Like face-to-face courses, each online course is different. The amount of time you’ll spend on coursework will vary by class, but they all have a few things in common. Online courses follow the academic calendar just like on-campus courses. Specific dates for each online course can be found in the online schedule of classes. Online courses are not self-paced. Your syllabus will usually outline what is expected of you each week—how much reading you need to do, assignments to turn in, etc. Since they are not self-paced, online classes include due dates. You will turn in assignments electronically throughout the semester on dates set by your instructor.

Be prepared to spend at least as much time studying in an online class as you would in an on-campus class. Some students say that online courses require even more time than traditional classes. Before the course begins, make sure to set aside time for studying each week. Also, it is best to work on your course a little at a time rather than doing all work for a week in one study period. You should log into your course on a regular basis—at least once per day—to check for updates from your instructor, communication from your classmates, and more.