As a rule of thumb, successful college students report they spend about two hours outside of class for every hour in class. But there are, depending on the course, videos, audio cassettes, textbook readings, on-line readings and assignments. Double that for Summer's 8-week term. A major advantage of distance learning is the flexible schedule. Though you set your own hours for completing course requirements, you must stay active in the course, communicate regularly, meet deadlines, and finish coursework by the dates indicated by your instructor in the course syllabus and calendar.
Video viewing time is usually one hour per week.
Some telecourses use fewer programs. Some use no videos but have other requirements. On-line courses require significant Internet time. Some material may be downloaded for off-line work on your computer, or printed and taken home. Some use TopClass as a course management system, while others do not.