ITS Home > Workshops and Handouts > Facuty Handouts > FAQ about Online Courses
FAQ about Online Courses


item iconWhat are online courses?
Online courses are instructor-supported, web-based courses that allow students to complete course work at home or at a location of their choice. These courses are delivered online and are intended for the student with personal access to the Internet, a computer with browser software, and familiarity with e-mail and Internet usage. There may be no regularly scheduled class sessions. As a result, there may be usually less face-to-face meetings.

item iconHow do online courses Work?

The online courses are designed to take advantage of the technology's strengths, rather than to simply replicate a model that works well in a face-to-face traditional classroom.

item iconHow do students take online courses?

With web access through an Internet Service Provider (ISP) and a current web browser (Netscape or Microsoft Internet Explorer), students "go to class" via computer. Students in an online course interact with the instructor and other students via e-mail or in a chat room. Students have flexibility to schedule their online time.

item iconCan anyone take an online course?

Online courses offer some tremendous benefits but are definitely not for everyone. Motivated learners and self-starters who are comfortable with computers and the Web make the best online students.

item iconWhat are online students like?

Online students are typically the same students seen on any college campus. Students prefer online education for a variety of reasons including the technology itself or elimination of scheduling and transportation problems. Individual with disabilities may also find it helpful. They are generally self-motivated.

item iconCan students take an online course at their own paces?

Yes, if the course is 100% web-based.
This form of education is called asynchronous. It is not time-or place-dependent. With asynchronous communication, students can participate when and where it is convenient for them, whether that is 3:00 in the morning, or on an airplane bound for Hawaii.

item iconIs an online course easier than a face-to-face class?

Actually, if everything goes well, they are about the same. The learning method, however, is different. In an online course, you focus on reading and writing, unlike a traditional classroom setting where you listen and observe. Auditory learners may have difficulty in accepting this more visual learning process.

item iconWhat computer equipment is needed to take an online course?

Minimum hardware requirement is a 386 with 8 MB RAM, 120 Meg HD, a VGA monitor and a minimum 9600 bps modem. We strongly recommend a 486 (or higher) with 16 MB RAM or more, 500 Meg HD, SVGA monitor and a 28.8 or higher bps modem. While not required, a CD-ROM is certainly recommended. Students must also have a working knowledge of computers, an Internet browser, access to an Internet Service Provider (ISP), and standard personal computer applications, i.e.: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, E-mail, etc.

item iconDo students have to be an expert in computers to take classes this way?

No. Students should however, know how to use their computer; how to save and retrieve files; how to use the simple functions of a word-processor; and how to use a modem. They should also be comfortable with browsing the Internet and using e-mail.

item iconWhat is the typical monthly connection bill for a student enrolled in an online course?

When enrolled and actively participating in a class, students should expect to use approximately 3-6 hours of online connect time per week. In the U.S., the cost equivalent of this monthly direct dial connect time could be comparable to the cost of gasoline, parking fees, babysitters, or meals when attending a traditional campus to complete classes. Some of your work is conducted "offline", but e-mail, course chats and research require online time.

item iconHow many hours per week do students devote to an online course?

Students generally spend between 15-20 hours per week for a 3 credit course on their coursework which includes the reading, writing, studying, and computer time required.

item iconHow will students take exams in online courses?

How students will be tested depends on which online course they are enrolled in. Some instructors may evaluate student performance based on the assignments, papers or projects that they submit online, whereas others will require proctored testing. Courses that require proctored testing will indicate this on the course syllabus.

item iconHow do students get their books or course materials?

This will depend on the course. All books and materials will be available in the college bookstore. Check with the instructor, the books may be available through an online source.

item iconWhat is the difference between a traditional course and an online course?

Taking an online class is self-directed study, making it different than the traditional classroom. It takes motivation to be an online student. Without a teacher looking over their shoulder, the students have to guide their own study, find the answers they need to get past a problem, and keep up with the class timetable.

item iconHow do students communicate with the instructor?

Students in an online class will often have more contact with the instructor than those in a more traditional format. The instructor will be available for electronic contact through communication tools such as e-mail or chat-room. In addition, students may have the option of telephoning the instructor or come to campus for an appointment during designated hours, if necessary. The course syllabus should list the instructor's phone numbers, addresses, etc. Their communication form should be outlined in the syllabus too.

item iconWhat are the benefits of Taking Online Courses?

There are significant learning benefits attributed to online courses. Students can take their time reviewing the class comments, lectures, and composing responses at an individual pace. Students and faculty find that a greater level of depth and breadth can be achieved. Students may also find that their time can be used more efficiently in the online format, since travel time and related classroom activities such as taking roll and distributing paperwork, etc., are eliminated in the online version.

item iconWhat do the online learners say about online courses?

"Easy to fit into my schedule." Maria Evans, 55, retired nurse (1999)
I just had a baby 2 weeks prior to the class and also had a 2 year old. I would not be able to go to school for these classes. And online course is really a good choice for me." Sun Young, 34, student (1999)

"Distance to the college - convenience of ability to work anytime day or night." Jane, 27, student (2000)

"I was drawn to this class because of having to spend so much time in the lab. I like being home." Xueqing Yu, 30, computer engineer (2000)

item iconHow can I find out more?

If you have specific questions regarding online learning that are not answered in this handout, please feel free to contact Learning Online Team for further information by e-mail (lot@tamu.edu) or call 979-862-3977. You are also welcome to visit our web site at http://lot.tamu.edu.

References:

http://www.trident.tec.sc.us/fscc/online.html

http://www.grad.usda.gov/programs_services/corres/onlinefaq.cfm

http://168.28.242.110/bol/admin/on-linecoursestart1.html

http://www.mccneb.edu/als/online_new.htm

http://www.dvc.edu/online/onlinefaqs.htm

http://www.gwu.edu/~etl/online.html

http://www.skills-ware.com/signup_form/FAQ.html

Brandon Hall, Web-Based Training, Wiley Computer Publishing, John Wiley & Sons, INC. 1997.