What is Online Learning?
Online learning is a type of distance education that uses the Internet to present information in a particular format, such as a course, a module, a lab, a simulation, a demonstration, or a live lecture. It can offer information in a text-based format or as audio or video clips. Online learning is a very popular, flexible option for today’s students—it allows you to learn at your pace, any place, any time.
Time Committment
Although it will vary from course to course, anticipate spending roughly the same amount of time on a web-based course as a traditional class. For a typical university-level class, that would be about nine hours per week. You will save time by not having to travel to campus for classes.
You will probably be spending much of that travel time in different ways. Face-to-face classes rely heavily on lectures; online courses use print extensively. Virtual students spend an hour or more per week reading their classmates' postings, responding to them, and even acting as a facilitator to the online discussion.
Participation is not optional!
To learn online, you have to be actively involved in your course. Imagine a face-to-face class discussion where no one said a word. Online discussions would be just like that if people did not participate. Online courses often have a large discussion component that relies heavily on your input at specific points within the course.
Group work may also be required in some courses. Be prepared to interact and learn from classmates using online tools to facilitate the process. (See more on Interactions)
How are online courses different from classroom-based or independent studies courses?
Classroom-based courses usually involve lectures and are considered the traditional way of presenting university classes. They are scheduled in a set classroom at a set time over a set period (i.e. one or two terms). Technology is not necessarily a key component in a classroom-based course, though PowerPoint or other types of technology may be used.
Independent study courses, previously called correspondence courses, are primarily paper-based in format and are completed independently. Course materials, which may be course guides, print packages, articles, textbooks, videos, or CD-ROMs, are mailed to you. You have access to your instructor by phone or via email. Independent studies courses permit you complete flexibility to decide when and where you work on your course.
Online courses are presented through a web-based format. At the University of Saskatchewan, most courses are delivered through a password protected website using "Blackboard". The course website will usually contain the majority of the content, research resources, expected readings, as well as discussion forums and information on assignments. In essence, the online course becomes your classroom with built-in opportunities for interaction as well as support. Contact with the instructor is usually through email or by phone.
Online and independent study courses have scheduled exams and deadlines for assignments and activities, just like their on-campus equivalents.
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