Student Guidelines for Online Classes
Taking an online course has many advantages. Benefits include flexibility with schedule to assure timely degree progress, the ability to communicate with your classmates and your instructor from the convenience of your own home or workplace, and enhanced access to course content and class conversation.
However, an online course is not for everyone. For instance, if you need the discipline of meeting regularly in-person and you enjoy the in-person interaction with other students and your instructor, you are more likely to prefer a regular classroom or hybrid course format.
Online courses are not easier than traditional face-to-face courses.
Online courses require the same time investment as face-to-face courses.
Online courses require strong time management skills.
Online courses demand engagement.
Most online courses employ active learning strategies (where students actively participate in the learning process, as opposed to passively taking in course content). Online courses are no place to hide. In online courses you will be expected to discuss course concepts, interact with the professors and other students, and, to a considerable extent, take charge of your own learning. A high level of participation is usually a significant part of your final grade.
Online courses require you to be tech savvy.
To excel in online courses, you need to be comfortable using a computer and navigating the Internet. You will need to be able to use a web browser, email, and a word processor and understand how to save, send, share, and open files in several types of software.
Student Guidelines for Hybrid Classes
For students who have mastered basic time management and active learning skills, hybrid courses offer numerous rewards, including having a more flexible schedule and the opportunity to re-read (or re-watch) course material whenever and as often as they want. Hybrid courses can be an excellent option for students juggling family responsibilities, jobs with odd hours, or students who have scheduling conflicts with other classes and/or sports commitments.
However, hybrid courses are not right for everyone. For instance, if active learning is still difficult for you, and/or you need the discipline of meeting regularly in-person to stay focused in class, you are more likely to prefer an entirely in-person classroom.
Students should keep the following points in mind before enrolling in a hybrid course:
Hybrid courses require students to be prepared.
Since hybrid classes typically present most course content online instead of via in-class lectures, class meeting times are usually devoted to collaborative activities, conversations, or even doing “homework” in class with the instructor providing feedback. You should not expect to just show up for an in-person class session. You must come to class prepared.
Hybrid courses are not easier than traditional face-to-face courses.
Just because you are attending fewer in-person classes does not mean that you will be doing less work. You can expect hybrid courses to have the same rigor and expectations as face-to-face and online courses.
Hybrid courses require the same time investment as campus-based courses.
Hybrid courses require strong time management skills.
While your required in-person class meetings will occur fewer times than in traditional classes, you will still need to meet deadlines for reading course materials, participating in discussions, and handing in assignments.