work and what to expect from online courses before you decide to enroll , we're going to cover the following:

• Explain what online classes are and where you can take them
• Answer the question, "How do online college classes work?" by explaining how to enroll and attend online classes
• Discuss what a typical class session is like in an online class as well as go over how online assignments work
• Provide a 5 question quiz to help you determine if online classes are a good fit for you
• Give you 5 tips for succeeding in online classes

So, how do online classes work, and how do you do online classes? Let's find out!

Traditional, in-person classes aren't a good fit for everyone. Online courses can accommodate your schedule and learning style while still giving you a high-quality education.

What Are Online Classes?

An online class is a course that is conducted online through digital devices using web applications.

With online classes, you'll never have to set foot in a physical classroom. Every aspect of the class, from course lectures to exams, happens online. Some schools have dedicated apps for online learning, while others will require you to sign in to a website through a web browser. Regardless, signing up for an online class means you'll be learning from a distance. (That's why online learning is sometimes called "distance education.")

One quick note: while we'll focus on online college-level courses offered through community colleges and universities in this article, those aren't the only types of online classes out there! Plenty of trade schools and nonprofit institutions offer online classes, too . Luckily, most online classes operate in very similar ways. So if you're looking into a less common type of online class, the information in this article should still be helpful!

While Google is a great place to start your search for online classes, make sure you're checking individual schools' websites for more information. A little research can help ensure you're making the best decision for you.

Where Can You Find Online Classes?

Part of answering the question, "How do online classes work?" involves explaining where you can find online classes. Different types of organizations and institutions offer online classes, but the most common type of online class is the online college class . If you are interested specifically in earning college credit through online classes, the best place to search for online classes is through individual schools' websites.

Luckily, most colleges and universities in the U.S. offer online classes in multiple subject areas, but they might not offer online versions of all of the classes in a given subject area, major, or degree program. If you want to enroll in a traditional undergraduate program and take a few online classes on your path to earning your degree, you can do just that.

An alternative to enrolling in a traditional undergraduate degree program and cherry-picking online classes is to enroll in an online degree program . An online degree program allows students to earn undergraduate college degrees solely by taking classes online. In this case, every single class you take will be an online course. This can be a great option for people who have other full-time obligations, like a job or family care. It's also a good option for people who live far away from college campuses or want a degree from a specific institution.

The first step to locating online classes is deciding whether you want to take a couple of online classes at a time or if you want to enroll in an entire online degree program . Once you figure that out, you can start looking for accredited institutions that offer the type of online classes that fit your needs and your schedule.

How Do You Enroll in Online Classes?

Once you've found the online classes you want to take, it's time to sign up! The online enrollment process is actually a lot simpler than you think.

The Enrollment Process

The first step to taking an online class is enrolling in one. To do that, you have to complete the online registration process that is required by the college or university you choose. The way you go about enrolling in online classes is determined by the type of student you are: degree-seeking student or non-degree seeking student.

At most colleges and universities, degree-seeking students are students who are currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program. Degree-seeking students are students who have gone through the admissions process and are now qualified to earn a degree from their school or university.

Degree-seeking students typically enroll in online classes by reviewing the online course offerings for a given semester in their university's course catalog, contacting their academic advisor, and registering for the online course using correct course numbers through their university's online registration system.

Non-degree seeking students, on the other hand, are students who are not admitted to or enrolled in a campus-based degree program but who would like to take an online class . That's right--on many college campuses, you can take classes without working toward a specific degree!

Typically, a college or university will provide specific registration instructions for non-degree seeking students who wish to take online classes. On some campuses, non-degree seeking students have to register for classes using a different process or through a separate online portal. Knowing your student status is key to making sure you're registering for your online courses correctly.

Paying for Online Classes

Regardless of whether you're taking online classes to earn a degree or not, you'll most likely have to pay for them . (There are exceptions to this rule, which we'll talk about in a second.)

The cost of an online course varies from school to school. In some cases, online classes can be cheaper to take than their in-person counterparts. But that's not always true! If you're looking into online classes because of your budget, make sure you're calculating the real cost of attendance before pulling the trigger on registration .

The good news is that if you're taking an online class from an accredited institution, student aid packages like federal grants, scholarships, and private loans can usually be used to cover the cost of attendance. It's definitely worth learning more about whether you qualify for financial aid before you start enrolling in your online courses.

Can You Take Online Classes for Free?

You may have heard that you can take online college classes for free. There are definitely colleges and nonprofit organizations that offer free online courses! These are called MOOCs, or Massive Open Online Classes , and they're usually offered at low to no cost.

While free online courses are tempting, they come with a few caveats. The first is that if you're trying to earn a degree, the classes you take through a MOOC or an equivalent don't always transfer to more traditional universities. You definitely don't want to take four or five MOOCs only to find out that your university won't accept the transfer credits!

Also, the quality of MOOCs varies widely, so you'll have to be pretty particular about what types of classes you're taking and the places you're taking them from. Unfortunately, not all MOOCs are created equal . It's always best to take MOOCs that are offered by accredited institutions to make sure you're getting a quality education.

But if you aren't sure about this whole "online classes" thing and want to test one out without spending a lot of money, a MOOC can be a great online class option for you. If you're interested in taking a MOOC, check out our list of the best free online classes to get you started .

How Do Online Classes Work? A General Overview

Once you've signed up for classes, it's time to get to work. But many people are confused about how online classes work on a practical level. How do you attend lectures? How do you turn in assignments? And do you have to show up at a certain time every day?

If you're asking "how do online college classes work," don't worry. This next section will help you get a handle on what being in an online class is really like.

Before we get started, though, we want to make sure you know that this is just a general overview of how online classes work. There are many different approaches to online learning out there, so it's important to research individual classes and/or online programs to make sure they're a good fit for you before you enroll.

With that said...let's answer some of the most frequently asked questions about how online classes work.

Do You Have to Attend Online Classes?

In online courses, the expectations for attendance depends on the type of online course you're taking.

There are two main types of online courses: self-guided online classes and instructor-led online classes. In both self-guided and instructor-led online classes, students "show up" to classes through a Learning Management System (LMS), which is a "digital classroom" where you'll watch lectures, submit assignments, and even take your exams.

In self-guided online courses, the instructor will provide all course materials through the LMS, and students complete the course at their own pace and on their own time. As long as students complete all of the course requirements by the end of the semester, they will be able to successfully complete the course. In other words, in self-guided courses, "attendance" looks like completing all of the required coursework by the final deadline for completion of the entire course. You don't have to show up every day at a certain time—you're able to fit your coursework around your busy schedule.

In instructor-led courses, the instructor sets deadlines for meeting course requirements . In this type of course, the instructor might host live lectures or discussions that students must attend by logging into the LMS at specific times on specific days. The instructor may also set due dates for homework assignments and course exams throughout the semester. So while you may not have to show up to a physical classroom, instructor-led courses work a lot like their in-person counterparts.

When you're signing up for online classes, it's important that you pay attention to the class format. The format (self-guided or instructor-led) should be specified on the course descriptions in a university's course catalog. When you get ready to enroll in classes, you should consider whether the more flexible self-guided "attendance" expectations seem like a better fit for you, or if having the built-in structure and accountability of an instructor-led course might better suit your learning needs! Making sure you're taking the right style of online class can make a huge difference in your overall success.

Many online classes have video lectures that you'll be required to watch. Instructor-led classes may even livestream lectures, so you'll have to log on at a specific time to watch them!

What Is a Typical Online Classroom Like?

So, how do online college classes work on a day-to-day basis? And what's a typical classroom session like in an online class?"

If you're taking a self-guided class, then you'll have everything you need to learn the course material provided to you through the LMS as soon as you enroll. There will probably be instructional videos for you to watch along with homework assignments you'll submit after watching them. You'll also likely have bigger assessments, like exams, that help ensure that you're actually learning the material.

Since you're learning at your own pace, there's no typical "day" in a self-guided class ! You can choose to do as much—or as little—as you want during any particular class session. You have the freedom to create your own learning experience.

Instructor-led classes run more like in-person courses, which means that you'll likely have a more formal "classroom experience." While instructor-led online class sessions can vary in format depending on a school's policies and the instructor's personal teaching style, there is a common pattern that most online classroom sessions tend to follow in instructor-led classes.

In online classes that require students to "attend" class sessions, the class session format typically involves a lecture given by the instructor, followed by a discussion session involving you and your fellow students. The instructor might have a designated time every week when they will give a live lecture, using video conferencing or an audio conferencing app, which students are required to attend. If you miss the lecture, then you miss that day's instruction!

Regardless of whether online courses have required sessions for students to attend at designated times, most online classes follow a recurring schedule of activities and assignments on a week-to-week basis . Many online classes will distribute readings, post slides, and assign homework at the beginning of the week. Students will then complete the assignments and turn them in by their assigned deadlines. Exams also tend to happen on a set schedule: instructors will upload the exam, and then students usually have 24 to 48 hours to complete it.

Even though instructor-led classes have more structure, they are generally more flexible than in-person classes. Assignments tend to have longer windows to complete them, and you can normally turn in your assignments any time before midnight on the day they're due. The goal of an instructor-led course is to give you the experience of learning from an expert while still providing the flexibility you need to fit the class into your own schedule.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but most online classes have student assessments like homework, assignments, quizzes, and exams!

What Do Assessments Look Like in Online Classes?

Just like in traditional classes, online classes have assessments that students must take to demonstrate that they are mastering the course material . In fact, the assessments in online classes really aren't that different from the assessments in traditional classes--you just have to complete all of them online instead of in person!

Quizzes and Tests

The most common types of assessments in online classes are quizzes and tests . In self-guided courses, students can take quizzes and tests on their own time and at their own pace. In instructor-led courses, quizzes and tests may be made available at specified times, and may be "closed" at set times as well.

Regardless of whether you're taking a self-guided or instructor-led course, you'll have to use the LMS to access, complete, and submit the quizzes and tests. The frequency of these assignments varies from course to course, but you can generally expect weekly quizzes with three or four exams over the course of a semester.

Discussion Posts

Discussion boards are also a key assessment tool in many online classes. Discussion boards are used to assess students' comprehension of learning materials and to promote critical thinking about course readings and topics. It's common for instructors to post a question or prompt on the class discussion board on a weekly basis and require students to write and post a public response. Students will then comment on or respond to each other's posts to get a discussion going throughout the week. Generally, discussion posts are treated like homework in terms of your overall grade, which means you'll have a little more time to complete them than you would an exam.

Also, don't be surprised if you're required to submit essay assignments! Essay assignments are much more common in instructor-led classes, though they pop up in self-guided online classes, too. Essay assignments allow instructors to make sure you're understanding the course's core concepts and that you're able to apply them to other ideas, too.

In some classes, essays may make up the majority of your course grade. That's especially true if you're taking humanities courses like composition, literature, history, and political science. If that's the case, your instructor may also ask you to participate in a process called peer review. You'll upload a draft of your essay, then your fellow classmates—usually selected by your professor—will offer suggestions and feedback on your work through the LMS. Once that's done, you can revise and submit your final essay.

The big thing to remember is that like all of your assignments, your essays will be submitted digitally (and you'll get feedback the same way).

Final Projects

A final assessment tool that is used in many online classes is the digital project. Digital projects are frequently assigned toward the end of an online course as a way for students to show what they've learned over the course of the semester. Since online classes don't meet face-to-face, instructors in online courses might assign projects such as video essays, PowerPoint or slide-based presentations, podcasts, or electronic research papers or reports. These online projects may be research-based or collaborative, so instructors will encourage students to work together to complete course projects using tools provided in the LMS, such as group sites, chat tools, or web conferencing tools.

In the case of all assessments in online courses, the instructor will use the LMS to evaluate and assign grades to each student's completed assignments . Students will be able to access their grades and feedback on coursework through a gradebook that is built into the LMS.

How online classes work in regard to assessments can vary, but most online classes make use of similar activities and tools to help students learn and further their education!

Will Online Classes Work for You? A 5-Question Quiz

Maybe you're still unsure if online classes would be a good fit for you. To help you decide, you can take our five question quiz below!

• Are you self-motivated? A. Yes! B. Uh, not really...
• Are you able to meet deadlines on time? A. Absolutely. I'm a stickler for deadlines. B. Deadlines? What's a deadline?
• How good are you at learning new software and web apps? A. I'm definitely up for it! I'm no Bill Gates, but I'm pretty tech savvy. B. Spending tons of time figuring out new software feels like a waste of time.
• Can you learn new concepts on your own? A. For sure. I always made better grades on my homework, and I hated group assignments. B. Man, group assignments were my favorite part of school. I'd rather work with other people than try to learn things on my own.
• Do you have access to a reasonably new computer and reliable internet access? A. Yes, I have both at home. There's also a library close to my work that I could use in a pinch. B. I have data on my phone, but that's about it.

Did you answer all five questions? If you chose "A" in response to three or more questions, then it's pretty likely you'll succeed in online classes!

How Do You Do Excel in Online Classes? 5 Tips for Success

Doing well in online classes is about more than understanding how they work. That's why we're giving you our top five tips for succeeding in online classes!

Tip 1: Get Used to "Checking In" Frequently

Actively engaging with your online course is a key part of succeeding in an online class . Because you don't have to show up to a classroom two or three times a week, you'll have to make sure you're checking for class updates on a regular basis.

Here's what we mean: in order to stay on top of course expectations and deadlines, you'll need to check your email, the course announcements page in the LMS, and your syllabus often . When you're not attending an in-person class, it can be easy for deadlines and due dates to sneak up on you. Checking these resources daily will ensure you turn your assignments when they're due and have ample time to complete course readings and absorb course material. It will also help you plan for future assignments so that you're not scrambling to complete them at the last minute!

Tip 2: Do All the Reading

Since you don't have face-to-face reminders from your instructor in online classes, it's important to thoroughly read all the materials your instructor uploads to the LMS. This includes the course syllabus and schedule, assignment instructions, uploaded readings, and feedback on your completed assignments. Paying careful attention to assignment instructions is particularly important, especially since your instructor may not go over the directions with you.

More importantly, reading all course materials carefully can also help you to ask thoughtful questions, and know when you need to follow up with your instructor for more information or clarification. Reading carefully--and reading everything ahead of time!--ensures that you'll know exactly what to do on each assessment in order to ace the class.

Tip 3: Use a Digital Planner

Since deadlines arrive quickly and frequently in online classes, it can be helpful to set up reminders on a digital calendar, to-do list, or planner to help you anticipate assignment due dates and any other important tasks in online classes. And while paper planners are great, the fact that online classes are run...well, online... means that many students find it easier to keep track of everything digitally.

Here's an example: in some classes, deadlines for a given type of assignment (like discussion posts) can fall on the same day and time each week. For instance, in an English class, you may have to post discussion questions and responses every Tuesday by 11:59 pm. To make sure you never miss an assignment, you can set a recurring reminder in your calendar to notify you a few hours before each discussion post is due.

In some cases, LMS systems have built-in planners and to-do lists where instructors can upload assignment due dates and important reminders. If that's the case, take advantage of them! The biggest hazard in online learning is staying on track, so don't be afraid to rely on planners and to-do lists to keep you focused on success.

Tip 4: Get Familiar With the LMS System and Course Apps

The LMS system is the primary hub of online classes. There are tons of different LMSes out there, but some common ones include BlackBoard and Absorb . Because you'll do all of your learning on the LMS, it's important that you know how to use it . In fact, it's usually a requirement of the course! Your instructor definitely won't accept "I didn't know where to find the information" as an excuse for late work in an online class.

Many online classes also ask students to use different web apps within the course's LMS to complete coursework or interact with the instructor or classmates. These web apps can include video conferencing software, blogs and wikis, and chat tools. Again, it's your responsibility to make sure you know how to use these different tools, so you'll want to spend some time familiarizing yourself with them before you have to complete assignments.

If you feel apprehensive about using apps or other digital tools that you're unfamiliar with, it might be worth it to spend some time browsing around the LMS and testing things out before the class actually begins . That way, you'll be able to ask your instructor questions or consult your school's tech support if you need help!

Tip 5: Communicate With Your Instructor and Your Peers

Perhaps the most important thing you can do in online classes is to communicate clearly and often with your instructor and your classmates . If you feel confused or uncertain about the expectations for an assignment, email your instructor or request a meeting during their virtual office hours to discuss your concerns ( after reading the entire syllabus and other written instructions, of course).

Just because online classes are a form of distance learning doesn't mean you can't ask your instructor for help , form study groups with your peers, or have meetings to talk about your progress in the course. That's what all of those chat tools and web conferencing apps are for: helping you stay connected and in sync with your instructor's expectations, even if it's from a distance.

What's Next?

One of the best ways to succeed in an online course is to make sure you're managing your time well . Here are twelve time management techniques that can help you ace your classes. Just because a class is online doesn't mean you won't have to study!

Studying regularly helps you retain course information, which is super important if you want to make great grades on your quizzes and exams. Follow these expert study tips to keep your studying on track.

Remember how we mentioned that online college courses are just one type of online class you can take? Well, it turns out that you can go to high school completely online, too ! Here's a complete list of free online high schools , and a bonus guide that can help you figure out if an online high school is right for you .

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Ashley Sufflé Robinson has a Ph.D. in 19th Century English Literature. As a content writer for PrepScholar, Ashley is passionate about giving college-bound students the in-depth information they need to get into the school of their dreams.

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How Do Online Classes Work?

Learning takes many different forms. Recently, many colleges and universities have had to shift into offering more classes online. Some of these online classes are synchronous, meaning that the class accesses the learning management system at the same time to engage in learning together. Most online classes, though, are asynchronous. This means that the content is not being delivered live and the work can be completed on the students’ own time.

If you have never enrolled in an online class before, it can seem like a bit of a challenge getting started. You probably wonder how the classes are structured and what you need to accomplish to earn your credit. So let's start at the beginning to help you navigate your first online class.

Before Class Begins

Some online courses require you to meet live via video chat to watch a lecture from the professor or participate in group work. Other online courses will be done on your own time. So, before your online class begins, it is important to make sure you have set aside time to complete your readings and assignments each week.

You also need to be sure that you have the right technology to get online. Technology requirements will vary by program. In general, be sure to own or have access to a laptop or a desktop computer with the right amount of memory to view or download the course materials. You may be watching videos or reading online textbooks, so be sure that the screen that you use is large enough for you to notice details and read comfortably.

You will also need a reliable internet connection. If any special software is required for the course, your professor will let you know where to download it or how to purchase it. Check the requirements for your particular program and ensure that any software is downloaded and installed before class begins.

Logging Into Your Online Class

Once the start date for your online class arrives, you will need to log in. You will likely log in by going to your school's main website and signing into the student portal area. You should then be able to see the courses you have signed up for. Once you have clicked into your online course, you should be able to see the structure.

Many colleges use course management systems such as Canvas and Blackboard. These systems help professors structure the course by week or by unit. The links within each week or unit will take you to the readings and assignments you need to complete. These course management systems may also include discussion boards and ways for you to interact with your peers and professor.

If you need help managing the online course structure or the course management system, make sure you let your professor know right away. They may be able to walk you through what you need to know, or they could recommend that you contact IT for more help.

Attending Online Classes

Once you have logged into your class, you will complete the work assigned. If you are enrolled in a synchronous course, you will listen to the lectures and participate in discussions. If you are in an asynchronous online class, you will do the reading, watch the lecture videos or listen to audio recordings of your professor on your own time. All of these resources are recorded and uploaded into the course management system so that you can access them easily. They generally show up as texts or slideshows with links that will open new tabs in your browser for you to access the material.

Depending on the class you take, you may need to listen to or read through information several times a week. In other courses, you may be able to complete all of the reading and lectures at once and spend the rest of your week working on other assignments. Overall, the workload will vary by course.

Completing Assignments in Online Classes

In order for you to earn credit for your online class, you will need to submit assignments, the majority of which will be completed online. Most course management systems have a tab that lists the assignments so you can see what they are as soon as the course begins. This is a great feature to use so you can work towards your assignments throughout the course rather than waiting until the last minute.

All of your assignments will come with deadlines you need to upload the work by, just like in a traditional course. Short-term assignments might include replying to class discussions or reflecting on the week's learning. Long-term assignments might be projects or papers that are due at set intervals throughout the course. In addition, like most in-person courses, online classes will probably have some type of final exam.

Working With Others in Online Classes

Many professors who teach online classes seek to curate an experience that is engaging and worthwhile for all students. This means that most online classes will include weekly discussions to respond to. Students can use discussion boards to comment on the learning process, direct questions toward their classmates and reply to other students. Other synchronous learning tools include video conferencing platforms like Zoom or instant messaging applications. When working with others, be aware of any differences in time zone that could affect what time your classmates will be logging on. Since students from all over the country could be enrolled in an online degree program at your university, your peers may be working on the curriculum at different times. This knowledge will come in handy for group projects as well.

Online Classes at GCU

At Grand Canyon University, we are on the leading edge of online learning. With fully trained faculty and technical support available to all students, there are plenty of resources to help ensure success in online learning. Our interactive online courses are designed to foster connection and communication through discussion boards and projects. General technical requirements include a desktop or laptop with Windows 7 or Mac OS X 10.9 and an internet browser equivalent or greater than Internet Explorer 11, Google Chrome 48, Apple Safari 9, Microsoft Edge 13 or Mozilla Firefox 43. Using our Learning Management System, students also have access to a variety of web-enhancing learning tools such as eBooks, forums and calendar reminders that help keep learners on track.

Grand Canyon University offers online classes and full online degree programs in many subjects. If you are new to online classes, join us at GCU to see how online learning can make a difference in your academic journey . Learn more by clicking the Request Info button on this page or visiting our website.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date.

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Everything you need to know about ASU Online classes and degree programs

We’ve compiled the basics of what you need to know about online classes and degree programs at Arizona State University. Learn how courses work, how long classes and degree programs are, the costs of attending, financial aid options and more.

What is ASU Online?

ASU Online degree programs are a separate enrollment option, or modality, that differs from on-campus programs . ASU Online is not the same as iCourses and ASU Sync, both of which are offered only to those enrolled in on-campus programs.

Will it say "online" on my diploma?

No. ASU Online graduates receive a diploma from Arizona State University, same as students who earn their degrees on campus. Neither your diploma nor transcripts will note that it’s an online degree.

How long are ASU Online classes? How long will it take to graduate?

ASU Online classes are compressed into two, 7.5-week sessions during the spring and fall semesters, and 6-week sessions during summer. They operate on a different calendar than traditional on-campus courses, which are 15 weeks in length. Check out ASU's academic calendar for upcoming session start dates.

Most courses are asynchronous with no set log-in times, so you can complete assignments at your convenience as long as you meet syllabus deadlines.

“While digital immersion courses are condensed to 7.5 week sessions, students are not completing 4–5 courses at a time as they may during a campus immersion course,” said Sarah Shipp, associate director of academic portfolio management for EdPlus at ASU. “This gives students the opportunity to focus on 1–3 classes each session, while still completing their degree at a similar pace.”

Although the online sessions are shorter in length, online and on-campus degree programs have the same requirements, learning outcomes and faculty. You must complete 120 credits to earn your undergraduate degree. So, ultimately, your degree completion timeline is dependent on you.

Is there any way to earn a degree faster than usual?

ASU offers two types of accelerated programs.

• ASU’s Accelerated Master's programs allow you to complete your undergraduate and graduate degrees in five years total. That expedites the process to complete both.
• ASU’s fast track plans  are available for about 20 programs. These allow you to take courses through all the year’s six sessions and complete the degree in either a 2.5- or 3-year track.

What are ASU Online classes like and how do they work?

Online courses take place in Canvas. The platform enables students to access coursework and complete assignments on almost any device, from nearly any location around the world, whenever it’s convenient for their schedules.

“Canvas is a very intuitive platform on which to take online courses,” said Andrea Bevier, director of digital initiatives and instructional design at ASU’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law. “The menus are simple and easy to navigate, the course modules are clean and easy to use, and the built-in technology features are typically trouble-free and very easy to learn.”

Each online course has a community forum, in which questions can be asked for all to see. This also helps with professor improvement because it tracks common questions that can be referenced later for content improvement.

“The video content and lectures in an ASU Online class are planned as part of the entire course and recorded specifically to support all other learning materials,” said Bevier. “This format allows students to return anytime during the course – and after – to review content, rewatch a lecture or just brush up on materials before the final exam.” However, there will be specific deadlines on assignments and other assessments throughout your courses that you'll need to follow.

Dreamscape Learn: A new form of education

ASU Dreamscape gives you the ability to virtually navigate situations you're learning about in the classroom, enhancing retention and giving you the practice you need to succeed. Learn more in the video below.

Technologies used in the ASU Online environment

ASU Online classes feature a broad range of technology-based learning tools paired with a robust range of resources. These include full access to the online library and 24/7 technology support.

“The assignments in ASU Online courses take advantage of technical learning platforms that work to blur the lines between online and campus-based classes,” said Heidi Sanborn, a clinical assistant professor in ASU’s Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation. “Students will submit some assignments using artificial intelligence and virtual reality platforms, video-based presentations and virtual simulations, which results in a well-rounded set of skills directly applicable to the real world.”

Some professors use Yellowdig, a software platform that leverages the sharing of academic ideas and knowledge through technology. Yellowdig integrates with the learning management system and offers an auto-grade functionality, rich media integration options, draft features and a familiar interface for students. Students achieve points through word count and participating with common social media behavior, like “liking” or “loving” a post or posting a comment.

Playposit is another tool leveraged in ASU Online classes. The digital tool gives professors the ability to turn video content into an interactive experience. Professors can embed formative assessment activities and questions throughout a video. Students can time-stamp, search and download their digital notes.

“We also understand there are multiple domains of learning,” said Jordan Miller, a lecturer in ASU’s College of Health Solutions and coordinator of the bachelor’s degree in health education and health promotion online. “So, we include audio materials and active learning assignments to meet the needs of auditory and tactile-kinesthetic learners, in addition to visual learning materials that are common in online learning environments."

How much does cost to attend ASU Online?

Tuition costs will depend on your program, transfer credits and course load. You can use our tuition calculator to get an estimate.

Additionally, most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more about financial aid options and explore scholarship opportunities .

Take advantage of ASU Online’s multiple start dates

Multiple start dates mean you can earn your degree around your schedule. Having the choice of multiple start dates allows busy students the opportunity to balance work, family and other commitments with earning a degree.

For example, if you missed the enrollment deadline or can't start school in August, you don’t have to wait until the next spring to take classes. You can still attend school in the fall by taking ASU Online courses during the Fall B session, starting in October.

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Home > Blog > Tips for Online Students > Tips for Students > How Do Online Classes Work: What To Expect

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How Do Online Classes Work: What To Expect

Updated: June 19, 2024

Published: July 22, 2020

Online education continues to grow in popularity. As technology innovates and accessibility widens, the method of learning from a distance with nothing more than an internet connection gains more adopters. Perhaps you’ve been questioning, “How do online classes work?” as you consider if online education is the right choice for you. If you’ve ever asked, “Is online college a good idea?” we will tell you all the reasons why the answer may be a resounding yes!

Photo by Avel Chuklanov on Unsplash

What is online learning.

Online learning is exactly what it sounds like — education that takes place over the internet. Online learning is also known as e-learning and is a form of distance learning. This term encompasses all education that takes place outside the traditional classroom setting.

How Are Online Classes Structured?

Like any educational setting, the structure can vary because of the institution, professors, and students’ learning style.

However, online classes typically adhere to a set-up by which student log onto a learning management system (LMS). Within their LMS, they have a dashboard where they can view their classes, syllabi, and grades. Within the system, they can also access all course materials, contact their professors, and communicate with peers via forums or chats.

Some online education institutions, like UoPeople, have ensured that their LMS is mobile-friendly . All you need to get started on your educational journey is a strong internet connection and a device that connects to the internet.

Here’s a look at the typical structure of online classes and their elements:

• Logging On: Students log into their school’s LMS.
• Course Material: Students access their course material, including lectures and reading. Either your professor has recorded lectures or you can attend them live. Like in a traditional classroom, it’s best to take notes on course material.
• Assignments: The LMS organizes and stores assignments. Some assignments may be done online whereas others could require offline work with submission. Students are still expected to submit assignments by their deadlines.
• Discussion: The majority of online classes require that students take part in discussions with other students and possibly also the professor. This could involve posting questions or answering them in discussion forms. It could also require chats with peers.

Do Students Need To Attend Classes At Specific Times?

Online learning may be asynchronous or synchronous. Here’s what this means:

• Asynchronous: Lectures are self-paced and pre-recorded. Students have flexibility when to log on and learn. However, even if lectures aren’t required to be live, there still are likely to be deadlines for assignments and exams.
• Synchronous: Some professors require that students log-on live and take part in active discussions at specific times.

Are There In-Person Requirements?

The answer here is dependent on the type of institution you enroll in.

Some schools have hybrid education in which there is a requirement to attend the campus.

However, others may be entirely online. UoPeople is an example of a 100% online institution for higher education .

How Will I Interact With My Peers?

For hybrid programs, you can interact with peers in person and on-campus. But for online programs, you have a right to question how you will be able to engage with peers. Just like social media has made it possible to connect with people around the world, online learning has opened the door to this possibility as well.

You can connect with peers in forums and chat rooms within the LMS. Or, you can take it upon yourself to connect outside of the school portal via online, email, text messaging, and video conferencing!

Are Online Courses Harder Than Traditional Classes?

Choosing to study online versus at a traditional institution shouldn’t be a consideration of difficulty level because neither one is easier or harder than the other. They are just inherently very different formats. It’s a personal preference and one of circumstance for who is better suited to attend online classes.

The truth is that online courses may not be harder, but they could require more self-motivation and pacing than a traditional class. This is because you won’t have a set schedule for school. Instead, you’ll have to manage your own time accordingly.

The workload tends to be the same for both online and traditional classes in terms of earning credits to graduate. However, online college definitely is a more affordable option compared to attending on campus.

6 Things To Know Before Starting Online Classes

1. don’t have to be a tech whiz.

Online colleges are not just meant for tech-savvy students. Schools have taken a lot of time and effort to create online systems that are easy to use and navigate for students of all ages and technical backgrounds. That being said, you will need certain technology to succeed, like a strong and reliable internet connection for starters.

2. It’s Not An Easy Way Out

If you’re thinking of taking online classes just because it may be the easy way out, think again! As mentioned above, you’ll have to responsibly manage your schedule and time to do well.

3. Online Can Benefit You

It’s been shown that students tend to do the same or even better in online classes as in traditional settings. The quality of education is equivalent, but the way in which it is delivered tends to prove beneficial to students. You can rewatch lectures, attend lectures at your optimal times, and have the flexibility to balance your own schedule.

4. Peer Interaction Is Possible

Everyone likes to talk about the experience of college and the social atmosphere. Going to school online doesn’t deny you the possibility to connect with people online around the world. In fact, it may broaden the possibilities since there are no geographic barriers.

5. Not All Programs Are The Same

One online college doesn’t fit all! Be sure to check in on structures and course offerings before applying to a school. You’ll also want to look for the very important feature of being accredited so that your degree is recognized and respected by employers and other institutions of higher education.

6. Be Excited!

Online classes have literally changed the lives of millions of students. Once you’re enrolled, you will be able to connect with peers and professors from around the world. You can also revel in the freedom and flexibility to approach school in the best way that suits your needs. That’s something to be excited about!

A Little Information About UoPeople

As an online institution for higher education, we are a bit biased towards online classes in that we absolutely love them! We started our institution to be able to provide education to people around the world at a limited cost (we are tuition-free) and with a focus on accessibility (simply log on from anywhere with an internet connection).

Here’s a little bit about what UoPeople offers:

• Programs: We offer eight degree-granting programs that span varying levels from undergraduate to graduate degrees. Our programs include: Health Science, Computer Science, Education, and Business Administration.
• Structure: Students benefit from complete flexibility in that professors from top institutions around the world have created lectures that can be accessed at any time.
• Pedagogical Model: Students are encouraged to work and grow together with their peers. The pedagogical model is supported by class forums in which students can raise questions and share ideas. Instructors moderate class forums. Peer-to-peer learning supports diverse perspectives and provides valuable insight for problem-solving collaboratively.
• Diverse Student Body: UoPeople has provided students from over 200 countries and territories with higher education. Our diverse student body surpasses borders and seas to connect students from around the world who share a common goal — attaining higher education!

Photo by Brooke Cagle on Unsplash

The bottom line.

Now you know everything about how online classes work. While it’s not exactly the “easy way out,” it can be considered the smartest and most affordable way to attain a quality education. For some, online education is the only option given circumstances in life, and for others, online classes is the optimal choice for flexibility, affordability, and an unparalleled experience.

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How Do Online Colleges Work? Our Guide

Posted on February 23, 2023

There’s not always a clear path to higher education that fits everyone’s situation. For some, balancing work and family life with school is a necessity. For others, the cost and barriers to attending a traditional on-campus college are limiting.

No matter the reason, online colleges offer a convenient, flexible solution for people who want to earn a degree – particularly adult learners.

If you’re considering starting or returning to school in an online format, you may be wondering “how do online colleges work?” There are some differences, so here’s all you need to know about online colleges and what to expect from the experience.

Can You Do College Online?

Yes! Online college is similar to a traditional learning experience – it just takes place virtually. You can find traditional college campuses that offer online courses, as well as fully online colleges that have no physical campus. Instead, students attend classes online and complete all the necessary coursework from their own computer.

Types of Online Courses

Online learning is a broad term that includes a variety of different course structures and types. The one commonality they all have is that they are taken online with your computer and internet connection.

Asynchronous Online Courses 

These types of courses don’t take place in real-time. You’re given content and assignments with a predetermined time frame to complete your assignments, including quizzes, discussions, written papers, and exams.

Typically, students interact through discussion boards, forums, or blogs. There are no assigned meeting times, just deadlines for initial posts and response posts. Students respond to each other as their schedule allows, offering a lot of flexibility for time constraints.

Synchronous Online Courses

These courses are taken online, but the instructor and all the students in the class interact simultaneously at designated times. Synchronous courses may use a webinar, video chat, audio chat, or text.

This type of learning experience mimics that of an on-campus, in-person course in a virtual environment. Students who thrive in real-time classrooms, synchronous courses allow participation for distance learners.

Hybrid Courses

Hybrid courses – also known as blended courses – are online classes that allow students to interact both in person and online. Students often attend classes together a few times during a semester while the rest is online with computer-based interaction.

Naturally, hybrid courses require you to be close to the campus location or willing to travel. It’s important to pay attention not any in-person requirements for your online learning program. 

Self-Paced Courses

Self-paced courses – also known as on-demand courses – are made up of content, lecture recordings, reading materials, and presentations that students can proceed through at their own pace.

Despite the name, self-paced courses may have a predetermined time frame or a final date in which all coursework must be completed. The rest of the assignment deadlines are often flexible, so you can complete them when you feel comfortable and prepared. It can be challenging to stay disciplined, however, so some courses have recommended assignment due dates to help you stay on track.

How Do Online Classes Work?

Now that you know some of the common setups for online colleges, here’s what you can expect for the day-to-day experience.

As mentioned, the structure of online classes varies by type and institution. But in general, students log in to a learning management system or virtual portal to access the syllabus and course materials, view grades, monitor feedback, interact with classmates, and contact professors.

The learning platform and materials are provided, either as part of the tuition or for a separate fee, but you will need computer access, a reliable internet connection, and some common software, such as a word processor like Microsoft Word. Some courses are mobile compatible as well, so you can complete your work from anywhere with an internet connection. 

Learning Resources

Any course materials you need will be available for purchase in advance or provided for you through the learning platform. Different courses use different types of resources, including video lectures, audio recordings, presentations, a textbook, and articles. You’ll also learn through the experience of discussing the course concepts with classmates on discussion boards or forums.

Assignments

A lot of online courses have assignments with set due dates that you can submit online. They may be quizzes and exams – often timed – and writing assignments. For the latter, you will likely upload your written assignment from a word processor like Microsoft Word or Google Docs.

Student Interactions

Because students don’t spend time in the classroom for most online learning, a lot of online programs use discussion boards, forums, blogs, groups, or chats that facilitate interactions. There may be a prompt that covers the course concepts, giving you an opportunity to share your knowledge, and respond to the insights of others.

Like traditional college, the grading for online courses is either A to F or pass/fail. They may be based on a straightforward exam or quiz, such as multiple choice or true or false questions and answers. For short answers, discussions, and written assignments, there may be a rubric that you can use to guide your assignment and understand the professor’s expectations. 

What to Know About Online College

Now that you know how online college classes work, here are some things to expect:

It’s Challenging

Online college isn’t the “easy way out.” You have to put in the work, just like a traditional college, and you need strong time management skills.

It’s Flexible

Some students have a better learning experience with online classes that offer flexibility. It’s important to consider your options and choose the right online learning structure for your needs.

There’s Teamwork Involved

Just because a course is online doesn’t mean that you won’t interact with other students. Some courses have group assignments or pair assignments. You’ll also interact with other students in discussions and chats. 

Is Online College Right for You?

If you’ve ever wondered “ How do online college classes work ?” and whether they’re right for you, this guide has you covered. It’s always best to ask your academic advisor if online schooling is right for you. Our learning coaches at Sophia are here to help as well.

Ready to take the first step? Start a free trial at Sophia Learning or take a look at our online university partners .

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Online Learning in 2023 - What Is It And How Does It Work?

Thanks to the rapid advancement of technology, online learning is a part of many institutions' course offerings around the world. Learn more about how it works in this article.

• Online Learning

Types of Resources for Online Learning

How is Online Learning Assessed?

Recognition of online qualifications.

Support For Online Learning

• Browse Popular Online Universities

Further reading:

• Top 10 Popular Online Bachelor Degrees

Top 10 Popular Online MBAs

• Top 10 Popular Online Master's in Public Health

Thanks to the rapid advancement of technology, online learning is a part of many institutions' course offerings around the world. From  certificates,  PhDs,   impactful online language learning and everything in between, learning online has never been so easy!

Offered by some of the world's top-ranked institutions, online learning offers you all the perks of attending your dream university, with the added convenience of a learning experience tailored to your schedule.  With courses available in almost every subject, and flexible timetables to suit almost every lifestyle, students are increasingly turning to online learning as a viable alternative to on-campus study. It could allow you to study abroad remotely, at a university not in your home country!

Advances in technology now allow students to study entirely online while still socializing with classmates, watching lectures and participating in subject-specific discussions.

While some consider online learning to require a greater degree of self-motivation, institutions recognize that educational support is just as important as tutor feedback, and take great care to ensure that their students receive the same levels of support that they would receive on campus.

Online learning is the future of education , discover how it works and why it could be the perfect study abroad option for you! 

The Facts and Figures About Online Learning

• More than 6 million students are currently in online courses as part of their higher education program
• Almost half of all students enrolled in online courses  are educated  exclusively  through distance education
• 85% of students think that online learning is the same or better than the traditional classroom experience

Statistics taken from Purdue University & The National Center for Education Statistics .

Find an online program

Use our free, online search engine to search 5,000+ online degree programs. Start your online learning journey today!

Resources for Online Learning

In general, when taking an online degree program you might encounter resources like: 

• Recorded lectures;
• Discussion forums
• Live Q&A sessions; and
• Interviews.

The resources offered to you for learning online will depend on the institution where you take your online program. Some online learning programs may require you to order physical textbooks in advance by in the mail, but these are generally being phased out in favor of eBooks and online-only methods of delivery. 

For those institutions that have made the transition to using 100% online resources, students can expect to study using a combination of cutting-edge technological resources with no need to travel to attend lectures, exams or in-person discussion sessions!

Taking an online learning program, you'll be an officially registered student at your institution and have access to the same resources as an on-campus student, like your institution's digital library, learning management system (like Blackboard), student union membership and more! An online degree is similar to taking a degree program on campus, but you have the freedom to direct your own study schedule. 

Your school and your course instructor will determine the format for each individual course and will select delivery methods that are best suited to your course or program. What a Biology major needs to learn successfully online will differ from what an Art History major needs! 

Online learning may be a completely new experience for you. If you're coming from a more traditional learning background, read on to discover how to make the most of the resources you may encounter in your online learning journey!  

• eBooks, textbooks & journals

These written materials are essential resources in almost every course you'll take when learning online.

Using the reading list for each course, or on the advice of your course instructor, you'll need to dedicate the amount of time you need to reading and understanding the topics in the literature. The main advantage of using this medium (particularly eBooks) is the fact that they are completely portable, allowing you to study on the go from your computer, phone or tablet. 

When you’re researching a course or program, remember to check whether your textbooks are included in your tuition fees! You may have to pay extra for your textbooks, or they may be available as eBooks from your institution's library. 

• Recorded lectures

An essential way of absorbing a large amount of information in a relatively short amount of time, lectures are a staple of online and campus-based learning. With online learning, you can attend lectures from your bedroom! 

If you can, make notes throughout your lectures; this will make it easier to review for exams, and any assignments you'll need to complete throughout your course. 

• Interactive sessions

The greatest challenge an online education provider faces is how to replicate the face-to-face interaction and in-person discussions that on-campus institutions can easily provide.

The solution? Online degree programs often use a combination of discussion forums and interactive question-and-answer sessions to give you the interaction with other students and instructors you need. 

Before beginning an online discussion forum or interactive session, make sure you read the rules and requirements; some institutions may require you to create posts that have a minimum word count.

"For institutions using 100% online resources, students can expect to study using a combination of cutting-edge technological resources with no need to travel to attend lectures, exams or in-person discussion sessions."

How Will Online Learning Be Delivered? 

Online students often think that their learning resources will be delivered via email, or even by snail mail!  M ost online institutions are moving away from this unreliable method of delivery.

The course or module’s learning resources will be delivered via the institution’s online learning environment or platform. The learning platform will vary depending on the software used, but it will usually consist of a central online platform that students can access from their personal PC, mobile or tablet.

One of the major benefits of utilizing resources that are hosted entirely online is unending flexibility!

As an online student, you can choose to access your course information and complete your assignments at any time. This allows you to fit study time in around your work, family and other commitments. This also means that students who wish to continue working while studying do not have to put their careers on hold. Get the best of both worlds! 

Students taking a degree program or an individual course online will still be tested at regular intervals throughout their study period to assess their understanding of the course materials.

For those new to online education, this process can be intimidating. But there's no need to worry! Online institutions are experienced professionals, they'll ensure that your assessments are fair, comfortable, and designed to help you make the most of your learning experience. 

Discover the assessment types you're likely to encounter when taking an online degree program or course: 

• Individual Assignments

These are probably the method of assessment that students will have the most experience with. For each assignment, you’ll receive your topic, deadline and word count. You'll be required to produce a structured, reasoned argument within the boundaries set out by your course instructor. 

• Discussion activities

Face-to-face discussions between friends and colleagues is something that we all do every day. However, an online academic discussion requires a different set of skills, and might not come as naturally when your first start your online learning journey. Not to worry, you'll get the hang of it!

These activities will differ depending on the institution, but your course instructor will generally start each discussion off with a question or topic for debate. Students then need to research the topic and post their responses to the task demonstrating their own knowledge and understanding. Often, you'll end up in a debate with the ideas and views posted by fellow students. 

• Journal activities

Like discussion boards, journal activities tend to be specific to online courses. A journal entry is an ongoing update giving you the opportunity to reflect back on what you've learned during the period under review, and how you'll apply what you've learned in the future. Online learning doesn't take place in classrooms, and journal entries are straightforward ways for course instructors to get a grasp of how you're progressing through the course and if you're gaining knowledge in the right areas. 

Unlike other assignments, it is acceptable to use a subjective, personal style of writing in journal entries and refer to yourself in the first person. Think, "Over the last week, I've learned how to ..." Journal entries are often required, but ungraded - be genuine! 

Although they can be nerve-wracking, exams are a key way to test your learning.

Institutions may choose to allow students to complete their exams on their own personal computer, in a location of their choosing. Because tutors have no way to oversee a virtual exam or test, they are typically open-book and open-note. As a viable alternative, many institutions will offer the option of completing 'take-home' examinations in the form of an essay or final assignment. Some institutions may use exam software like virtual proctors, or tools to monitor if you visit new web pages. 

How Do Online Institutions Prevent Cheating?

Misinformation abounds that online students can simply cheat their way to success by purchasing assignments or using revision materials during virtual examinations. This couldn’t be further from the truth. 

Online learning doesn't mean easier learning!  Online institutions should adhere to the same standards of excellence as brick-and-mortar institutions. As online learning technology has developed, virtual institutions have perfected digital processes to prevent cheating and/or plagiarism. 

Course instructors and online institutions work hard to ensure that cheating is almost impossible in an online course. By making use of advanced plagiarism detection software, all submissions you make for your online course, from examinations to assignments are scrutinized electronically using anti-plagiarism software, and then will also be subject to additional checks by your instructor.

"Course instructors and institutions work hard to ensure that cheating is almost impossible on an online course."

Many online institutions are fully accredited institutes of higher learning. Your institution will clearly state the type of qualification you'll gain from pursuing an online program with them - from bachelor to master degrees, graduate certificates, and everything in-between. Use online learning to gain the qualifications you need! 

Despite this, students researching online institutions are still encouraged to research their accreditation, the type of qualification you'll earn from an online learning program, and the nature of the online institution itself.

The rules for accreditation and the types of qualifications an online institution is permitted to give students can vary depending on a number of factors, including:

• The country the online institution is based in; 
• If the institution is public or private; 
• The institution's official title - university, school, academy etc.; and
• The type of program the institution is offering - degree, certificate, qualification. 

Students use online learning to studying entire degree programs, get particular certifications to take the next step in their careers, or to pursue a practical qualification available online.

No matter  why  you're looking to learn online, ensure that you have a full understanding of the type of institution you'll be studying at, and how the qualifications they offer will be recognized in your country or by future employers before signing up!

Many online institutions will partner with campus-based universities to create and deliver their online programs. This enables an online institution to benefit from the specialized knowledge and technology that an online provider can offer, while the online institution is then able to offer validated degree courses through the brick-and-mortar institution. 

"Students considering online study should not be deterred by old-fashioned ideas about ‘real’ degrees only being awarded by campus-based institutions."

Online Learning and Employment 

Once you have an in-depth understanding of how your qualifications earned online are recognized in your country, you'll be able to plan how you'll talk about your online learning experience to employers!

Many employers make no differentiation between online degrees and degrees earned on campus - as long as your qualifications are recognized in your field.  For some employers, gaining your qualifications online will provide you with a unique skill set to help you stand out from the crowd of other applicants.

Students considering online study should not be deterred by old-fashioned ideas about ‘real’ degrees only being awarded by campus-based institutions. In fact, many employers now recognize that studying online (and part-time) takes a large amount of dedication and commitment. The passion and drive needed to achieve your qualifications online are characteristics of many star employees across industries.

Think studying for an online degree is something uncommon? Think again; the latest statistics show that around  33% of college students are taking at least one course online and “eventually, one-third of college students expect to study online, one-third expect to study only on campus, and one-third will do both.” This increased participation will naturally lead to increased recognition of online learning. Furthermore, there is a 71% expected increase in online enrolments overall.

Support for Online Learning

An important aspect that determines the quality of a study experience is the level of support that students receive. Many students worry that online institutions will not be able to provide the support that they need. This concern is increasingly being recognized by online learning providers, and many are working hard to ensure that students’ needs are met in all areas.

The main concern that potential students have regarding support is the lack of face-to-face help that an online course provides; however, by using technology like video calling and  the more traditional phone and email, virtual institutions are increasingly bridging the gap between online and on-campus student support.

Student Support Teams

A dedicated Student Support team often forms the core of online institutions' student support functions. The sole responsibility of this team is to provide pastoral care and support. Online (and part-time) students can experience problems and issues that are unique to this mode of study, and online learning institutions' Student Support teams will be experienced and sympathetic to the range of issues experienced by online learners.

Student Support teams are often trained in providing advice on issues from financial troubles to family commitments, and can range from minor technology troubleshooting to major life events like a bereavement. 

This isn’t the only support you receive on an online course; your fellow students are also a great source of help and advice. Using online discussion forums provided by the institution, WhatsApp and even Facebook groups, students can create an online community that supports each classmate as they overcome obstacles together as a group.

In-House & Freelance Instructors

The role that personal and pastoral support plays in an online student’s success cannot be overstated. However, academic support also plays a vital role in creating a supportive learning environment.

Online institutions vary, but many utilize a combination of in-house and freelance course instructors to create and deliver their courses. These instructors will be qualified subject experts and will be able to give academic guidance and feedback at any point in the course.

Academic feedback can sometimes be tough to receive, particularly if you’ve put a great deal of effort into a piece, but this can often be the first step towards improvement and greater confidence. Your instructors will always provide constructive commentary, giving tips and advice for the future, and this can then lead to improved confidence in decision-making and broader subject-specific understanding.

Depending on the institution, your instructor should also be available for individual sessions, and you should also be able to contact your instructor directly. Individual sessions with your instructor will enable you to ask questions about topics covered within the course, and request further feedback on your progress and areas of development.

During your course research, make sure you’ll receive the academic support you’ll need; check the office hours and availability of your instructors, the turnaround time for receiving your grades and the qualifications of the course leaders.

Popular Online Universities 

EU Business school online

Courses available in:  Business Administration (both BBA and MBA), Master in Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Master in Fashion and Luxury Business 

IUBH Online 

Courses available in:  Bachelor Data Science, Masters of Business Administration, Master Computer Science & IT Security, Master Artificial Intelligence, MBA Marketing

University of Bath Online 

Courses available in: Business Analytics MSc, Applied Economics (Banking and Financial Markets) MSc, Artificial Intelligence Online MSc

University of Essex Online 

Courses available in: BSc (Hons) Business Psychology, MSc International Healthcare Management, Master of Education (M.Ed), Graduate Certificate in Infection Control 

Want more online degree suggestions?

Use our free, online search engine to search 5,000+ online degree programs. Find your dream online degree program today! 

Keystone Team Author

The Keystone Team is comprised of experienced educators and advisors dedicated to providing valuable resources and advice to students all over the world.

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