Online Learning Orientation: Are YOU "Ready" for Online Classes?
Step 1. What is NMC Online Learning?
 As the name implies, online learning occurs in an online environment instead of, or in addition to, the traditional, on-campus classroom setting. An online class covers the same content, with the same objectives and competencies, as an on-campus section of the same class; the difference is in the delivery. Online becomes the primarily method of content delivery and interaction.
How Do Online Courses Differ from On-Campus Courses?
- By the Delivery Method
In the classroom the instructor generally lectures, leads discussions and assigns projects and activities done in and out of the class. In an online course, content and interaction is provided through technology; the content is delivered online through reading assignments, online presentations or similar means, while class discussions are done through online forums, chat sessions and/or e-mail communications. All NMC online classes use the eLearning system (Moodle), an online course management system that uses a wide-variety of tools to create the online learning classroom environment.
Online classes still have textbooks, assignments, quizzes and exams, interaction with faculty and other students and scheduled due dates (unless it is also self-paced). Some online classes may require class meetings or lab work, and many require proctored testing taken in the Center for Learning Test Area or other instructor approved location.
- By Providing Greater Flexibility In Scheduling Time for Class Work
The primary difference between online and on-campus classes is that the time to "attend" class is much more flexible. Therefore, as a student you must be self-disciplined, and able to manage your time very well. It is easy to put off going online and working on class activities when you are not required to attend a class at a certain time in a specific location--and if you miss the class, you have missed out on what was covered during that session. With online, once something is assigned it is available for you to access at "anytime, anywhere." Definitely making it easy to hold off until the last minute, and not leaving yourself enough time to complete it successfully.
- By Taking as Much Time to Complete as an On-campus Course
Online courses usually require at least as much time as you would spend taking an on-campus course. Plan to study at least 2-3 hours a week for each contact hour of the course.
Example: For a 3 contact hour class (on-campus or online):
- You need to schedule 3 hours per week for the "class" (and this doesn't take into account your travel time)
- You need to schedule another 6-9 hours per week to study.
- With either online or on-campus classes, you need to have 9-12 hours per week available to do the class work required for a 3 contact hour class.
What Is Your Role in Online Learning?
- You have to take an active role in your learning.
- It is your responsibility to read the material; complete assignments on time; explore and interpret information on your own; share findings and viewpoints with classmates through online communication tools; and seek solutions to questions first, then ask for help and direction.
- You are responsible for keeping motivated and engaged with the course content; you only get out what you put in.
What is the Instructor's Role in Online Learning?
Your online class instructor is a mentor and facilitator for your learning. Instructors provide the structure and guidance to help direct your learning. This may be achieved in a variety of ways: through encouragement of further thought on course topics using discussion forums, through feedback and grading of activities and assignments, and by addressing questions you may have. Often instructors communicate several times during a week, so more instructor/student interaction may occur in an online class than in the on-campus, face-to-face environment.
What to Expect in an NMC Online Course?
We all have perceptions of what to expect, but are they really accurate? In online learning, many perceptions are based on common myths or other practices. Misunderstanding the expectations can lead to frustration and become a significant obstacle to online learning success. Take a look at common myths and learn what to REALLY expect at NMC.
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