So what exactly IS an online class?

Good question. Unfortunately there is no single answer to this question, as online courses vary as much as on campus courses. At Northwest Vista College, we offer three different kinds of courses that utilize the internet.

Online courses are classes that are fully online. Course information, readings, lecture notes, quizzes, presentations, and more are on a course website. Depending on the class, sometime exams and/or labs may be conducted on campus, but many never require a student to step foot on campus. Contact the instructor if you have questions about a specific class.

Hybrid courses are classes that are partly online and partly on campus. Each course varies - some meet once a week on campus, some once a month, some only meet a couple of times per semester. Contact the instructor if you have questions about a specific class.

Web-enhanced courses are traditional on campus courses that utilize the internet for course exercises, research, or other things. While these courses are not separately identified in the schedule, many of our current courses fall under this category.

How does an online class work?

The courses vary dramatically, but in general instructors put their course information on a website. The syllabus, lecture notes, handouts, exercises, assignments, presentations, study guides, quizzes and more can all be loaded on this website for the students to access. Most online courses have bulletin boards where class discussions are held. Some courses require students to work together in virtual groups, whereas other courses are more individualized. In general, online classes require a significant amount of reading and writing, often more than an on campus course. For more information about what to expect from an online course, see our presentation called Is Online Learning Right for Me?

Do people get credit for taking an online class?

Online courses are exactly the same as their on campus counterparts. If it is a for-credit course on campus, you will get the same credit for completing the online course. They also cost the same as on campus courses, transfer the same, and have the same course objectives and academic standards.

What's the benefit of taking an online class?

Online classes are a wonderful option for people who have busy schedules! You can do the work at home, in the middle of the night, if that's the best time for you. You don't have to commute to campus, find a place to park, or stick to a regular class schedule. Online courses are perfect for working parents, people who travel frequently, and those who have irregular work schedules.

Who takes online courses?

Most of our online students actually live right around here. In fact, many of them are also taking on campus classes during the same semester. They take online courses because of the scheduling convenience they offer. Otherwise online students are as diverse as those on campus!

Course schedules:

Fall 2009 Courses