How do most online college courses work?

Hey guys, I'm thinking about taking some online courses. But unsure of how they typically operate. Can anyone explain the general format for most online college courses?

Sure, I can help with that! Online courses can differ significantly depending on the course and the institution, but there are few commonalities.

Firstly, online courses traditionally follow an asynchronous format, which means you can view lectures, complete assignments, and participate in discussions on your own schedule. However, certain deadlines will still apply — for instance, you might get a week to complete a particular assignment or reading.

These courses usually take place via a learning management system (LMS) like Blackboard or Canvas. These platforms host course materials, including videos of lectures, reading materials, and assignments. You submit your assignments through here, and progress and grades are typically tracked on these platforms as well.

Most online courses involve some sort of discussion element. This could be a discussion board where you post responses to prompt questions and engage with the posts of your fellow students, or it could be a synchronous video conference where the class or smaller groups meet to discuss topics.

Even though online learning brings a level of convenience, keep in mind that it requires a certain level of self-discipline. It's up to you to keep up with lectures and assignments, as there might be less of a rigid structure than in-person classes might present.

Finally, communication with your instructors is usually done via email or through the LMS, although some instructors also hold virtual office hours, either on the LMS itself or via platforms like Zoom where you can ask questions and get clarifications.

Hope this gives you a bit clarity on how online courses usually work!