Dr. Ed MorrisProfessor of Psychology

OCTC

Thinking about an online Thinking about an online class?class?

This is the place to start!This is the place to start!

How is an online class different?How is an online class different?

Online classes have Online classes have the same content and the same content and objectives as regular objectives as regular classes.classes.

They require certain They require certain special skills, though.special skills, though.

However, online However, online classes are not all classes are not all alike.alike.

What special skills are needed?What special skills are needed?

You need to be familiar You need to be familiar with how to use the with how to use the internet.internet.

You must be comfortable You must be comfortable with using email, including with using email, including adding attachments to adding attachments to your messages.your messages.

You need to be disciplined You need to be disciplined in your approach to your in your approach to your studies.studies.

Strong study skills and Strong study skills and reading ability are musts!reading ability are musts!

How online classes work…How online classes work… Most online classes require you Most online classes require you

to get in touch with your to get in touch with your instructor, BEFORE the class instructor, BEFORE the class starts.starts.

Most classes have an Most classes have an orientation. This may be online orientation. This may be online or in person.or in person.– Be sure to make a note of any Be sure to make a note of any

passwords or user names given passwords or user names given to you at this orientation. VERY to you at this orientation. VERY IMPORTANT!IMPORTANT!

Online classes may have Online classes may have several meetings during the several meetings during the semester that must be attended, semester that must be attended, either online or in person. Find either online or in person. Find out about this before signing-up.out about this before signing-up.

How online classes work…How online classes work…

Most online classes will have much more Most online classes will have much more homework than regular classes.homework than regular classes.– While you may not attend classes at a regular time, you While you may not attend classes at a regular time, you

will need to have at least the amount of time available to will need to have at least the amount of time available to do the work of the class.do the work of the class.

Many online classes have more deadlines for Many online classes have more deadlines for assignments that you have to keep up with.assignments that you have to keep up with.

You may have to come on campus to take exams. You may have to come on campus to take exams. Or, exams may be administered online. You Or, exams may be administered online. You should be careful to find out how exams will be should be careful to find out how exams will be handled as soon as possible.handled as soon as possible.

Important rules!Important rules!

Include your name and the course name in all Include your name and the course name in all emails to your instructor.emails to your instructor.

Put your name and course on all documents.Put your name and course on all documents. Never send jokes, chain-mail, or inspirational Never send jokes, chain-mail, or inspirational

emails to your classmates or instructors. In fact, emails to your classmates or instructors. In fact, don’t forward anything to others in the class don’t forward anything to others in the class without checking with them first.without checking with them first.

Write your email messages and other documents Write your email messages and other documents in clear, standard English. Write as you would any in clear, standard English. Write as you would any other instructor. Never use other instructor. Never use netspeaknetspeak, or IM , or IM shorthand.shorthand.

Why take an online class?Why take an online class?

If you can’t attend regular classes.If you can’t attend regular classes. If you can’t attend a class you need for your If you can’t attend a class you need for your

program at the time it is offered.program at the time it is offered. You need flexibility in your schedule for You need flexibility in your schedule for

another reason. another reason.

Reasons NOT to take a class Reasons NOT to take a class online…online…

They are easier (WRONG).They are easier (WRONG). They require less work (VERY WRONG).They require less work (VERY WRONG). They probably will require more reading They probably will require more reading

(RIGHT).(RIGHT). They allow you to work more independently They allow you to work more independently

(Some may, but many involve a good deal (Some may, but many involve a good deal of collaboration).of collaboration).

If you want to take a class online…If you want to take a class online…

Have the time to devote to it.Have the time to devote to it. Feel comfortable with the Internet and email.Feel comfortable with the Internet and email. Find out about requirements ahead of time.Find out about requirements ahead of time. Contact your instructor EARLY!Contact your instructor EARLY! Don’t get behind!Don’t get behind!

For more information:For more information:

Online Students' GuideOnline Students' Guide Kentucky Virtual UniversityKentucky Virtual University OCTC LibraryOCTC Library KCTCS Distance Learning Orientation 6KCTCS Distance Learning Orientation 6 Attachments to email- Mr. Wayne RogersAttachments to email- Mr. Wayne Rogers eLearnerseLearners Advisor - Advisor - eLearners.comeLearners.com