Questions and Answers About Taking Online Classes
What is an online course?
IVCC online classes are regular,
college-level courses delivered to you over the Internet. Students
interact with the instructor and other students using a variety of
communications tool, including email, chat, discussion boards, and other
World Wide Web technologies.
Will I work at my own pace?
That depends on the instructor.
As you read through course descriptions or outlines, look for the words
synchronous or asynchronous. Most courses follow a schedule, with
assignments due at specific deadlines throughout the semester. Much of the
work can be completed at times convenient to you (asynchronous).
Occasionally you may meet with the class online as a group at a specific
time (synchronous).
How much time will I have to spend on the course?
Most classes are structured
around the traditional schedule. Fall courses run from August to December.
Spring courses start in January and end in May. And summer courses begin
in May or June and wrap up in August. A traditional three-semester-hour
course meets three hours each week, and students can expect to spend 3-6
hours per week on homework. In an online class, you should combine those
hours, and anticipate spending 6-10 hours on your coursework.
| Traditional
Course Classroom meeting 3 hours Homework 3-6 hours Total 6-9 hours |
Online Course at least 6-10 hours per week |
Is an online course easier than a regular course?
That’s a matter of opinion.
Most students agree that online courses are challenging. The content of
the class is the same as a regular class. You are not tied down to a
traditional schedule, which can be a good or bad thing. If you are a busy
person (and who isn’t), it is often easier to complete course work at
your convenience. But it also requires self-discipline.
Do I need special equipment or skills to take an online course?
You will need access to a
computer and the Internet. If you do not have access to the Internet, you
may use computers in the IVCC Computer Resource Center, located in Computer Resource Center,
to complete coursework. You might also contact your public library about
the availability of computers for this purpose.
You will need an e-mail address, which the staff in the Computer Resource Center can help you obtain if you don’t already have one.
Most courses require that you have word processing software, preferably Word. You may also be required to have course specific software. For instance, if you are taking an accounting class, you will need spreadsheet software.
You will be most successful in an online course if you are
· Self-motivated
· Able to dedicate time to your coursework
· Comfortable communicating in writing
· Enjoy reading
· Not intimidated by computers, email, or other communications technologies
· Adaptable
To learn more about succeeding in online courses, visit the OASIS online student assessment page at www.ilcco.net/oasis.
Are online courses transferable?
IVCC online credit courses are
comparable to the traditional classroom courses, and are required to meet
state educational standards. You should contact your counselor at 815-224-0360
to verify that the course you are interested in applies to your degree and
transfers to the institution of your choice.
Do I buy a textbook?
Generally courses have a
textbook. You can purchase textbooks for IVCC courses at the IVCC
bookstore or online at www.ivcc.edu/bookstore.
When can I get started with the course? How do I know when to begin?
Links to course information is
provided on the IVCC Online Classes page (www.ivcc.edu/online-courses/).
You may be able to visit a course page prior to the start of the semester
and begin doing some background reading. Most courses follow the typical
school calendar. So you shouldn’t expect your instructor to be ready to
begin the class before the first day of the semester, as printed in the
Schedule of Classes (www.ivcc.edu/schedules).
You should email your instructor within the week prior to the start of
class.
How do I contact my instructor?
Email is the communication mode
of choice. Instructors can also be phoned during their office hours. If
you haven’t heard from your instructor by the first day of classes, you
should contact the instructor. Contact information is available on the
IVCC Online Classes page (www.ivcc.edu/online-courses/). If you have
difficulty contacting an instructor, call the Learning Technologies office
at 815-224-0451 or email Emily_Vescogni@ivcc.edu.
How do I get library materials?
A wide array of library materials are available online through the library
Web site (www.ivcc.edu/library/).
Contact the library for passwords and authorization codes. You are also
encouraged to make occasional trips to campus to use the library. Books
ordered from other libraries through the interlibrary loan system are
delivered to the IVCC Jacobs Library. A student ID is required for all
library transactions.
How do I take tests?
That depends on the Instructor.
Some instructors use online tests. Others assign different types of
assessments, such as group projects or portfolios.
If your instructor chooses to require a pen-and-paper exam, you will need to have it proctored. A proctor monitors your exam in a controlled environment. You may contact the Assessment Center at 815-224-0552 to set up an appointment to have a test proctored. Your instructor will need to deliver the test to the Assessment Center prior to that date. The Assessment Center will mail the test to the instructor.
Is technical help available?
Yes. If you need assistance with communications tools or software issues,
contact the staff in the Computer Resource Center at 815-224-0318. Visit their
Web site (www.ivcc.edu/crc)
for information about orientation sessions. If you are having trouble with
your computer, you will need to contact the manufacturer or the store
where you bought it. If you are having trouble with your Internet
connection, you should contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
Learning Technologies
Illinois Valley Community College
815 N. Orlando Smith Ave.
Oglesby, IL 61348
Phone (815) 224-0451
Fax (815) 224-0445
Emily_Vescogni@ivcc.edu