How Do Online Classes Work?

An online class is education provided over the Internet using video, audio and written content.

You do not need much to provide an online class. Many people have done this by creating a topic and some visuals, and then using Zoom, GoToWebinar, Google Meet, Facebook or YouTube to broadcast the class.

In more advanced or professional settings, the educational content will be delivered through a learning management system or LMS. A LMS is a software program that is designed to deliver online education, and provides the means for student registration, tracking and reporting of student progress, and the creation and delivery of course content. Blackboard, Docebo, Moodle or Schoology are some common LMS platforms. While businesses and school districts will purchase and implement a LMS in their organization, it is not a requirement to facilitate an online class.

Much like a class that is conducted in-person, an online class can be a one-time meeting or a series of meetings over many class sessions. There should always be a title of the class and a detailed description of what the class is about, what information will be taught and what students who take the class are expected to learn. Typically, classes with exams or projects will include that information in the description.

Not all classes cost money for students. And often times, online classes can be free or relatively inexpensive.

In the end, the basic expectation of a student enrolled in an online class (and your inherent promised when you create a class) is that the information promised will be delivered.

Whether tests, quizzes, group work, lab / studio time, reports or project-based assessment takes place is entirely dependent on the teacher and the nature of the curriculum being taught.