In a face-to-face course, students interact with one another and the instructor on a regular basis defined by the class meeting periods. Although most online courses do not have a set meeting time each week, regular communication with your classmates and instructor will help you feel like part of an online community and ensure that you get the most from the course.
Meeting course attendance requirements
Although you might not be required to visit the physical campus, your instructor probably can determine whether you have visited the course site and viewed the course materials regularly. Some instructors track page hits (the number of times you visit each page in the course) or the number of minutes you spend viewing each unit; other instructors require that you complete assignments to show your continued attendance. Most courses require a certain number of check-ins each week.
“The most surprising part of the online class has been the help and support of my fellow classmates and my instructor. I figured I would be on my own, since it’s just me and my laptop. But I was pleasantly surprised to have help from the entire class.”
—Kamehalani Ortiz, student, Honolulu Community College
In courses that require a significant amount of interaction, you might have to communicate in some way—either by posting to the discussion board, by reviewing a peer’s draft, or by completing a quiz—to show that you have “attended” the class for the week. If you visit the course site but do not communicate through the means your instructor requires, you might be counted absent. In some contexts, too many absences (or missed assignments) might result in your being blocked or dropped from the course. Check your syllabus carefully for your instructor’s specific attendance policies.
Participating in group work on time
In courses that depend heavily on discussion and peer review, be sure that you participate and submit your work promptly. Doing so demonstrates respect for your peers. In some cases, your peers might not be able to complete their assigned work (such as peer reviews or responses to discussion posts) until you have completed yours.
Contacting your instructor for help
Remember, too, that you should contact your instructor whenever you need help understanding the course materials or requirements. In an online course, your instructor can’t see facial expressions showing that you might be worried or confused. If you have questions about the course, don’t hesitate to communicate with your instructor—by e-mail, by phone, or, if possible, in a face-to-face visit during his or her office hours. (See section O6 for additional tips on getting help with course materials.)