What can I expect from an online course?

We know that choosing to take online classes can we nerve-racking for students. You may not know what you expect, what it will look like, or how to be successful. Although each course may be different, there are expectations that are universal in online courses. For insight on taking online courses at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO), please view the key points below.

- - - - Classes will be rigorous | Expect the amount of time and work that you’ll put into an online course to match what you would expect in an in-person course.
      - Weekly Assignments | Expect to have multiple assignments due each week in an online course.
      - You’ll still stay connected with others | There will be many instances for you to interact with both your instructor and classmates within Canvas.
      - You won't be doing it alone | Although online in the comfort of your own home, don't expect to learn the material by yourself. In a typical online class at UNO, learning resources are given to students and instructors are happy to meet with students for help via zoom or in-person during their office hours.

What is expected out of me in online courses?

Each instructor will have different expectations for you as a student. For example, some may have more lenient due dates and higher levels of flexibility for their students, while others will be stricter in their expectations. No matter your instructor though, there will be things that are expected out of you when taking online courses.

- - - - Log into Canvas regularly | In an online course, it is important that you are staying informed and on top of your school work. You will be expected to participate in different activities weekly; not logging into Canvas and participating weekly causes students to struggle in online courses.
      - Be self-sufficient | In online classes, you will be expected to meet deadlines for assignments, discussions and quizzes.
      - Be willing to ask for help | It is not as easy for teachers to recognize when students are struggling in online courses, taking initiative to ask for help is important in an online course.

How are classes set up?

Most of your courses will be offered in a traditional semester format (roughly 16-weeks); there are some semester courses that may be offered in a shorter time period (8-weeks). If you are taking summer or j-term courses, your course will range from 3-weeks to 8-weeks. Your course will be taught by either a full-time faculty member or an adjunct instructor; occasionally courses will be taught with the help of Teaching Assistant (normally a graduate student).

Every class you take at UNO is designed by the instructor; this means that each course may be laid out differently, according to the needs of the course and the students. No matter the design, the course resources and assignments can be accessed through Canvas.

How do I "attend" class?

In a 100% online class, your learning will likely be done asynchronously. This means that you can "attend" or engage with the learning material at a time that works with your schedule. Learning asynchronously can provide a lot of benefits for students who find themselves busy, trying to balance school with outside factors (work, family, etc.).

Some of the benefits of learning online are:

- - - - Flexibility | You can engage with the learning material and activity at a time that works for your schedule.
      - Independence | You do not have to meet with your class during a specific time in the week.

How will my instructor know it is me?

Each student at UNO has a unique account that is tied to them. When you login to Canvas, it saves your "digital footprint". Using Canvas analytics, Faculty are able to see which pages you visit, if you turn in assignments, and how much time you spend in the course. To help instructors know students better, we encourage students to personalize their canvas account by adding a picture, gender pronouns, and a bio about yourself.