1. Required interaction with professors and classmates – While you will not be having any face-to-face time with your instructor and your peers, that does not mean that you will not be able to get to know them. In truth, some of the students in online courses will argue that they actually felt like they were able to interact more online than they were able to in a traditional class. For the most part, much of these interactions only come in the form of the graded discussions posts, many of the responses, and from the journals. You will be held responsible for how much you interact and your understanding of the material being covered.

2. Technology – There are many different technologies that are used by the different programs and schools to ensure that online education is valuable. This differs in how you are to submit your homework to how you are to receive it; these many technologies play a huge role on your online education. The technological advances in educational technology, such as easy-to-access video cameras, are allowing the schools to offer a more meticulous and more helpful experience to the online students. There are special programs that may require you to buy or download additional computer programs in order to complete the coursework.

3. Coursework – Many of the online programs will deliver a weekly coursework load in the form of course modules. Each one of the modules will contain your reading assignments, discussion board assignments, tests or quizzes, projects, and essay requirements. You can usually see all of the your coursework that you are requires to do at the start of the term, but most program courses will keep the modules closed until you have completed that weeks coursework, which means that you will not be able to submit work or participate in any of the discussions in advance.

4. Tests and Exams – In the majority of the online programs the tests and exams are in multiple choice form or essays which can be timed or not. Though the environment cannot be controlled or monitored in most cases, the exams are intended to allow you access to your notes, the internet, and your textbook. However, some programs require you to take a test in a proctored and monitored location under supervision of someone that may or may not be associated with the school that you are attending.

In conclusion, if you are new to online courses, you must make adjustments to this style of educational learning, which can be very daunting. But knowing that you have the support from your instructor and student peers will help you keep yourself on the path to a successful education.