The class website
Your class lives on a learning website, often called a learning management system (LMS). There you find:
- The syllabus: rules, grading and all due dates
- Weekly modules: lessons, readings and videos
- Discussion boards
- An assignment dropbox where you upload work
- A gradebook and messages from your teacher
A typical week
| When | What you do |
|---|---|
| Monday–Tuesday | Read the week’s lesson. Watch videos. Start the reading. |
| Wednesday–Thursday | Post your first discussion answer (often due mid-week). |
| Friday–Saturday | Reply to classmates. Work on the assignment. |
| Sunday | Submit the assignment or quiz before the deadline. |
Every class is different. Always follow your syllabus.
How you talk to your teacher
- Email or class messages
- Online office hours by video
- Comments on your assignments
- Live class sessions (in synchronous classes)
Teachers usually say how fast they answer, often within 1 to 2 business days.
Tests and exams
Some tests are open-book. Others are timed and watched by a “proctor.” A proctor may watch you by webcam, or you may go to a testing center. Check the tech rules before test day.
Group work
Some classes have group projects. Groups meet by video or chat and share files online. Agree on deadlines early.
How much time it takes
Plan about 9 hours a week for a 3-credit class in a 15-week term. In an accelerated 8-week class, the same credits are packed into half the weeks, so plan about twice as many hours each week.
What you need
- A laptop or desktop computer (a phone is not enough for most work)
- Steady internet
- A webcam and headset for live sessions and some tests
- A quiet place to study
More: How to Get the Most From Online Learning: 10 Habits · Online Class Formats
Sources
- Code of Federal Regulations: 34 CFR 600.2 (definition of a credit hour)
The weekly schedule is a typical example, not a rule. Last checked: November 6, 2026.
