Online Course Example
Curious as to what an online course at UNO may look like? Explore our online course example for more!
Convenience & Flexibility
One of the top benefits of online learning is flexibility. A 2018 study (2018, Magda, A.J., & Aslanian, C.B.) shows virtually every online college student owns a smartphone or tablet and the overwhelming majority of students use mobile devices not only to search for their online program of study (87%) but also to complete online coursework (67%). With online learning at UNO, you can connect to your courses on whichever device best fits your needs.
We also know the world is becoming increasingly more complex and students are juggling school, work, family, and various other commitments. Online learning greatly supports contemporary learners by empowering them to complete coursework virtually, manage their time and schedule around other life commitments, and can cut down on commuting to and from different locations. This flexibility and convenience is crucial for busy working professionals looking to earn a college degree and advance their careers.
High-Quality Education & Engagement
Accredited online colleges and universities have to meet certain criteria and curriculum standards, just like traditional schools. They are held to rigorous standards similar to on-the-ground universities. The Learning House study found that 85% of online students who had experienced both in-person and digital classrooms felt that learning online was as good as or better than going to campus for college. When done well, online learning can enhance the college experience and prepare you for the digital world beyond.
At UNO, we do not outsource our online education. The same award-winning faculty that teach face-to-face teach in the online environment. Instructors are equipped with best practices in online teaching and learning and deliver their expertise with the same passion and rigor no matter the delivery method. This means you get a high-quality experience in whichever type of course you decide to take.
Professional Advancement
Many college students work while going to school. According to The Learning House study, 72% of undergraduate students and 81% of graduate students were employed full or part time while enrolled exclusively in online learning. Many online college students who are also employed find they can directly apply what they're learning to their work roles.
A high percentage of UNO students are transfer students, meaning they transferred coursework from a previous institution. Transfer students return to school with a variety of goals: finish earning a degree or certification, specialize in a subject area, or advance in their career. Online education helps facilitate these goals by providing flexibility and transforming information in a meaningful way as employees apply new skills or explore new career ladders.
Enhance Your Experience
We want you to be able to access the many benefits of online learning with ease, so we've compiled the most helpful tips and tricks to improve your communications and to succeed in your online classes.
Improve Your Communications
- Ensure you are receiving instructor notifications and announcements by checking your notification preferences in Canvas and by downloading the Canvas Student mobile app for easy access when you may not have a computer.
- Check your UNO email regularly to receive important information from the university, including your advisor, instructors, support services, and more.
- Communicate with Accessibility Services Center and your instructor if you need accommodations in terms of due dates, quiz times, or accessibility concerns.
- Be a good digital community member in your online classrooms by practicing “netiquette” (internet etiquette):
- Be resourceful: Check your syllabus, assignment information, or previous emails to see if you find the answer to your question there.
- Be courteous: Open and close your messages respectfully with a greeting/salutation, such as "Dear Professor" and "Sincerely." Don't expect to get an immediate response, but rather plan ahead and check the syllabus to see if the professor included their standard response time.
- Provide context for your message: Be sure to clearly explain your situation, challenge, or question. Reference the particular assignment by title or point to a specific page in the textbook. Erring on the side of providing more information, rather than less, will save on a lot of back-and-forth.
Manage Your Time
- Log in early: Log in to your class frequently to check out changes to the course, review the syllabus, and look for assignments that are coming due.
- Collect course materials: Make sure you have all the books and technology you need for your class
- Create a schedule: Log in at a regularly scheduled time to check for new assignments and to participate in online discussions, and schedule additional regular time for reading and working on big projects. To build a schedule around your strengths, consider these study skills .
- Consider your study environment: Assess how your environment affects quality of learning and productivity. Learn how to assess it with this guide .
- Take a break: Designate time away from the computer to give yourself a break.
- Don’t wait until the last minute: Avoid penalties for late assignments that are tardy due to technology failures. Turn work in ahead of scheduled deadlines in case of difficulties related to technology.
- Participate: Classes are most effective when everyone participates. Be an active participant in discussion boards and group work making meaningful comments and asking thoughtful questions to spark further discussion.
For more time management tips, check out UNO's Academic and Career Development Center's Time Management Guide .
For additional resources and tips related to remote learning, please visit keeplearning.unomaha.edu.
Magda, A.J., & Aslanian, C.B. (2018). Online college students 2018: Comprehensive data on demands and preferences. Louisville, KY: The Learning House, Inc.