The instructor chooses the method of testing, most commonly either proctored tests on campus, proctored tests at a site convenient to you, or take-home tests that can be turned in like assignments. Interaction Typically campus attendance is minimal or not required at all. Communication with your instructor occurs through e-mail, discussion groups, telephone, fax and mail. Students are welcome to schedule individual and group conferences on campus or via the Internet during the semester. Instructors frequently organize open discussion groups, and each learner is expected to participate actively in these groups throughout the semester.
Discussion groups can take the form of discussion forums , chat rooms , or listservs .
You should have access to a computer with a modem, an Internet connection, a Web browser, and e-mail . You should know how to send and receive messages and attachments using e-mail. Some instructors may require or suggest a CD ROM player to receive parts of a course that are too large to view through the Internet. You may need to download software to view various multimedia elements of the course. The multimedia element also could be animation, which would require the use of QuickTime or an instructor-specified proprietary software.