Online Expectations

Q and A

Every student enters an online classroom with certain expectations. The following Q&A  explains common expectations students and instructors have about the online learning experience.

How much time should I expect to spend per week on my online course?
It is a common misconception that online courses take less time per week than face-to-face courses. In actuality, online courses often require a substantial time commitment. Although the amount of time required for an online course varies, it is a good rule of thumb to allocate about 12 to 15 hours per week per online course.

 You should expect the following:

• The amount of homework required in an online course will be roughly the same as that assigned in a face-to-face course.
• Most online courses will ask that you spend time participating in discussions with the instructor and other learners. These discussions will play a central role in your learning experience.
• You may be asked to play an active role in group or team activities. This will involve coordinating and working with several other learners who may be dispersed across different regions and time zones.

Can I take the course at my own pace?
Some online courses are self-paced, meaning that you can complete the materials on your own schedule as long as you are finished by the conclusion of the semester.
However, most online courses will be facilitated by an instructor and require that learners adhere to a course schedule for readings, assignments, and discussions with other learners. It will be important for your success to adhere to this schedule, so you can contribute to discussions and group projects in meaningful ways. Your presence in the course will only be apparent if you participate!

Do I need to come to campus for anything?
If this course is being offered fully online, you will not need to come to campus. Some courses are offered as Hybrid, which means there is a combination of face-to-face classroom instruction as well as online components. The course Syllabus will offer more detailed information for each course.

Do I need books for an online education course?
Instructors generally require students to use textbooks for their online classes. The course Syllabus will offer more detailed information for each course.

How will I communicate with the instructor during the course?
Most instructors can be contacted through the Canvas Inbox and may also answer questions in a discussion forum. To better communicate with you, some instructors may even create a Questions and Answers topic in the discussion forum. Your instructor will advise you about preferred method of communication in the syllabus/course outline. Some instructors will give you an outside email address or telephone contact to use in case of emergencies.

How will I turn in assignments and receive grades?
Your instructor will let you know how you are expected to turn in assignments and receive grades in the syllabus/course outline. Typically, you will use an online submission in Canvas to submit your assignments.

Your instructor's policy for late work will appear in the syllabus/course outline; this should also specify the time-frame for when you can expect work to be graded or receive an email response from your instructor. For instance, your instructor may state that they will return email within 48 hours except on weekends, and will grade assignments within seven business days.