Author: Darrell Simmons

How do online classes work?

As you prepare for the next step in your educational journey, you are probably wondering what an online classroom looks like and how online classes work. It’s completely natural to have questions – and even concerns – about online learning, especially if your previous educational experiences have been in a traditional in-person class setting. In this article, we’ll explore how online classes actually work and what online classes look like at Ohio State. Still have questions? Reach out for more information about earning your degree online at Ohio State.

What are online classes like?

You may have heard that online classes can be disorganized or isolating for students. But that’s not the case at Ohio State! Our instructors design their online classes to use technology as a benefit, not a hurdle to overcome. Ohio State professors also work with our expert online course designers, known as instructional designers, who can help them transform their course material for an online format. 

Most Ohio State online classes are offered in an asynchronous format. In an asynchronous course, work is completed on your own time within a certain timeframe. Some online programs are offered in a synchronous format. In a synchronous course, students will virtually attend a class session each week at the same time as their instructors and classmates.

What is the Canvas learning management system?

For online students at Ohio State, CarmenCanvas is the room where it happens. Carmen is a learning management system where students can virtually attend lectures, complete readings, submit homework or quizzes and interact with their professors and classmates. If you have additional question, talk to one of our Enrollment Advisors or check out more of our blogs where you can find more tips and strategies for learning online.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Online Classes

The time has come! You’re getting ready to begin your first online class at Ohio State. But before jumping into online learning, it’s important to understand the basic do’s and don’ts in online classes.

If you’re new to learning online, it’s understandable that you’d have a few questions. Maybe you’re not sure how participation will work, or if attendance is mandatory in an online class. You might be confused about terminology such as “asynchronous learning” versus “synchronous learning.” Or maybe you haven’t been a student in a while and need a reminder on the best ways to study and be productive.

No matter what questions you may have, we’ve got you covered. Read on for our list of do’s and don’ts for success in your online classes, and reach out to us with any questions not answered here.

Getting Started

DO: Prepare for your course to begin.

Just like an on-the-ground course, you will be expected to participate and be involved in the assignments of your online class. Before the semester begins, make sure you have the technology you need, read the course syllabus and reach out to your professor with any questions.

DON’T: Expect to be anonymous in your online course.

A key piece of any online course is communication. Your instructor and fellow students expect you to be engaged and interact in the class – either during live sessions on CarmenZoom or in asynchronous discussions on CarmenCanvas. Your instructor may take attendance if you are enrolled in a class with a synchronous lecture component.

DO: Prepare to commit time to the course.

There is a myth that distance education courses aren’t as time-consuming as traditional courses. Even though you can complete your work from the comfort of your home, you still need to be prepared to dedicate anywhere from four to 15 hours a week to every course you take.

DON’T: Be afraid to reach out for help.

Maybe you don’t understand a key course objective or can’t get one of your technology tools to work. That’s OK! Ohio State faculty and staff are here to help get you on the right track. Looking for a study buddy? Don’t be afraid to make connections with your classmates either. Taking turns teaching each other the material can be a great study hack..

Student typing on keyboard while learning online from home.
Don’t be afraid to reach out for help! Your instructor might be your first call, but your classmates can also be helpful resources if you’re stuck.

When Class is in Session

DO: Develop good online communication habits.

Check your email at least once a day. If you are working on a group project or are discussing an issue with a professor, it’s important to be available on a platform everyone has access to, such as email.

DON’T: Abuse email to communicate.

While you need to be assertive in expressing your needs, opinions and ideas in class discussions, don’t go overboard! Sending too many emails to your instructors or classmates can be overwhelming. Treat email like you’re having an in-person, back-and-forth conversation.

DO: Be respectful and responsive.

With online communication, it’s important to understand people might misconstrue what you said, no matter how carefully you composed it. Be aware of how you use class discussion boards, whether to ask a question to the group or make a point about a learning topic.

DON’T: Procrastinate

Procrastination may be one of the deadly sins of online learning. Try to set times to talk and work with other students, set goals for your projects and stay up to date with readings and other work.

With these do’s and don’ts in mind, you’ll be ready to succeed in your online courses and achieve your educational goals.

5 Tips to Ace Online Schooling

Going back to school is tough, and it can be even tougher when you aren’t used to completing coursework online. Here are 5 tips and tricks you can apply to keep yourself on track in your online program.

  1. Set Realistic Goals
    Begin by assessing where you are in life and where you want to go. How will your skills and educational background help you achieve your goals? How will your educational goals affect your daily routine, your relationships and your lifestyle?
  2. Explore Your Options
    With over 5,000 universities in the United States there is an endless amount of growth and opportunity available to you. Each university is different and has unique strengths but it all depends on you and what you’re looking for.
  3. Create A Plan
    You’ve set your goals, and you’ve chosen your school, that’s it right? No! Now it’s time to create a plan. Having a plan will set you up for academic success. The transition back into school can be a challenging adjustment. A plan will help you manage your time, stay focused and be organized.
  4. Build Your Network
    Get to know the people who are there to help you succeed in your educational goals. Professors, Instructors, Admissions Counselors and Academic Advisors are all there for your benefit. Each school administrator has a tailored wealth bank of knowledge that they are willing and eager to share. Another network that you want to build up is with your classmates. Your peers have transferable skills from life experiences, as do you. Talk to one another – join student groups that will contribute to your overall experience.
  5. Take Care of Yourself
    It can be frustrating and nerve wracking to go back to school in a new setting that you are not used to. If you feel overwhelmed, just take a deep breath. It’s important to remember that a positive attitude, a healthy work-life balance and overall wellness will be the main points of achievements to accomplish your educational goals.

Do Online Students Have Access to Student Services?

If you’re a student in an on-campus program and you need help with writing a paper, you might head to the library or schedule an in-person appointment with someone from the Writing Center for help.

But, as an online student where can you go for help?

At Ohio State, online students have access to the exact same degree, same expert instructors and many of the same resources as on-campus students – just in a virtual format. Below are a few of the services and benefits you’ll have access to as an online learner at Ohio State.

Financial Aid for Online Classes

A question we get a lot is: Can you get scholarships for online classes? The good news is all online program students at Ohio State are eligible to apply for financial aid and/or scholarships to fund their education. A student or spouse who currently serves or has retired from the military may also be able to receive GI Bill® funding.

There are many factors in determining eligibility for financial aid, including state authorization. Please visit the Student Financial Aid website for more details.

Scarlet and Gray Financial

For more general financial advice and resources, online students can take advantage of Scarlet and Gray Financial, a nationally recognized peer financial coaching program at Ohio State. Your peer experts can help with financial goal setting, banking basics, budgeting, credit education and debt repayment education. Online students can schedule a one-on-one coaching appointment or access on-demand resources.

Academic Help and Writing Center Services

If you want to become a more successful online student, the Dennis Learning Center provides for-credit courses, one-on-one coaching and on-demand content related to preventing procrastination, improving study methods and reducing test anxiety.

The Center for the Study and Teaching of Writing supports students in the creation and editing of class papers, as well as documents such as resumes and applications. As an online student you can receive assistance through 1:1 online consultations or by uploading your paper for a drop-off session.

BuckID and Online Student Discounts

TechHub Student Pricing

TechHub is the official campus technology store at Ohio State, offering student pricing on various technology products. Sounds great, right? But what if you can’t get to campus to stop by the store?

That’s not a problem at all. You can make your technology purchase over the phone and TechHub will ship it to your doorstep.

Online Student Discounts with your BuckID

Half-price movies? Discounted streaming services? You got it.
If that ID from undergrad is starting to look a little outdated, it might be time for an upgrade. Online students can obtain a digital BuckID via the Ohio State app. Your digital BuckID may be used in situations where you need to confirm your student status – like snagging those student deals. If you’re a student in an online nursing program, the BuckID office will mail you a physical BuckID card and a nursing badge.

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Online students at Ohio State are Ohio State students. You will have access to the exact same top-ranked degree and instructors as your peers on campus. From academic support to student discounts, many of the benefits of being a Buckeye are just a click away.