This document outlines what to expect in an online or distance education course. Students can expect to receive the same materials and have the same learning outcomes as an in-person course. Instructors will provide a syllabus with due dates and clear instructions for assignments. Students should expect to spend around 6 hours per week on coursework and communicate regularly with their instructor. Distance education courses require students to be active and independent learners who take responsibility for their learning.

1. WHAT TO EXPECT FOR AN ON LINE /
DISTANCE EDUCATION COURSE
By: Luz Elena Herrera Pérez

2. WHAT TO EXPECT
 The same material that you would in a full-time face-
to-face class.
 A full syllabus at the start of the class that includes
any orientation, quiz, exam, and assignment due
dates
 Clear instructions for each phase of the course:
 what to read
 what to do
 what to turn in and how to submit it.

3. WHAT TO EXPECT
 Expect to spend (on average) 6 hours per week
 Just because classroom time is greatly reduced, it
does not mean that learning time is similarly
reduced.
 You may spend more time, depending on your
reading and writing skills.
 Assistance from your instructor.
 You are on your own. Your instructor is available to
assist and guide you in your learning and answer
your questions throughout the course.

4. WHAT TO EXPECT
 Receive information and feedback from your
instructor weekly
 Good communication is the key to a
successful distance education experience.
 Take advantage of other resources - contact
the Tutoring Center, Distance Education
office or one of the campus computer labs.

5. QUALITY
 Distance education courses are exactly the
same as face-to-face courses in quality,
objectives, credits and learning outcomes.
 Distance education courses are Student
Centered rather than Teacher Centered. Your
teacher is a facilitator and will assist you in
learning the material required

6. YOUR RESPONSIBILITY
 You must be an active learner not passively
waiting for your teacher to remind you to do
your homework, checking on your progress
every day
 Take the responsibility for your own learning:
 completing work on time.
 emailing the instructor for assistance.
 keeping up with readings.
 logging into the course daily for updates.

7. GRADING
 Expect to be graded on the value, content
and timeliness of your work.
 Follow the syllabus your instructor provides.

8. STAY ENGAGED
 Remain an active learner.
 Monitor your progress in the course.
 Distance education course take more time
and energy than a traditional face-to-face
course, in many instances

9. BUILD RELATIONSHIPS WITH PEERS
 You may get to know your teacher and
classmates better than in a traditional
classroom.
 Active class discussions and interactions.
 Shy students often participate in duscussions
more n line.

10. BUILD DIGITAL LITERACY SKILLS
 Beyond the course content , you may learn other skills such as:
 How to do conduct research online
 Navigating a diverse array of website
 How to use various web and computer applications
 File management and organizational skills
 Creating online presentation
 Competency with online conferencing technologies
 Creating and collaboratively sharing / editing documents on line

11. THANK YOU!