S
Learning OnlineA Comparison
Going to Class
In a traditional class you meet at a specific time and place each week.
Going to Class
In an online class, you access your course multiple times during the week according to your schedule.
Participating in Discussions
In a traditional class you have class discussions and, sometimes, small-
group discussions. These discussions happen during the class
time and feedback is immediate.
Participating in Discussions
In an online class, you have discussions in a written format (i.e. like
Facebook comments or email exchanges) either as a class or in small-groups. These discussions
happen over a period of time (usually a week) and feedback is not immediate.
Learning in Class
In a traditional class your professor may lecture for a portion of the class and then have you participate in various activities (i.e. group projects, research activities, quizzes, tests, labs, demonstrations);
sometimes you are a passive learner and sometimes you are an active learner.
Learning in Class
In an online class your professor may ask you to read articles, watch short videos, and then have you participate in various
activities (i.e. online discussions, web-site tours, quizzes, tests); like a traditional course, sometimes you are a passive
learner and sometimes you are an active learner.
Reading your Textbook
In a traditional class your professor requires the purchase of one or more
textbooks and assigns readings throughout the duration of the course.
Reading your Textbook
In an online class readings from a textbooks are like the traditional class but the textbook could be accessed through the course as an electronic
textbook, or, you may have to purchase the textbook and have it shipped to you.
Submitting Assignments
In a traditional class your professor gives you assignments to complete (i.e.
research papers, reports, journal entries) and then you submit them in class when
they are due.
Submitting Assignments
In an online class your professor gives you assignments to complete (i.e.
papers, reports, journal entries) and then you submit them online as either file
attachments, copy/pasted text, or via a specific tool in the course.
Taking Tests and Quizzes
In a traditional class you take tests and quizzes during class time; these assessments
are sometimes open-book or sometimes closed-book and can have many types of questions (i.e. multiple-choice, true/false,
matching, essay, short answer). After taking the assessment, your professor evaluates
them and returns them at a later date.
Taking Tests and Quizzes
In an online class you take tests and quizzes via a specific and these assessments are usually open for
only a short period of time, and they may also be timed, so once you start taking them you may only
have one or two hours to complete them. After taking the assessment, you may receive a score
immediately (i.e. if the assessment contained just multiple-choice and true/false questions) or your professor may need time to evaluate any written
responses to questions.