O nline does not mean that students proceed at their own pace. Coursework is broken down into activity windows usually consisting of seven to fourteen days. During this time there will be things that must be done. If there are discussion topics, students will need to take part in the discussion. In addition, there may be readings and homework assignments that relate to the discussion topic.
Students have control within the activity window time period as to when to participate.
This method frees students from committing to a certain day and time, but they are not entirely on their own. O nline does not mean that students are isolated from one another. There is an online orientation to help students get to know one another before the class starts. There is also an online student lounge area for strictly social interaction where opinions on timely topics and questions are submitted. An online community will quickly develop in your cohort.