What's Virtual College?
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Advantages of Online Courses
Tips to Success
Net-iquette
Online Learning Requirements & Quiz

Advantages of Online Courses
An online course is a course that delivers class material to you via the Internet.  While the content is the same as an on-campus class, there are no regular class meetings. All work will be submitted online through the Internet. Online classes follow the same calendar and registration process as regular classes. You may begin your online class on the first official day of class.

• Logon to class using any computer with Internet access
• Attend class 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Communicate with your instructor and classmates through email and/or class discussions
• Work at your own pace while remaining mindful of deadlines and due dates
• No traffic jams and no parking fees - saving you gas, money, and time!
• Enhance your portfolio by learning new computer programs and how to research on the Internet
• Online learning is FUN! 

Tips to success
Students who are successful in the online environment are committed to their studies. Online classes do offer convenience and flexibility. But they can be more demanding of time and energy than regular classes.

• Time commitments
  Before registering  for an online course, consider your time commitments. An online class takes as much time as an on-campus class. Many online students report spending more time working on their online classes than they do their on-campus classes.
  
  
• Participate actively
  You must participate actively in the class. Do not wait for your instructor to contact you. Email your instructor and your classmates if you have questions or comments.
  
  
• Logon at least twice a week
  Most online instructors have due dates for assignments and tests. Many instructors will post weekly messages about due dates and assignments. If you don't logon at least twice a week during Fall and Spring semesters and four times a week during the Summer sessions you may fall behind.
  
  
• Don't fall behind
  Don't procrastinate. It's very easy to fall behind when you don't have to physically attend a class. Once you fall behind, it's very difficult to get back on track.
  
  
• Ask for help
  Don't be shy. Although you won't meet with your instructor, he or she will be available to answer questions and offer additional help via email. Email your instructor whenever you have a question or a problem.

NET-iquette
There are special rules of personal conduct that apply to all online communications. Good online manners are vital to a productive and supportive online learning environment. Here is a sampling of some of them.

• Be polite and respectful
  It can be tempting to let yourself go in an environment that feels anonymous, but remember that there are real people reading your messages.
  
• Be tolerant of views expressed by others
  Your online classroom may well be bringing you together with people from all over the world. Keep in mind that you probably have something to gain from exposure to views and backgrounds different than your own.
  
• Address the idea, not the person
  When reacting to someone else's message, address the ideas, not the person. Again, remember that there are real people on the other end of the modem.
  
• Be careful when using sarcasm and humor
  Be careful when using sarcasm and humor, and don't include any obscenities in your messages. Without face-to-face communications, people may take your humor personally, and you never know who may be offended by expressions that are commonplace to you.
  
• Do not spam your classmates
  Don't send commercial advertisements or electronically forward "chain mail" to your classmates.
  
• Think carefully about what you write
  Think carefully about what you write about others. Always assume that your electronic messages may be forwarded to your instructor. Do not email messages that could not be made public.

Online Learning  Requirements & Quiz
Online courses require much more involvement and self-discipline on the part of the student than traditional courses. Learning online is an adventure that will expose you to some entirely new - and not always comfortable - experiences. The ability to be flexible and remain open minded is critical to having a positive experience as you move into uncharted territory. Take our  "Are Online Courses for Me?" quiz to see if you are ready for online learning.