Engaging in the Online Classroom

Engaging in the online classroom can initially seem like a peculiar process. After all, everyone understands the dynamics of a traditional university experience. Normally, students travel to campus, physically enter a classroom, and listen to a teacher impart knowledge for a designated class period each day. Online classrooms, however, exist in the digital sphere. Students attend lectures, read course materials, and interact with others at any time of day, all by way of an internet connection. This new model of education provides an exciting, convenient, and meaningful avenue towards earning your degree.

How do online classes work?

Using technology

Technology is essential to online learner engagement. When you enroll in an online course, you’ll need certain technology and equipment to participate. Common requirements include high-speed internet access, speakers or headphones, an up-to-date computer operating system, word processing software, a CD or DVD drive, and a microphone.

More than ever, students are using the technology they interact with daily for educational purposes. In fact, 67% of online students use mobile devices to complete their coursework, such as phones and tablets. One of the many benefits of online learning is that the technology it requires is already built into the fabric of modern life.

How to take online classes

When you take a course online, it is usually connected to a larger academic institution that offers a traditional campus experience. Instead of visiting a school building, online students must log in to a learning management system (LMS). An LMS serves as a digital home base, where you can find your coursework, view calendars, turn in assignments, and interact with both your professor and your peers. Popular systems include Moodle, Blackboard, and Canvas.

Bethel University Online offers undergraduate and graduate online degree programs for…

View Programs for Bethel University Request Info

Located in the heart of Boston, Emmanuel College gives ambitious students access to e…

View Programs for Emmanuel College Request Info

Illinois College has been preparing students for lives of leadership and service for …

View Programs for Illinois College Request Info

Jefferson University combines the renowned legacies of two universities (Philadelphia…

View Programs for Thomas Jefferson University Request Info

The Instructor’s Role: Engaging Online Learners

It’s important to understand engagement of online study beyond the practical aspects of course participation. Online degree programs allow you to find mentorship with your instructors and build professional networks with your peers. They allow you to grow as an academically minded person and as a professional. Therefore, your instructors should be excellent at encouraging and facilitating these aspects.

When you look for an online course, see what you can find out about your potential professors. A good online instructor should do the following:

Get to know you. Instructors should aim to make the environment feel comfortable for everyone. They should speak to all students respectfully and get to know their individual learning needs.

Understand the mechanics of online classes. Although it might sound strange, some online instructors may not understand how to interact with the platform they teach on. If you need technical help, make sure they can answer your question or direct you to someone else who can.

Make the Most of Your Online Experience

To truly feel engaged in an online course is partially an inside job. Online degrees are largely self-directed, meaning that it’s up to you to get the most out of your time as student. Here are some tips you should know.

: Online learning is a unique format with its own advantages, drawbacks, and challenges. Accept it for what it is. Becoming an online student is the opportunity to gain skills in time management, written communication, self-discipline, and fortitude. Enjoy the flexibility of the format and remind yourself of the benefits associated with an online degree when you get frustrated.
: Online classes are convenient but not necessarily any easier than the traditional education route. Prepare to dedicate your time and attend class consistently. If you’re not comfortable with technology, work to improve your skills. Do research on the life of an online student to put yourself in the right mindset.
: It’s hard to get somewhere when you don’t know where you’re going. Think about your objectives for your degree program. What are your objectives for the semester? A single course? Today’s class? Give yourself guideposts and change them if necessary. This will help you keep on track.
: “Out of sight, out of mind” is a challenge for online classes. Because you’re not entering a physical classroom, it can be difficult to remember that online courses need to be a priority. They require just as much study, dedication, and academic caliber as traditional school. Make sure to finish your assignments, do the readings, and actively engage in discussions, even when you don’t want to. Remember that school is an investment you’ve made in yourself and in your future.
: One of the worst feelings is realizing you have too much to do and too little time. Between balancing work, school, and life, it can be difficult to get it all done. Be sure to section off time to study every week, and to leave yourself enough room to finish assignments without rushing. Know your academic calendar and ask for time management tips if you need some.
: To truly engage in the online classroom means just that — to engage. Connect with your instructor during their virtual office hours, contribute to discussion groups, and participate in any required blogs, social media, or other public communication. If you’re having difficulty understanding your coursework, let the professor know. If you want to start a study group, be the first to reach out to your fellow classmates. When it comes to online education, the more you give, the more you get.
: Having reliable internet access might seem like a no-brainer, but something this basic is worth checking twice. You want to make sure you can actually “get to class.” Check your connection before your first day, and make sure you can access the internet on a regular basis through the duration of your program. If you encounter a glitch, tell your instructor. An online course is an irrelevant one if your internet connection is unreliable.

Moving Towards Your Future

Online degrees are proving to be not only a feasible alternative to traditional higher education, but a game-changing one. Students are able to earn degrees, increase their earning potential, and advance their career online with ultimate convenience and affordability. But online degree programs require work. The more you engage as an online student, the better situated you will be for positive professional outcomes and a better quality of life.

AS in Business Administration LocationCampbellsville, KY Accreditation(s)SACSCOC, IACBE Religious AffiliationChristian Cost Per Credit$399: Learn the fundamental business skills necessary for a career in business administration, including finance, economics, accounting, and more with the online Associate of Science in Business Administration degree program from Campbellsville University. Topics of study include accounting principles, fundamentals of microeconomics and macroeconomics, concepts and analytical tools used in finance, marketing concepts, human resource management, management principles, and more.
BA in Business LocationSt. Paul, MN Accreditation(s)HLC Religious AffiliationChristian Cost Per Credit$420: The Bachelor of Arts in Business program at Concordia University, St. Paul allows you to develop academic credentials as well as leadership, writing, and communication skills. You will explore core business principles in marketing, finance, management, law, economics, and accounting with an emphasis on international perspectives, environmental sustainability, and ethics. You will investigate various dimensions of business decisions by delving into case studies and developing solutions to situations you may face in the business world.
BA in Business LocationBaltimore, MD Accreditation(s)MSCHE, ACBSP Religious AffiliationCatholic Cost Per Credit$420: The online Bachelor of Arts in Business from Notre Dame of Maryland University focuses on the latest business practices and theories, using case studies, consulting assignments, and a capstone course to give real-world knowledge you can apply immediately. Focus groups with leaders from major companies in different industries will teach you principles of data analysis, negotiation, teamwork, communication, and leadership.
BA in Business LocationVirginia Beach, VA Accreditation(s)SACSCOC Religious AffiliationMethodist Cost Per Credit$399: Prepare for a career in the competitive, innovative world of modern business with the online Bachelor of Arts in Business from Virginia Wesleyan University. Gain the foundational skills you need to adapt, thrive, and contribute to any business environment as you explore economics, marketing, accounting, and more. The program is flexible but rigorous, pairing the hands-on learning you need to succeed in business with the ability to fit your studies into your already busy life.
BA in Business Administration LocationAurora, IL Accreditation(s)HLC Religious Affiliation– Cost Per Credit$425.00: Aurora University’s online Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration program prepares you for advanced career opportunities by enhancing your business acumen and problem-solving skills. The program provides you with a broad overview of topics, including accounting, finance, organizational behavior, human resources, marketing, and international business and is taught by faculty members who have real-world experience.
BA in Business Administration LocationMishawaka, IN Accreditation(s)HLC Religious AffiliationChristian Cost Per Credit$405.00: The online Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration program from Bethel University readies you to succeed in the high-opportunity world of business and finance. Featuring a rigorous curriculum, the program offers training in a wide variety of areas including accounting, business law, business communication, marketing, human resources, and more. Combined with biblical principles, the online program prepares you to work in a number of positions as a competent and ethical professional.
BA in Business Administration LocationCanton, OH Accreditation(s)HLC Religious AffiliationChristian Cost Per Credit$510: Malone University’s online Bachelor of Business Administration degree program offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to give you a foundation in a wide breadth of subject areas. From marketing to management to strategy, you will train in the methods you need to provide value to employers. The curriculum also includes both elective options and the opportunity to double major, helping you better tailor your education to fit your unique career goals.
BA in Business Management LocationJacksonville, IL Accreditation(s)HLC Religious Affiliation– Cost Per Credit$375: Earn the credential you need to go further with the online BBA with a concentration in Management at Illinois College. Designed for those seeking to enter the corporate world increase their earning potential, the online business management degree prepares you to succeed in today’s competitive workforce. Our online B.A. in Business Administration – Management equips you with a range of academic and practical skills that place you in the forefront of the industry.
BA in Business Marketing LocationMishawaka, IN Accreditation(s)HLC Religious AffiliationChristian Cost Per Credit$405.00: This online Bachelor’s in Business Marketing program provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to communicate effectively to target audiences, develop promotional materials and implement successful marketing strategies. With a comprehensive curriculum that features core business topics and specialized marketing coursework, the online bachelor’s in marketing features an emphasis on social media and the latest industry approaches.
BA in Human Services Counseling LocationAda, OK Accreditation(s)HLC Religious Affiliation– Cost Per Credit$264.25 In-State, $541.19 Out-of-State: Our online human services degree can ready you to work in a variety of professional areas including family support, substance abuse, social services, care facilities, prison systems and more. Areas of concentration are counseling, aging and rehabilitation.
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) LocationBristol, TN Accreditation(s)SACSCOC Religious AffiliationPresbyterian Cost Per Credit$305: The online Bachelor of Business Administration degree program from King University is designed for adult learners who have earned some college credits and seek to finish their bachelor’s degree and enhance their business management knowledge. It prepares professionals for various career paths that require excellent business, communication, and critical thinking skills and the integration of management, administration, and strategy theory.
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) LocationDavenport, IL Accreditation(s)HLC, ACBSP Religious AffiliationCatholic Cost Per Credit$464: The online Bachelor of Business Administration program from St. Ambrose University provides a comprehensive education for a career in business. With a curriculum grounded in liberal arts and taught by faculty with real-world business experience, the program teaches business, leadership, and communication skills. The program focuses on the skills needed to advance in a variety of fields and offers small class sizes. An accounting specialization is available.
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) LocationLakeland, FL Accreditation(s)SACSCOC, ACBSP Religious AffiliationPentecostal – Assemblies of God Cost Per Credit$390: The online Bachelor of Business Administration degree offered by Southeastern University is tailored to students who are enterprising, goal-oriented and tech-savvy. This program, which is delivered in a completely online format, aims to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to keep a business or organization running smoothly and successfully. The core of the business administration curriculum includes foundational business concepts, communication best practices, and business management skills.
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) LocationLivingston, AL Accreditation(s)SACSCOC, ACBSP Religious Affiliation– Cost Per Credit$325: Develop a strong foundation in business theory and practice and enhance your career opportunities in your field with the online Bachelor of Business Administration degree program from the University of West Alabama. You’ll learn the knowledge and skills to impact organizations of all types and sizes. Choose from concentrations in accounting, business administration, management, marketing, and computer information systems.
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) LocationCampbellsville, KY Accreditation(s)SACSCOC, CSWE Religious AffiliationChristian Cost Per Credit$399: Develop an understanding of the basics of social work while also gaining hands-on, practical experience in the field with the online Bachelor of Social Work program from Campbellsville University. Through the program, you’ll learn the historical and contemporary principles of social work, as well as the theoretical perspectives related to the field. You will also discover the necessary skills for performing generalist social work practice in a variety of areas: communities and organizations, individuals, families, and groups.
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) LocationBristol, TN Accreditation(s)SACSCOC, CSWE Religious AffiliationPresbyterian Cost Per Credit$305: King University’s online Bachelor of Social Work degree program is designed to provide students with the skills necessary to become global citizens and make an impact in an in-demand career in social work or human services. You will learn to apply advocacy and intervention strategies to support individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations.
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) LocationAurora, IL Accreditation(s)HLC Religious Affiliation– Cost Per Credit$600: Develop the skills and knowledge needed to begin social work practice with the online Bachelor of Social Work degree completion program from Aurora University. You’ll be prepared to work with communities, groups, families, and individuals in a variety of settings as well as with diverse populations and problems.
BS in Business Administration LocationCampbellsville, KY Accreditation(s)SACSCOC, IACBE Religious AffiliationChristian Cost Per Credit$399.00: Master the fundamentals of business and explore the important trends and concepts that are driving today’s fast-paced economy with the online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration program from Campbellsville University. Choose from five exciting emphases based on your area of business interest:
BS in Business Administration: Management
BS in Business Administration: Human Resource Management
BS in Business Administration: Healthcare Management
BS in Business Administration: Accounting
BS in Business Administration: Marketing
BS in Business Administration LocationSeward, NE Accreditation(s)HLC, IACBE Religious AffiliationLutheran Cost Per Credit$350.00: The online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration program from Concordia University, Nebraska prepares you for a rewarding career in project management, leadership, accounting, finance, and more. You will study an innovative curriculum featuring open educational resources and real-world assignments, collaborating with their peers to apply key concepts to current problems facing organizations, with the goal of finding solutions that lead to successful business outcomes.
BS in Business Administration LocationBangor, ME Accreditation(s)NECHE, IACBE Religious Affiliation– Cost Per Credit$360: The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration program from Husson University is delivered fully online and designed to provide students with the foundational skills they need for a successful business career in a number of fields, including marketing, finance, sales and more. Along with concentrations in management and marketing management, the program allows you to practice skills in a variety of disciplines, including accounting and economics.
BS in Business Administration LocationNashua, NH Accreditation(s)NECHE, ACBSP Religious AffiliationCatholic Cost Per Credit$360: Transform your future with the online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree program from Rivier University. The program gives you a strong foundation in business principles and the skills and knowledge to advance your company or organizational goals or to take your own business to the next level. You will develop a fundamental understanding of business in topics such as business management, marketing, business writing, budgeting, and strategic management.
BS in Business Administration: Management LocationInstitute, WV Accreditation(s)HLC, ACBSP Religious Affiliation– Cost Per Credit$316: The fully online B.S. in Business Administration program from West Virginia State University teaches you the skills required for leadership positions in today’s business world. Choose between two concentrations: accounting and management. The program focuses on fundamental theories and concepts in the field of business administration and helps you develop your communication, critical thinking, problem solving, and decision making skills. The program can be completed in just two to four years.
BS in Business Management LocationPhiladelphia, PA Accreditation(s)MSCHE Religious Affiliation– Cost Per Credit$605: Gain the knowledge you need for the career you want with Jefferson Online’s bs in business management program. Learn the leadership skills to make the most out of an organization’s people, processes and potential to help it achieve its goals. Our curriculum is focused on teaching you to drive innovation while gaining expertise in professional communication, change management, problem solving and more.
BS in Business Management LocationReading, PA Accreditation(s)MSCHE, ACBSP Religious AffiliationCatholic-Franciscan Cost Per Credit$460.00: Alvernia University’s Alvernia University’s online Bachelor of Science in Business Management prepares you for a management role in a variety of settings. The program provides you with a strong foundation in business management as you learn both its practical and ethical standpoints, and it equips you with the management and supervisory skills you need to excel in an entry-level or mid-level position at an organization.online Bachelor’s in Business Management degree prepares you for a management role in a variety of settings. The program provides you with a strong foundation in business management as you learn both its practical and ethical standpoints, and it equips you with the management and supervisory skills you need to excel in an entry-level or mid-level position at an organization.
BS in Business Management LocationBuffalo, NY Accreditation(s)MSCHE, IACBE Religious AffiliationCatholic Cost Per Credit$500: Gain the leadership skills that will give you a competitive edge in business and set you apart from your professional peers with the online Bachelor of Science in Business Management degree from D’Youville College. Through the program, you will focus on management and leadership and advanced business strategies, along with business law, statistics, economics, and operations management.
BS in General Business LocationCampbellsville, KY Accreditation(s)SACSCOC, IACBE Religious AffiliationChristian Cost Per Credit$399.00: The online Bachelor of Science in General Business degree program from Campbellsville University provides students insight on various aspects of business, preparing them for more opportunities in the corporate environment. The degree is perfect for students who wish to further their careers in the business industry in areas such as human resources, finance, retail, banking, accounting and more. This online program gives you a broad-based business background that is grounded in Christian values.
BS in Human Services LocationLakeland, FL Accreditation(s)SACSCOC, CCNE Religious AffiliationPentecostal – Assemblies of God Cost Per Credit$390: Southeastern University’s online Bachelor of Science in Human Services program is for students who feel called to the interdisciplinary, vital, and rapidly growing human services industry. This degree prepares you to become a helper in multiple settings and environments. You will be qualified to work in environments such as clinics, nursing homes, social services agencies, substance abuse programs, homeless shelters, and community organizations.
BS in Human Services LocationCambridge, MA Accreditation(s)NECHE, NEASC Religious Affiliation– Cost Per Credit$445: Make a difference in your community with the online Bachelor of Science in Human Services program from Lesley University. Develop the skills and knowledge to shape social policies and provide for your clients’ needs in settings, such as: community advocacy, healthcare, criminal justice, crisis intervention, and much more. You’ll gain a strong foundation in the liberal arts, human growth and lifespan development, and human services delivery systems.
RN to BSN LocationBuffalo, NY Accreditation(s)MSCHE, CCNE Religious AffiliationCatholic Cost Per Credit$500: Designed for working nurses who seek to earn their bachelor’s degree, the online RN to BSN program at D’Youville College offers you a convenient and quality pathway toward elevating your career. The comprehensive curriculum teaches leadership skills within a service-oriented environment, and you will study topics such as vulnerable populations, evidence-based practice, and professional issues in nursing.
RN to BSN LocationTeaneck, NJ Accreditation(s)MSCHE, CCNE Religious Affiliation– Cost Per Credit$600: Fairleigh Dickinson University’s online RN-BSN program trains working nurses for management and leadership positions. As a student, you’ll learn how to deliver comprehensive care to individuals and families in all environments and gain the skills necessary to make you competitive in the job market. Explore topics such as health assessment, pathophysiology, nursing administration and education, and more.
RN to BSN LocationJacksonville, IL Accreditation(s)HLC Religious Affiliation– Cost Per Credit$375: Illinois College’s fully online RN to BSN program is designed to educate nurses for the needs of the future and covers a host of essential topics for advancing your education, such as bioethics, health policy, nursing research, and disease management. The accelerated program can be completed in as little as 12 months.
RN to BSN LocationBristol, TN Accreditation(s)SACSCOC, CCNE Religious AffiliationPresbyterian Cost Per Credit$330: The online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) program from King University provides an educational opportunity for current registered nurses who want to further their education and advance their career by earning a bachelor’s degree. The program is designed as a transformational learning experience leading to personal and professional skill development to meet the needs of registered nurses previously prepared at the ADN or diploma level.
RN to BSN LocationCanton, OH Accreditation(s)HLC, CCNE Religious AffiliationChristian Cost Per Credit$260: Malone University’s online RN-BSN program is designed for working nurses seeking to advance their careers and finish their bachelor’s degree. As a working professional, you will grow in professional competence and Christ-like compassion as you learn from a comprehensive curriculum that combines academically rigorous classes with biblical principles.
RN to BSN LocationSouth Euclid, OH Accreditation(s)HLC Religious AffiliationCatholic Cost Per Credit$240: Build your competency as a medical professional and earn the credential you need to advance in your career with the online RN to BSN program at Notre Dame College. Designed for working nurses, the program increases your capacity to improve patient outcomes, improves your leadership skills, and readies you to become an effective change maker in your organization as you gain practical training in the field.
RN to BSN LocationBaltimore, MD Accreditation(s)MSCHE, CCNE Religious AffiliationCatholic Cost Per Credit$375: Transform your nursing career and earn an in-demand degree with the online RN to BSN degree program from Notre Dame of Maryland University. Gain the skills and knowledge needed to enhance your career opportunities in nursing while fulfilling the educational requirements of many healthcare employers. The program can be completed in as little as 15 months.
RN to BSN LocationPortsmouth, OH Accreditation(s)HLC, ACEN Religious Affiliation– Cost Per Credit$278: Led by experienced nurse educators, Shawnee State University’s RN to BSN online program features small class sizes, personalized attention, and dedication to your future success. Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), the accelerated curriculum equips you with the quality education needed to advance your career or pursue graduate studies.
RN to BSN LocationNashua, NH Accreditation(s)NECHE, ACEN Religious AffiliationCatholic Cost Per Credit$360: Advance your nursing career and impact the lives of others with an ACEN-accredited RN to BSN online from Rivier University. Graduates of this program are prepared for leadership positions and master’s-level educational opportunities. The program’s flexible, convenient format can be designed around professional and personal schedules. Students with an active RN license will be awarded transfer credit for their experience and can finish the program faster.
RN to BSN LocationLakeland, FL Accreditation(s)SACSCOC, CCNE Religious AffiliationPentecostal – Assemblies of God Cost Per Credit$200: Southeastern University’s online RN to BSN program offers working registered nurses the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree without interfering with their busy professional schedules. When you earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing, you expand your knowledge and gain skills that are directly applicable to your nursing career. Become a top nursing professionals who provide the best possible healthcare services and patient care.
RN to BSN LocationDavenport, IL Accreditation(s)HLC, CCNE Religious AffiliationCatholic Cost Per Credit$386: Our fully online RN-BSN program is a bachelor’s completion program designed for working nurses and prepares you for career advancement in a variety of healthcare settings. The curriculum is specifically designed for working nurses and can enable you to progress in your career, while opening doors to new opportunities. SAU’s faculty are real-world professionals with nursing specialty expertise who have mentored and prepared nurses for diverse and fulfilling healthcare careers.
RN to BSN LocationPensacola, FL Accreditation(s)SACSCOC, CCNE Religious Affiliation– Cost Per Credit$282.13: Gain more skills for career advancement in nursing and increased earning potential with the online RN to BSN from the University of West Florida. Through the program, you will demonstrate your commitment to the nursing profession as you advance your knowledge in evidence-based nursing practice, high-quality care, communication, and leadership. The CCNE-accredited program is taught by educators who are highly experienced in a variety of areas in the field, and you will gain their insight into nursing practices and the healthcare system.
RN to BSN LocationAda, OK Accreditation(s)HLC, ACEN Religious Affiliation– Cost Per Credit$264.25 In-State, $541.19 Out-of-State: Designed specifically for those who currently hold their RN license, the RN to BSN online program enables nurses to provide safe, quality, patient-centered care in an environment of teamwork and collaboration. You’ll learn evidence-based practice, informatics, successful communication and other skills that will improve your effectiveness as a healthcare professional.
RN to BSN LocationSt. Paul, MN Accreditation(s)HLC, CCNE Religious AffiliationChristian Cost Per Credit$420: Concordia University, St. Paul’s online RN to BSN program advances the knowledge and skills of nursing professionals through an integration of learning and experience. Using a combination of theoretical inquiry and practical application, you will gain insight into ethics in healthcare, professional and evidence-based practice, interdisciplinary collaboration and communication, leadership, management, care coordination, and community health.
RN to BSN LocationReading, PA Accreditation(s)MSCHE, CCNE Religious AffiliationCatholic-Franciscan Cost Per Credit$460: With Alvernia University’s online RN to BSN program, you can earn the credentials you need to pursue broader responsibilities and career opportunities within nursing. The program teaches you advanced nursing skills as you also explore historical and contemporary issues and future trends. Because of the program’s online format, you can earn your degree while maintaining your busy schedule and learn from faculty who are experienced in a variety of clinical practice and professional leadership roles.
RN to BSN LocationMishawaka, IN Accreditation(s)HLC, ACEN Religious AffiliationChristian Cost Per Credit$405: Bethel University’s RN to BSN online program equips you with the skills, knowledge, and practical training you need to take on more challenging roles in your workplace and advance in your profession. Designed for working professionals, the program’s curriculum trains you in a host of areas required for the modern nurse, such as pharmacology, patient and family centered care, community-based nursing, global health, nursing informatics, and more.