How online classes work

If you're unfamiliar with the concept of online learning, allow us to give you a brief overview. Online courses are an exceptionally accessible, flexible resource whether your goal is gaining new skills, working towards your degree, or advancing your career with a program certificate.

 

Come to class whenever it's convenient for you by choosing when and where you participate in class. Your course is conducted according to a schedule, but there are usually no "live" classes to attend. Instead, lectures, coursework, and discussions all take place at your convenience. You choose the place - at home, at school - wherever you have access to a computer, modem, and an Internet Service Provider (ISP). You'll get the same high-quality instruction and course content that you demand, but without the day-to-day obstacles that prevent so many of us from pursuing other goals. With online learning, commuting to campus and paying for childcare are things of the past.

 

Online courses can be quite varied in their overall approach to the teaching and learning process, but they often have certain characteristics in common. In all online courses, students use a computer to connect to a course site on the World Wide Web. Standard classroom books and printed materials are typically used in combination with online lectures, assignments, and supplementary course materials. Some courses have formal lectures, similar in length and content to lectures given in face-to-face classes. Online lectures may be entirely text-based or consist of some combination of text, graphics, sound and video. Other courses break the content up into smaller units or abandon the lecture entirely, instead relying on group discussion and others types of learning activities.

 

You will communicate with your professor and other students via online forums, chat rooms, text messages, e-mail and electronic submissions. The course is designed so that you receive course assignments, complete them on your own time (but with a scheduled due date), and then return them as electronic documents. Your instructor will evaluate them and provide feedback. Many courses will also use, as an integral part of the course, a threaded discussion forum which you can use to share information, collaborate, and interact with other members of your class.

 

Depending on the course design, you probably will take your tests or exams online. A few course may require that you come to a testing room on campus. Additionally, some courses and programs may require predetermined trips to campus, which you should plan for before registering. You can find out about the course requirements in the schedule of classes.

 

You should expect to spend as much time for study, or perhaps more, as a classroom course since you are managing your own learning using the online information and materials. This requires that you be self-disciplined, motivated, and have some skills using a networked computer and a Web browser. The content and rigor of the online courses offered by theLos Angeles Southwest COllege is equivalent to the on-campus version of the same course. In fact, in some cases, on-campus and off-campus students are combined into the same course section.

 

If this is your first online class, you are in for a great experience. But to be successful, you must keep a few things in mind.

1. Online classes at LASC follow the same academic schedule as our other classes. The classes start on the the day published in the schedule of classes and you must find your class and sign in on or before that date, or you may loose your place in the class. If you have any problems finding your class or getting in, email your professor as soon as possible.
   
   
2. Online classes at LASC are all asynchronous-paced classes. This means you do not have to be online at any particular time, but you must complete assignments according to the schedule established by your instructor. This is very important! You cannot work at your own pace, but must adhere to the class's schedule. You will probably have assignments the first week of class, so again it is important that you find your class and sign in.
   
   
3. Online classes offer the opportunity to fit classes into your busy schedule and are fun, exciting learning experience. They have the same requirement for class hours and outside assignments as traditional classes. They are not for everyone. Online classes require a great deal of self discipline and time management. You must read everything posted on the class web site very carefully!
   
   
4. Most online classes at LASC can be found by going to http://online.lasc.edu . Once there you will need to Set Up Your Account . You will find a link with a tutorial on how to do this on the main page.
   
   
5. In order to take a online class you need three things:
   
   
   • A reliable computer with a reliable internet connection. The syllabus for your class, which you will find when you login to your online class's web site will outline the exact computer and software requirements. Remember you can use the various computer labs on LASC's campus to do your online work, but you must factor into your schedule when these labs are available.
     
     
   • The ability to use a browser and basic windows skills (cut, copy, paste, create folders, save and retrieve files etc.)
     
     
   • An active Email Account. You can NOT take an online class if you do not have an email account. If you do not have a currently active one, you can get one free from http://hotmail.com , http://yahoo.com , or http://gmail.com . If you have an email already, you can use it in your online class.
     
     
6. Often online classes will offer an orientation session. The schedule for this session is published here in the class schedule. These sessions are very important for your online success and should not be missed.

The Student Learning Center is a great place to get help with all of your classes