We have reviewed some of the top online colleges to allow you to compare their online classroom experience. We have provided a link to a demo where available and have covered everything from how the classes are structured to how the grades are calculated. We hope you find this as a valuable resource and one of the only places where you can compare the classroom environments in a head-to-head fashion.
UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX
DEMO: N/A
Since 1976, the University of Phoenix has been giving working adults a chance to earn a higher education, offering more than 100 accredited programs in various fields of study. With nearly 200 campuses across the country, it has one of the largest student bodies of any private university, and remains one of the biggest names in online education today.
Class Structure:
Students complete one course at a time, with each class lasting about five weeks. This is to ensure that students focus on learning all the skills needed for one aspect of their studies before moving on to learning the next. Everything a student needs for the course is located on the University of Phoenix’s Student and Faculty Portal Page, where students log in four to five times a week to check their email, complete assignments and participate in discussions in a forum-style format. Many lectures are presented as an interactive slide show, complete with eye-catching illustrations, charts, and figures to keep the material interesting and memorable.
Assignment Structure:
Depending on the course, assignments can include essays or timed tests. All assignments are delivered through the University of Phoenix Portal.
Classroom Interaction:
Students participate in class discussions through a message board-style setting. Threads for each topic are set up and moderated by the instructor, and students respond to the topics and one another as they would on an internet forum. Instructors and other classmates can be contacted through email. Learning groups are used in most courses, with students being assigned to a small group of about five other classmates to complete team assignments together online.
Grade Calculation:
Grades are generally broken down as the average of three parts: attendance and participation, the completion and quality of individual assignments, and the completion and quality of team assignments. Attendance is automatically calculated when students log in to their classes through the University of Phoenix Portal. Participation is calculated in the quantity and quality of responses students leave for any discussion thread. Individual assignments are evaluated based on the quality and accuracy of the end product. Group assignments are evaluated the same way, with all group members receiving the same grade.
KAPLAN UNIVERSITY
DEMO: http://online.kaplanuniversity.edu/flashfiles/index.html (flash tour of program)
Founded by Stanley Kaplan as a test preparation tutoring service for students about to complete their college entrance exams, such as the SATs, Kaplan became synonymous with quality education by the mid 1980s. More than two decades later, Kaplan University was granted permission to offer graduate-level degree plans, finally allowing prospective students to earn their degrees online from a trusted name in education. Class Structure:
Students typically complete two courses at a time. This allows students to narrow their focus to the subjects at hand before advancing to the next courses. Students log into Kaplan University’s online education portal, where students log in three times a week to check their school email, complete assignments and readings, and participate in class lectures and discussions in a live chat room format. Some lectures include videos, but most are done in a “live chat seminar” fashion. All of these chat sessions are automatically archived so students can review them later.
Assignment Structure:
Assignments are given to students through the portal and school email. Students hand in their completed assignments in the digital drop box on the portal, which uploads and sends the file to the instructor.
Classroom Interaction:
Students join their instructor and class in a live seminar at a designated time during the week. Here, the class discussion is live and students can ask and answer questions in real time with one another and the instructor. At any time outside of the live seminar, students can use instant messaging and email to contact one another or the instructor to talk about assignments and the topics covered in the course.
Grade Calculation:
Grades are generally broken down as the average of two parts: attendance and participation, the completion and quality of assignments and exams. Attendance is automatically calculated when students log in to their classes. Participation is calculated in the quantity and quality of responses students leave during any study session or live chat seminar. Individual assignments are evaluated based on the quality and accuracy of the end product, as well as the timeliness of its completion.
AMERICAN INTERCONTINENTAL UNIVERSITY
DEMO: http://www.aiuonline.edu/degree-programs/virtual_classroom.aspx (sample lecture)
American Intercontinental University has been providing higher education opportunities to busy adults for the past 40 years. With five campuses in America, one in London, and an impressive online education program for distance learners, the university offers various degrees in today’s most in-demand fields.
Class Structure:
Students typically take one class at a time, with each one lasting about five weeks. Those earning an Associate’s degree would generally take two courses at a time. This helps the students focus on the materials for each class instead of becoming overwhelmed by taking too many at a time. Learners access their course materials through the school’s online education portal, where they log in a few times a week to check their school email, complete assignments and readings, and watch lectures. Most of the lectures are presented in a multimedia format, with different sections for the main presentation, questions and answers, interactive activities, and a list of resources students can consult to learn more.
Assignment Structure:
Assignments are given to students through the portal and school email.
Classroom Interaction:
The American Intercontinental University has a live chat option on the school portal, which allows students to chat with anyone else who happens to be online at the same time. Instructors and classmates can congregate for a live chat to discuss topics or assignments as well. In addition, there are instant messaging, emailing, and social networking alternatives to connect students with their classmates.
Grade Calculation:
Grades are generally broken down as the average of three parts: attendance and participation, the completion and quality of individual assignments, and the completion and quality of team assignments. Attendance and participation is automatically calculated when students log in to their classes. Individual assignments are evaluated based on the quality and accuracy of the end product. Team assignments require more coordination and effort, and are also evaluated on the basis of quality and accuracy. These assignments help students apply their classroom skills to real world situations.
ASHFORD UNIVERSITY
DEMO: N/A
Founded in 1918 as a junior college in Clinton, Iowa to educate local residents, Ashford University has since grown to become a respected provider of higher education. Instead of confining itself to a single campus location, the university now brings its expert professors and lecturers into the homes of prospective students across the country with its online degree program.
Class Structure:
Students typically take one class at a time, with each one lasting about five to six weeks. Taking one class at a time prevents fatiguing the learners, especially since online classes are short and concentrated. Students access their course materials through the school’s online education portal, where they log in at least twice a week to check their email, complete assignments, participate in class discussions, and complete their readings. Lectures are delivered as readings, and class discussions take place in the form of forum-like postings.
Assignment Structure:
Assignments are given to students through the portal and school email.
Classroom Interaction:
Online tutoring sessions are offered for all students, as well as writing consultants. Class and instructor discussions take place on a message board-style platform, where instructors create threads for students to respond to and guide the discussions along. Instructors are also available to chat with students about class topics and assignments over the phone or through email.
Grade Calculation:
Grades are generally broken down as the average of three parts: attendance, participation, and the completion and quality of assignments such as written reports. Attendance is automatically calculated when students log in to their classes. Participation is evaluated based on the frequency and quality of student responses to discussion topics. Individual assignments are graded by the quality and accuracy of the end product.
WESTWOOD COLLEGE ONLINE
DEMO: N/A
With 17 campuses across the nation and its headquarters in Denver, Colorado, Westwood College has been providing higher education opportunities since 1953. Prospective students, even those not near a campus location, can pursue an education in nearly anything. The school offers 25 degree programs, ranging in subject from criminal justice to design, ensuring that there will be a match for everyone.
Class Structure:
Students access their course materials through the school’s online education portal, where they log in several times a week to check their email, complete assignments and readings, and participate in class discussions. Lectures are delivered in a variety of ways: some are video lectures, readings, or live discussions with classmates and the instructor in a chat room setting.
Assignment Structure:
Assignments are given to students through the portal and students post their completed assignments up in the portal.
Classroom Interaction:
Live chat rooms allow students and instructors to have a real-time conversation virtually. Discussions generally take the form of a message board forum where instructors will post a thread of interest and allow students to respond. Forming discussion groups with your classmates is highly encouraged.
Grade Calculation:
Grades are generally broken down as the average of three parts: attendance, participation, and the completion and quality of assignments such as written reports and exams. Attendance is automatically calculated when students log in to their classes. Participation is evaluated based on the frequency and quality of student responses to discussion topics. In fact, students are expected to post several threaded discussions every week. Individual assignments are graded by the quality and accuracy of the end product.
LIBERTY UNIVERSITY ONLINE
DEMO: http://bb7.liberty.edu/webapps/login?action=guest_login (sample course)
Liberty University is the largest evangelical university in the world, with more than 11,000 campus students and approximately 24,000 students studying online. Founded in 1971, the school has been known for its dedication to quality education and has since taken its message of faith and learning to the internet through distance education. Now students anywhere in America can earn their degrees with Liberty University.
Class Structure:
Students typically take anywhere from one to four classes at a time, with each class lasting about eight weeks. Learners access their course materials through the school’s online education portal, called Blackboard, where they log in to check and complete their assignments, and look up their readings. Unlike most online schools, there are no minimum log-ins required with Liberty University Online as long as students complete their assignments by the deadline. This means that ostensibly, there is no attendance tracker so students are more independent. Lectures are delivered primarily as readings and pre-recorded videos.
Assignment Structure:
Assignments are given to students through the portal and students post their completed assignments there as well.
Classroom Interaction:
Discussions generally take the form of a message board forum where instructors will post a thread of interest and allow students to respond. Students will carry the discussion themselves, and instructors act as moderators, keeping the conversation on task and answering any questions. Instructors and classmates are also available through email.
Grade Calculation:
Grades are generally broken down as the average of two parts: participation and the completion and quality of assignments such as written reports and exams. Participation is evaluated based on the frequency and quality of student responses to discussion topics. Individual assignments are graded by the quality and accuracy of the end product, as well as the ability to meet deadlines.
DEVRY UNIVERSITY
DEMO: http://www.devry.edu/tools/online-course-demo/OnlineCourseTour.htm (course tour) With more than 90 campuses in America and Canada’s largest cities as well as an online program for everyone else, DeVry University offers degree programs in technology, science, business, art, and management. About 90 percent of the university’s students have a career within six months of graduating, according to the school’s website, making the transition from new graduate to employed individual feasible.
Class Structure:
Students typically take one to four classes at a time, with each class lasting about eight to 15 weeks. Learners access their course materials through the school’s online education portal, where they log in several times a week to check and complete their assignments, and to look up their readings. Most lectures are in the form of readings and class discussions take place in a message board forum-style setting.
Assignment Structure:
Assignments are given to students through the portal and students post their completed assignments in a digital drop box, which uploads and sends the assignments to the instructor.
Classroom Interaction:
Class interaction is carried out in a message board forum where instructors will post a thread of interest and allow students to respond. Students will carry the discussion themselves, and instructors act as moderators, keeping the conversation on task and answering any questions. Instructors and classmates are also available through email and live chat, so that students can talk to anyone who happens to be online at the same time in a chat room or instant message setting.
Grade Calculation:
Grades are generally broken down as the average of two parts: attendance and participation, and the completion and quality of assignments such as written reports and exams. Attendance is automatically recorded when a student logs in to the course during the week. Participation is evaluated based on the frequency and quality of student responses to discussion topics. Assignments are graded by the quality and accuracy of the end product, as well as the ability to meet deadlines.
EVEREST UNIVERSITY ONLINE
DEMO: http://www.everestonline.edu/demo (need to “sign up” before demo, class sample)
Originally founded as the Florida Metropolitan University, Everest University has since expanded to cover various cities in Florida as well as online, allowing non-resident students to obtain a college degree as well. The university offers career-specific programs for those looking to get a jump start into their industry of choice, such as accounting, business, and criminal justice.
Class Structure:
Learners access their course materials through the school’s online education portal, where they log in several times a week to check and complete their assignments, look up readings, and talk to their instructor via email. Most lectures are readings and interactive slide show presentations. The slide shows are more than average PowerPoint presentations; they include eye-catching graphics, charts, and questions to keep the lecture interesting and informative. Classroom discussions are conducted in a message board style.
Assignment Structure:
Assignments are given to students through the portal and students post their completed assignments there as well.
Classroom Interaction:
Class interaction is carried out in a message board forum where instructors will post a thread of interest and allow students to respond. Students carry the discussion themselves, responding to other student posts or creating their own for a new line of thought. The instructors act as moderators, keeping the conversation on task and answering any questions. Instructors and classmates are also available through email and live chat, so that students can talk to anyone who happens to be online at the same time in a chat room or instant message setting.
Grade Calculation:
Grades are generally broken down as the average of two parts: attendance and participation, and the completion and quality of assignments such as written reports and exams. Attendance is automatically recorded when a student logs in to the course during the week. Participation is evaluated based on the frequency and quality of student responses to discussion topics. Assignments are graded by the quality and accuracy of the end product, as well as the ability to meet deadlines.
