Although you may have obtained some course information in printed form, it is important to remember that the authoritative course information is online. Course policies in effect when the course begins may not be exactly the same as those on printed handouts. In all cases, the electronic versions are the ones that matter, so check the instructor's web site and watch your email. This course is a work in progress. If you have spent much time in the online world you know that it is a world of change.
New sites appear, information is updated, policies are revised.
Deadlines and due dates will be announced online, and you will receive assignment details via the web-based Bulletin Board and Email facilities. But just in case, you should know that online and distance learning sections must be equivalent to in-class sections of the same courses, both in terms of content and rigor. There is no reason to expect them to be any easier or less time-consuming. For many students, the advantage of taking a distance learning course such as this one is that it allows them to fit course work into their busy schedules by working at times other than those when traditional classes are scheduled. For example, students who work during the day can do their work at night or on the weekends.