STLCC Online FAQ

Most successful online students tend to share the following characteristics:

• Self-motivated
• Good organization and time-management skills
• Familiar with computers and the Internet
• Resourceful and actively seeks answers and solutions to questions and problems

While online classes can be more flexible, you will need self-discipline to be successful. Consider each of the following questions:

• Are you good at estimating and following through with how much time you need to accomplish daily activities?
• When thinking about your commitments like work, family, friends, volunteer activities and sports, do you have time several days each week to complete online class assignments?
• Do you feel comfortable working on a computer and have reliable access to the Internet?
• Are you comfortable communicating through the written word and waiting (sometimes up to 24 hours) to receive an answer to a question?
• Do you enjoy reading and writing, and are you in the habit of doing both most days?

If you answered yes to all of these, online classes are right for you!

If you answered yes to most of these, think about how you can modify your habits to be successful in online classes.

If you answered no to most or all of these, speak to your advisor about which classes are right for your schedule and lifestyle.

You can find out if you have what it takes to be a successful online learning student by taking our online SmarterMeasure assessment.

You can take an online class from any location with Internet access and usually choose the time of day you wish to work. Some classes may require a synchronous session (you must be logged in at a set time with all of your peers) or a proctored exam experience, but you usually will have set open and close dates for assignments which allow you to work at any time within those dates. Assignments, readings, and online discussions have weekly deadlines that must be met. Online classes are not self-paced or designed to be taken as independent study. Plan to log in and be active within your online class a minimum of three times per week.

Classes taught completely online follow the same schedule as face-to-face ones. You will have full access to your class on the first scheduled day of class. If you register for a class during the drop/add period you will have access to the class 24 hours after enrolling. You will want to log in to your class as soon as it is available and review the syllabus and first assignments.

View your syllabus to find your instructor's contact information. In addition, this information is posted in your class in Canvas. You can message your instructor through Canvas by using the Inbox tool in the global navigation pane after logging into the system.

Students are encouraged to log in several times a week to get their assignments. If you do not log in to your class within the first 2 weeks of the academic term you will be dropped from the class. The requirements for your weekly participation in each class are outlined in the class syllabus. Please also review STLCC's Attendance Policies and Procedures in regards to online attendance.

Some classes will allow you to take your exams online at home. Some classes do not give tests but require final papers, while others give open book tests with time limits, and others may be more open-ended. Check the syllabus or contact your instructor if you have questions about a test. In some online classes, your instructor may require proctored examinations. These can be taken at an STLCC campus assessment center, or testing center or library of another college or university.

Many students take a blended schedule of online and face-to-face classes. As always, if you receive financial aid it is best to check with your Financial Aid Counselor before making these decisions.

No, the classes you take online meet the same learning objectives, and academic rigor as classes offered face-to-face; therefore, there is no distinction made on your diploma.

No, the course outcomes in an online class are identical to that of a face-to-face class on the same topic, but the course content is not. The workload can be more demanding than a regular face-to-face class in that you have to be a self-directed learner, stay motivated, and stay on top of your workload independently.

It depends on the length, requirements, and workload of each class, as well as your own learning style. For sixteen-week classes, expect to spend 10-15 hours per week on course activities, studying, and homework. Eight-week classes are compressed, so expect to devote 20-30 hours per week. Please keep this in mind when planning your online program and considering your other time commitments.

You need to be comfortable with a computer - you are expected to be able to:

• Save, attach, and retrieve files
• Create, edit and save word processor files, spreadsheets, etc.
• Use web browsers, discussion boards, and chat rooms
• Use Internet search engines

Canvas is required for all online classes. All students are enrolled in the Learning Online at STLCC course, which will walk you through using Canvas for your classes.

Online program students: Speak with the Office of Online Student Services or visit our registration page to register for your online classes.

Current STLCC campus-based students: Speak with the Office of Online Student Services, your academic advisor, or visit our registration page to register for your online classes.

Visiting online students: After being admitted to STLCC, speak with the Office of Online Student Services or visit our registration page to register for your online classes.