How Do Online Classes Work?

The process is fairly simple.

• You develop the course using your existing, publisher, and/or new materials in conjunction with your faculty trainer or experienced online faculty peers.
• The class is put through a review process for quality control prior to launch date.
• Students register online or through the admissions office.
• At the beginning of the semester, you send an initial email to all of your online students telling them how to get into your class, what to expect, and where to begin.
• Students begin work in your class according to your instructional design. Students can take quizzes, tests, perform exercises, hand in papers, participate in group projects, participate in discussions, etc.
• You communicate with them via email and discussion boards online to facilitate learning and answer any questions they have.
• At the end of the semester, you assign each student a grade just like you would in any other class.
• So, you can see that the process is very similar to your traditional class. However, instead of answering student questions face to face, you will have to answer them through the use of email, discussion boards, chats, etc. You may find that it takes more time, but you can always revise your instruction to combat frequently asked questions or gaps in instruction. As you continue to grow as an online instructor, you will see what works, what doesn’t and you can make revisions-just like in your traditional class.