How Online Degrees Work
Online degree programs are similar to traditional degree programs. Students register for an online class, receive a syllabus, attend lectures, read assigned texts, complete papers or other assignments, and take quizzes and exams.
The big difference, of course, is the method of delivery - the Internet.
Learn more about how online degree programs and online classes work with our step-by-step online education guide.
Technical Requirements for Participating in Online Degree Programs
Due to the nature of the online learning environment, students must possess some technical knowledge and software to be successful in online classes, including:
- A desktop or laptop computer
- Speakers and sound card (optional but standard on most computers)
- Fast, reliable access to the Internet
- Wireless Internet access (optional but recommended)
- A working email address
- An Internet browser such as Internet Explorer or Firefox
- Basic software including word processing, spreadsheet and documents readers
- Working audio and video software (not required for all classes)
- Basic knowledge of file management, downloading, and software installation
Step-by-step guide to how online classes work:
• Registration• Class Schedules
• Syllabus/Class Handouts
• Lectures
• Reading Assignments
• Interacting with Peers and Professors
• Assignments/Papers
• Exams
• Counseling/Academic Advising
• Financial Aid
Registration
Review lists of available classes and register for classes online through the school's web site.
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Class Schedules
Some online colleges offer synchronous or live classes that the student attends online at a set time. Some offer asynchronous classes that allow students to retrieve course materials and lectures online at their convenience. Others offer blended classes that involve both face-to-face and online interaction.
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Syllabus/Class Handouts
Any documents that would usually be distributed on paper in a traditional classroom are made available online in the form of a Web page dedicated to your class or an attached document in an e-mail. Class documents may be in several forms including Word, PowerPoint, .pdf, or other formats.
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Lectures
With online degree programs, some lectures may be available for students to read as text documents. Some online colleges offer streaming video and audio lectures.
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Reading Assignments
Reading assignments can come in the form of traditional text documents or online text documents. When textbooks are required, students can usually order them through the school and have them delivered by regular mail.
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Interacting with Peers and Professors
In some online degree programs, classes are divided into small groups in which students share email addresses in order to work on a class project together. Some online classes also use virtual bulletin boards, chat rooms, and instant-messenger. Students may even have the option of emailing professors directly.
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Assignments/Papers
Assignments are written on your computer and submitted either through a class web site, the school's online interface, or as attachments to emails. Some classes assign group projects that may involve chat, emails, and other forms of collaboration.
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Exams
Many online classes may require a final project (often in collaboration with other classmates). Traditional exams with multiple-choice or short-answer questions may be taken directly online. In some formats, exams are distributed and the student has a limited period of time to write an essay.
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Counseling/Academic Advising
Many online colleges offer counseling and academic advising in an online format, like email, chat, or other communication methods. Counselors may also be also available on the phone.
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Financial Aid
The financial aid process - application, loan acceptance and management, and payment - is conducted primarily online. Most schools integrate financial aid programs into their online learning interface and offer financial aid counseling via email, chat, or phone
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We hope this guide to online education has helped!
Remember, online degrees are much like traditional degrees. In fact, with many schools, the degree earned online is the exact same degree that would be earned with a traditional degree program.
Be sure to always carefully research the online university you're interested in, and make sure it is a respected school with the appropriate accreditations. Learn more about online accreditation at Accreditation for Online Colleges.
Browse some of today's top online schools now at University.com!
