If you are new to online learning, you are probably wondering what it is like to take an online course. In a traditional class, you see your instructor and classmates during regularly scheduled time in a classroom, and you may question how this interaction happens in an online class? You may wonder how do you know when to turn in assignments or how to take an exam? Or, when do you have to "attend" class online?

Online courses have the same requirements and similar activities to in-person courses; the difference is the course takes place online and asynchronously (meaning that you, your classmates, and your instructor are all working in the same class but not always at the same time). Online classes at LLCC are not “live.” That said, they are not self-paced either. They follow the same semester calendars as in-person classes do. While online students can complete assignments day or night, coursework must be submitted by the assignment deadlines given by the instructor.

What to Expect

To “attend” an online course, you will log into the Canvas learning management system (LMS), which is what you are using for this orientation, and click on the course link or card. You will use your LLCC online account credentials. (username and password) to log into Canvas - these are the same credentials you will use for all LLCC systems, including email and Logger Central.
Inside your online class, you will see regular announcements posted from your instructor, a course syllabus, course content (this may be a combination of digital materials and media), a discussion board, and possibly testing tools. Your instructor will provide you with a course schedule with activity and assignment due dates. You will want to familiarize yourself with your online course early and make note of due dates.
Interaction with classmates will vary in each online course, but a common method is through the course discussion board. An online discussion will typically involve a group of students or the entire class. Messages are posted in the discussion board for participants to read and respond to. A discussion can last for a few days, a week, or even longer. You will find online discussions as thought-provoking as any face-to-face classroom discussion and as meaningful to your learning. When participating in a discussion board forum or any online course interaction, it is important to follow netiquette guidelines and conduct yourself as you would in any academic classroom.
Assignments and course activities will depend on the the course(s) you are taking online. While they may vary between classes, they will be similar to assignments you have had in previous traditional classes. For example, rather than handing in a paper in person, you will upload your digital document into the course site.
Quizzes and Exams are also conducted through the online course in Canvas. Your instructor may have a proctored quiz or exam during your class, which will be administered using the college’s online proctoring system. It is important that you follow all instructions when taking an online exam (proctored or not) and plan to take your exams in a quiet location with a good Internet connection. Course specific quiz and exam information will be provided by your instructor.

What Not to Expect

Now that we have covered the basics of what to expect in an online course, there may be some misperceptions about online learning that you have heard. The next module on the Myths of Online Learning has been created to help you have a clearer understanding of what not to expect in your online course at LLCC.

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