How Online Courses Work
An online course is generally asynchronous, meaning that you, your classmates, and instructor do not need to participate at the same time. In most cases, you can take the course from anywhere in the world and you never need to meet in a face-to-face setting. Online courses are convenient for working professionals because they allow 24/7 access to course materials, so you can study and complete assignments according to your own schedule and the deadlines set in the course schedule.
You may be required to purchase a textbook or additional software to complete the course requirements. Examples of information you will find on a course website include: announcements, course schedule, syllabus, frequently asked questions (FAQs), file links to course materials, assignments, online quizzes and exams, and your grade book. You will submit most of your assignments electronically using a digital drop box on the course website.
Scheduling Your Time
Courses follow a regular 15-week semester schedule. You should be prepared to adhere to this schedule. You will participate in online discussions and meet scheduled deadlines for assignments, projects, and exams. Details will be posted on a course schedule at the beginning of the semester so that you can plan your personal and professional schedule accordingly.
Be prepared to spend time outside of "class time" to read, study, and complete assignments. More time may be required for large projects. Some assignments are group projects while others are designed for you to work independently.
Lectures
Asynchronous lectures are streamed right to your computer at any time--24/7. Watch them as often as you choose. Notes and transcripts may accompany and enhance each lecture and will be posted on the course web site. Course lectures usually contain a mixture of audio and visuals to allow the instructor to explain, slide-by-slide, details that cannot be clearly illustrated by text or pictures alone.
Assignments, Quizzes, and Tests
Course assessments test comprehension and practical application of material covered in lectures, in assigned readings, or in online discussion sessions. Assessment is different for each course but is explained in the course syllabus, which is available at the beginning of each semester. Examples of assessments include:
- Regular homework assignments
- Research papers
- Quizzes
- Midterm and final exams
- Individual or group projects
You will be able to submit all of your course work electronically. In some cases, you may have to find a proctor approved by your instructor to monitor your progress in an exam.
Graduate Honor Code
All courses will abide by the Graduate Honor System. Your attendance at an exam or submission of any assignments shall be your pledge that you subscribe to and accept the Graduate Honor Code and Honor System. You are expected to:
- Turn in all assignments on time or with a documented excuse if they are late.
- Report any Honor Code violations that you have directly observed.
Religious and Ethnic Holidays
Instructors should make accommodations for anyone who misses an assignment because of a religious or ethnic holiday. Please refer to the list of holidays posted by the University Registrar. If you wish to reschedule because of a conflict with one of the holidays:
- Please send an e-mail note to your instructor at least one week before the due date of the assignment.
- Indicate that you are requesting to reschedule for religious or ethnic reasons.
- Specify the day in conflict and the holiday that you observe.
Your instructor will respond with information on making up the assignment.
July 8, 2008
