The methods and procedures of an online course are different than a traditional classroom course. Comfort with a text-based environment. Most online material is visual and not auditory. Experience with computers, the Internet, and e-mail. Both students and instructor to adjust to online teaching and learning.
Students discover and share knowledge and instructors guide and advise.
Increased level of communication and collaboration. Much more time and effort than traditional courses. The standard for traditional courses recommends three hours of study outside of class for every hour spent in class. Therefore, a three unit course will require 12 hours per week. Online students should plan on spending a minimum of 12 hours per week for each three unit course.