The Online Experience - Frequently Asked Questions
Why would I want to take an course online? Are they easier than a traditional classroom course?
No, online courses are just as rigorous and may even be slightly more demanding than a traditional classroom course. The most important reason to take an online course is convenience. If you need to travel for your job, are on rotating shifts, are not able to attend a class at a specific time and place, are bound to your home by disability, family obligations, etc., you may find that an online course makes taking colleges courses more convenient.
Will the online class be the same as the face-to-face class?
The learning objectives for online classes will be the same as for a traditional classroom course; it is the learning and delivery methodology that will differ. The same dynamic faculty-to-student and student-to-student interactions will take place. In an online course your classroom is in cyberspace and your attendance will be electronic. The content and syllabus of online and face-to-face courses are the same. You cover the same material, use the same textbook, and have the same assignments and the same requirements for grades.
Are online courses for everyone?
What is important for you as a student is to understand whether your learning preferences can be accommodated with the online methods of learning. Therefore, we have developed a screening tool that can help you make an informed decision about whether online learning is right for you. You can take our on-line aptitude test to see if your learning style is appropriate for an on-line class. USF On-line Aptitude Test
Are the online course self-paced?
No, online courses are not electronic correspondence courses. While you have flexibility within the course for completing assignments, online courses have the same semester length as face-to-face courses. This means you have deadlines within the course and an ending date to the semester. Students are expected to access the course site 3 to 4 times per week to participate in the discussions and assignments.
Does the class meet online at a specific day and time?
No, there is no mandatory time that everyone has to be in the cyber classroom. You enter the online classroom when it is convenient for you given your lifestyle. If you need to travel for your job, are on rotating shifts, are not able to attend a class at a specific time and place, are bound to your home by disability, family obligations, etc., you may find that an online course makes taking colleges courses more convenient.
How do you assure "attendance" and participation in o online course?
Students are expected to access the course site 3 to 4 times per week to participate in the discussions and assignments. Your "attendance" is monitored or tracked by the instructor through your participation in assignments and class discussions.
Does this mean that I don't have as much interaction with the instructor and other students?
No, in fact it is just the opposite. You have frequent and direct interaction with the instructor and other students through e-mail and asynchronous discussions.
Can I talk privately to the instructor or other students?
Yes, there are both group discussions and one-on-one communications.
How much time can I expect to spend on a course?
It is a mistake to think that an online course takes less time. The guidelines we use is that you can expect to spend 12 to 16 hours per week on a 4 credit hour course. You should plan to log into the virtual classroom 3 to 5 times per week.
Who teaches these courses?
The courses are taught by the same USF faculty who teach our face-to-face courses. Besides being experts in the content area of the course, they have received special training to have both the technical skills and the instructional knowledge to provide you with an excellent online learning experience.
How much technical skill do I need to have?
You need to be comfortable with a computer and know how to navigate the Internet.
What computer hardware and software do I need?
USF does set minimum hardware and software requirements that you must have before you are admitted into a course.
Do I need a computer or can I just use one at work or one in the USF student computer lab?
We do not recommend you enroll in a online course without having a computer in your home. If you are going to use your computer at work please get approval from your company since they may have a policy against using computers for non-work related applications. While you have access to the USF computer labs, to take 30 minutes to drive to school and then drive back defeats the advantage of on online class, which is convenience. If you are driving in to use a computer then you might as well enroll in a face-to-face course.
What if I run into technical difficulties?
USF maintains a technical helpdesk that you can either call or e-mail for technical help.
How will I take exams?
This depends on how the instructor has designed the course and the exams are similar to your traditional classroom. You may have an essay exam where you submit your answers electronically to the teacher or you could take an objective exam directly over the Internet. Most exams are not based just on factual information. Students are expected to be able to apply theories that they have learned and engage in critical thinking. Exams in most face-to-face courses are in the form of written papers and take-home exams. This is also true in the online courses.
Is there any group teamwork?
Yes, students may have assignments to complete as a team. They establish a discussion group and communicate only with each other.
