Online Study
Common questions about online study
Questions
- Are online courses more or less demanding than on-campus courses?
- Do I need to be online at a specific time and day to participate in my class?
- Do I need to buy any textbooks or other course materials?
- How do I contact my instructor if I have a question?
- How do I submit my homework?
- What would be a typical 'day in the life' for me as an online student?
- How do I get my grade for the course?
Answers
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Are online courses more or less demanding than on-campus courses?
Online classes are just as demanding as their bricks-and mortar counterparts. However, it frequently takes more self-discipline to succeed in an online learning environment where there is no required physical attendance. You also need to be comfortable with certain computer skills such as using a computer, sending/receiving email, downloading software, and using the Internet. Just like in a traditional class, you have to be on top of your studies. You still have to read the textbook and/or other class reading materials; you still have to follow a syllabus, hand in your research and writing assignments on time and do well on any quizzes or exams you may need to take.
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Do I need to be online at a specific time and day to participate in my class?
Most professors establish the schedule of participation at the start of class. Some classes will use chat, video conferencing, or phone conferencing, which requires participating at a specific time and day. In some cases these sessions are mandatory, and in others they are not. It is generally recommended that you log in four to five times a week for an online course, but that can be done at times that are convenient for you.
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Do I need to buy any textbooks or other course materials?
As an online learning student, your course may require you to purchase certain course materials, such as a textbook, course-related booklets, or lectures in the form of videotape or CD-ROM. The types of materials you will need are determined by the instructor and depend on the course. You may need to order only one type of item or a combination of two or three. Required course materials can be ordered online, by mail, or by fax from the Bookstore located at RIT.
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How do I contact my instructor if I have a question?
You can always send a message to your instructor within the virtual classroom. Your instructor will usually post a phone number and an email address where they can be reached in case you need to contact them privately.
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How do I submit my homework?
The methods used to submit homework assignments will vary from course to course. Some professors will require you to submit assignments directly to a secure, online dropbox or to the professor's personal email address. Other professors may require you to take exams under the supervision of a proctor, either on campus or near where you live.
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What would be a typical 'day in the life' for me as an online student?
As an online student, you would log in to your online course at a time during the day that is convenient for you. There might be an ongoing online discussion taking place that you want to reply to before the end of the day or a homework assignment you have just completed and want to post to the electronic drop-box for the professor to read. Since deadlines for assignments are set by the professor, you also might take this opportunity to check the course outline or schedule to find out what other course-related activities are coming up; there may be a scheduled chat session or video/phone conference in the next few days, or you may need to view a class lecture for the next assignment. Just as every classroom differs slightly, so does the virtual classroom experience. Different courses will use different types of course materials and internet technologies.
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How do I get my grade for the course?
The Office of the Registrar will mail you a final grade report approximately one week after the end of the academic quarter. You can also access your grades online through the Info-Center/SIS with your RIT Computer account (referred to as a DCE Account).
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