Once enrolled, browse around the class site to familiarize yourself with the setup. Many online classes utilize WebCT and Blackboard. These are computer applications that provide a platform for syllabus information, grades and other resources. Students also can use these applications to post assignments and questions. These discussion boards can be used as part of your class participation grade. There may be posting requirements for students stating that they need to post at least one comment for each topic on the board. Depending on the class, there may be a requirement that every student must start at least one topic for discussion. Other ways of communication include email, chat boards and phone calls if needed.

Many classes will use your social security number as your student I.D. This is the number your grades and teacher comments will be posted under and gives you some degree of confidentiality. Others may give you an assigned password or name for posting, submitting and checking grades. Regarding assessment, tests and quizzes are often online and some may be timed. Open book tests usually give you enough time to finish as long as you know the majority of the course work.

Practice with computer technology before beginning. There are some basic programs and applications that many online classes use. To begin with, you should be able to use a word processing program. This includes knowing how to email saved documents, zipping files, changing margins and fonts and adding charts and tables and some classes may need you to be familiar with spreadsheets or slideshow type presentations. You may also want to practice downloading and uploading files, and take the time to set them up in an orderly way. One important tip before you start your online live classes: If you needed to buy a microphone, make sure you hook it up and test it out before your class starts.