Is Online For You?

In today’s day and age, going to college can look like many things.  You can takes classes the traditional way with an instructor in a classroom setting; you can have a hands on experience in a lab, or even exclusive hands on experience in a tech program.  Another option is taking courses online.  A question I get frequently as an advisor is, “what are online courses like?”  I want to talk a little about what you should expect for online courses, and some tips that might be helpful to succeed in an online course.

UVU online courses are semester based and are not “independent study”. They follow the same dates and deadlines as face-to-face semester courses.  In addition, online course are managed through an online learning management system (LMS). The LMS we use at UVU is Canvas.

Obviously, taking a course online can afford you flexibility and convenience of when and where to take a class.  You can sit at home, in your office, or even wait in line at an event to check in on your class on your phone or tablet.  This is probably the biggest appeal to taking an online course.  However, one drawback is that it requires a little more self-discipline than usual.  Although there are people you report to, like the instructor, it is easy to forget them when you do not have to be there to meet him or her at a certain place or time.  The computer can be an easy thing to ignore.  

Another misconception about online courses is that they are less work.  The amount of time and work will equate to the amount of time and work of a course you would take face to face.  The difference is the convenience of doing the work wherever and whenever you can.  This is especially true for a well-designed online course. The teacher will still have assignments due weekly and methods of assessment, as well as some quizzes or online tests.  Sometimes a course, such as math, will have tests that the instructor will have arranged for you to take at approved testing centers, or you need to find an approved proxy.  However, because this can complicate the flow of an online course, most assessment for an online class will be project based.  It really depends on the subject and the best method for its assessment.

Some tips to help you succeed in an online course include: starting the semester right, mapping out all the dates for assignments, stay on schedule, know the learning management system or Canvas for UVU, dedicate a place to study, consider your peak energy hours, make sure you have a personal life/school balance, follow internet etiquette guidelines, know how to ask for help, and find ways to stay motivated.  The nice thing about Canvas is that it does a good job at facilitating and encouraging these habits and tips, if you get to know the system well. 

I hope that this has been helpful on informing you about taking an online course at UVU, and if you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to contact your advisor for some additional resources regarding online courses

-Samuel Cardenas