Required Tech Skills
Prior to taking an online class, students should be able to proficiently navigate through the Internet, use search engines, and perform assorted email and word processing tasks. Students should also know how to use a word processing program like Microsoft Word, how to copy and paste from one screen to another, how to "bookmark" (add "Favorites"), and generally be familiar with organizing email, bookmarks, and word documents into files and folders. In addition, it's good to be familiar with using threaded discussion boards and/or chat rooms.
Typical Online Lecture - Single Day
A typical online course has about 20 students in the class. The professor will post assignments through Blackboard, and then typically the students will have to post on a discussion board.
Typical Online Course - Start to Finish
One the first week, students are given the course syllabus, which provides a guideline for the whole semester, along with the instructor's contact information and office hours. There are weekly assignments and usually, every other week, tests or quizzes. Many midterms and finals are proctored, but some aren't.
Online Testing & Grading
The content of online courses is just like face-to-face courses: weekly assignments, papers due at set dates, quizzes and exams, and participation. The grading and testing process depends on the instructor. The following is an example of grading method: participation counts for 10 percent, quizzes 20 percent, exams 40 percent, and midterms and final exams 30 percent.