Dr. Ed Morris Professor of Psychology OCTC

Thinking about an online class? This is the place to start!

How is an online class different? Online classes have the same content and objectives as regular classes. Online classes have the same content and objectives as regular classes. They require certain special skills, though. They require certain special skills, though. However, online classes are not all alike. However, online classes are not all alike.

What special skills are needed? You need to be familiar with how to use the internet. You need to be familiar with how to use the internet. You must be comfortable with using , including adding attachments to your messages. You must be comfortable with using , including adding attachments to your messages. You need to be disciplined in your approach to your studies. You need to be disciplined in your approach to your studies. Strong study skills and reading ability are musts! Strong study skills and reading ability are musts!

How online classes work… Most online classes require you to get in touch with your instructor, BEFORE the class starts. Most online classes require you to get in touch with your instructor, BEFORE the class starts. Most classes have an orientation. This may be online or in person. Most classes have an orientation. This may be online or in person. –Be sure to make a note of any passwords or user names given to you at this orientation. VERY IMPORTANT! Online classes may have several meetings during the semester that must be attended, either online or in person. Find out about this before signing-up. Online classes may have several meetings during the semester that must be attended, either online or in person. Find out about this before signing-up.

How online classes work… Most online classes will have much more homework than regular classes. Most online classes will have much more homework than regular classes. –While you may not attend classes at a regular time, you will need to have at least the amount of time available to do the work of the class. Many online classes have more deadlines for assignments that you have to keep up with. Many online classes have more deadlines for assignments that you have to keep up with. You may have to come on campus to take exams. Or, exams may be administered online. You should be careful to find out how exams will be handled as soon as possible. You may have to come on campus to take exams. Or, exams may be administered online. You should be careful to find out how exams will be handled as soon as possible.

Important rules! Include your name and the course name in all s to your instructor. Include your name and the course name in all s to your instructor. Put your name and course on all documents. Put your name and course on all documents. Never send jokes, chain-mail, or inspirational s to your classmates or instructors. In fact, dont forward anything to others in the class without checking with them first. Never send jokes, chain-mail, or inspirational s to your classmates or instructors. In fact, dont forward anything to others in the class without checking with them first. Write your messages and other documents in clear, standard English. Write as you would any other instructor. Never use netspeak, or IM shorthand. Write your messages and other documents in clear, standard English. Write as you would any other instructor. Never use netspeak, or IM shorthand.

Why take an online class? If you cant attend regular classes. If you cant attend regular classes. If you cant attend a class you need for your program at the time it is offered. If you cant attend a class you need for your program at the time it is offered. You need flexibility in your schedule for another reason. You need flexibility in your schedule for another reason.

Reasons NOT to take a class online… They are easier (WRONG). They are easier (WRONG). They require less work (VERY WRONG). They require less work (VERY WRONG). They probably will require more reading (RIGHT). They probably will require more reading (RIGHT). They allow you to work more independently (Some may, but many involve a good deal of collaboration). They allow you to work more independently (Some may, but many involve a good deal of collaboration).

If you want to take a class online… Have the time to devote to it. Have the time to devote to it. Feel comfortable with the Internet and . Feel comfortable with the Internet and . Find out about requirements ahead of time. Find out about requirements ahead of time. Contact your instructor EARLY! Contact your instructor EARLY! Dont get behind! Dont get behind!

For more information: Online Students' Guide Online Students' Guide Online Students' Guide Online Students' Guide Kentucky Virtual University Kentucky Virtual University Kentucky Virtual University Kentucky Virtual University OCTC Library OCTC Library OCTC Library OCTC Library KCTCS Distance Learning Orientation 6 KCTCS Distance Learning Orientation 6 KCTCS Distance Learning Orientation 6 KCTCS Distance Learning Orientation 6 Attachments to - Mr. Wayne Rogers Attachments to - Mr. Wayne Rogers Attachments to - Mr. Wayne Rogers Attachments to - Mr. Wayne Rogers eLearners Advisor - eLearners.com eLearners Advisor - eLearners.com eLearners Advisor - eLearners.com eLearners Advisor - eLearners.com