Characteristics of an Online Course
What are they?
When referring to online classes, these are what you probably think of first. This is where the student and instructor never see each other- except through writing and exchanging pictures.
Through robust instructional design, the instructor sets up activities to aid in the learning of material online. Students usually attend online classes because they are more convenient for them and their schedule. Learning online has proven to be just as- if not more effective than the traditional classroom.
Characteristics of an Online Class
- Student logs on to perform class activities when they have time- 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
- Students perform assignments both online and/or offline (depending on how the instructor has it set up)
- Students take quizzes/exams online or through a proctored exam site such a library.
- Activities are student centered rather than instructor centered.
- Group projects aid in student collaboration.
- Discussion boards add peer and instructor feedback capabilities.
- Writing is often intensive.
- Instructor is no longer the focus of attention- many times, they act as a facilitator of instruction.
