Online Learning Student FAQs

Delivery Method Questions

Preparation for Online Learning Questions

Support Questions

Answers

Delivery Method Questions

How should I determine which type of class delivery option is best for me?
Consider the definitions for all of Cerritos College’s course delivery options first: 

  • IN PERSON – Your class meets on campus on specific days and times for the duration of the term (18-week, 15-week, 9-week, 6-week)
  • ONLINE: All instruction and interaction are online with no mandatory synchronous (remote) nor in-person meetings.
  • LIVE REMOTE/ONLINE: There are required scheduled remote meetings in real-time that are noted in the schedule of classes.  All instruction and interaction are online.
  • HYBRID: There is a combination of scheduled in-person or live remote meetings and online asynchronous teaching and learning with regular and effective interaction in both modalities.
  • ONLINE WITH REQUIRED ON CAMPUS ACTIVITIES: All  instruction and interaction will take place online except for either noted assessments and/or specified activities which will be in person.
  • HYFLEX: You will have the flexibility to participate in-person, remote, and/or online asynchronously.

How do I find out if my class is fully online or has some in class meetings?
Review the Schedule of Classes on Schedule+. Each course shows whether it is in person (with a building and classroom as well as meeting time) or one of the other delivery methods. This designation is on the top line of each course listed.

If my class is HYBRID am I required to meet at certain times?
Hybrid classes DO require specific meeting days/times as noted in the class schedule/Schedule+. Check for the required class meeting times on the top line of your course listing. 

If my class is HYBRID do I need to come to campus for class meetings?
It depends on your specific section of your course. Hybrid classes DO require specific meeting days/times as noted in the class schedule/Schedule+. Check for the required class meeting times on the top line of your course listing. In some cases, hybrids meet in person on campus, and in others, a remote meeting is required. 

If my class is HYBRID do I need to attend Zoom Remote class at certain times?
It depends on your specific section of your course. Hybrid classes DO require specific meeting days/times as noted in the class schedule/Schedule+. Check for the required class meeting times on the top line of your course listing. In some cases, hybrids meet in person on campus, and in others, a remote meeting is required. 

If my class is ONLINE am I required to meet at certain times?
Classes designated as online do NOT require specific meeting times. Your instructor may offer optional remote meetings, but you are not REQUIRED to attend any class meetings at specific times. Although you are not required to log in at a specified time, you are required to submit assignments by the due dates set by the instructor.

If my class is designated as ONLINE but my instructor is asking me to meet for remote classes, what do I do?
Online classes cannot require you to attend specific class meetings. Contact your instructor and let them know you are not available to meet in synchronous meetings at specific times, and also contact the Division Dean of your course to let them know you cannot meet at specific times in your online class. Instructors can offer optional online meeting times. If your instructor offers optional meetings at specific times, and you are free to attend, you may attend those meetings. These meetings are not required and you should not be penalized for not being able to attend.

If my class is HYFLEX, am I required to meet at certain times?
Hyflex is a course delivery method that allows for student flexibility. The choice is yours! You may choose to attend live in-person or remote classes at specific times. Or, you can participate online at your own pace. You are required to participate in the class in one of these three options. You are also required to complete assignments by designated due dates.

If my class is HYFLEX, am I required to come to campus for class meetings?
Hyflex is a course delivery method that allows for student flexibility. The choice is yours! You may choose to attend live in-person or remote classes at specific times. Or, you can participate online at your own pace.You are required to participate in the class in one of these three options. You are also required to complete assignments by designated due dates.

If my class is HYFLEX, am I required to attend Zoom Remote class at certain times?
Hyflex is a course delivery method that allows for student flexibility. The choice is yours! You may choose to attend live in-person or remote classes at specific times. Or, you can participate online at your own pace. You are required to participate in the class in one of these three options. You are also required to complete assignments by designated due dates.

Preparation for Online Learning Questions

Will my online classes be similar to online classes I took in high school?
If you were in high school during the COVID-19 pandemic, you most likely experienced some form of remote or hybrid online classes. These classes were in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, and were probably meant to be temporary. Your online classes at Cerritos will follow the definitions noted above. For specific information about any of your courses, be sure to contact the instructor prior to the beginning of the course.

Should I take an online learning preparation course or module before I take an online course?
It is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the definitions of delivery methods for online learning as noted above. Additionally, the California Community College Virtual Campus has put together some lessons for Preparing for Online Learning. Going through these items and watching your selection of videos will help prepare you for your online class at Cerritos, even if you’ve taken online classes before.

What should I do if I signed up for a face-to-face class, but it has been converted to online?
Be sure to review your schedule on MyCerritos before the first day of class to access your class schedule. If you have a course that has been converted from face-to-face to online, contact your instructor and the Division Office to ascertain if this will be a good fit for you or if other courses may be available to you. 

How much time is required to complete an online class?
Courses are offered in different time frames: 18 weeks, 15 weeks, 9 weeks, and 6 weeks. Courses that are scheduled for 6, 9 and 15-week sessions will cover the same content as a 18-week course in a shorter, faster paced time frame. Each online class follows the exact same course objectives and student learning outcomes as a face-to-face class and requires the same amount of time to complete. 

How much time is required for assignments and activities in an online class?
Each online class follows the exact same course objectives and student learning outcomes as a face-to-face class. The amount of time required to complete weekly activities in an online class should include time for the “class content,” instructor outreach and instructions, as well as reading, writing, and/or homework associated with the course. You should plan to work 1 hour for each unit of the class on managing the course content, and 2 hours for every unit of the class for homework and activities. Keep in mind that shorter sessions, such as 9 or 6 week courses) will require more time each week because you have a shorter time period to complete the class. 

Term length Hours per week for 1 unit class Hours per week for 2 unit class Hours per week for 3 unit class Hours per week for 4 unit class Hours per week for 5 unit class
18 week class 3 hours 6 hours 9 hours 12 hours 15 hours
15 week class 3.6 hours 7.2 hours 10.8 hours 14.4 hours 18 hours
9 week class 6 hours 12 hours 18 hours 24 hours 30 hours
6 week class 9 hours 18 hours 27 hours 36 hours 45 hours

Support Questions

What should I do if I don’t have a computer for my online class?
Cerritos College has a program through which you can borrow a computer or get Hotspot access. 

What should I do if my Internet is unstable or goes out?
If you are in the middle of a remote class and your Internet is unstable, it’s best to turn off your camera in an effort to use less bandwidth. Additionally, you may borrow a computer or get Hotspot access through the Cerritos College library that may provide stronger access. 

How can I manage my time for my online class?
Managing time for your online class is crucial. Keep in mind that you will need to spend a minimum of 2 hours for each class hour per class (1 hour for each unit of the class). If the class is a 15, 9, or 6-week class, those hours increase. To manage your online class time, plan to spend time at the beginning of each week to review the current module/unit and get started on tasks for the week. Return to the class at least 1 or 2 more times in the week to review announcements, participate in discussions and collaborative activities, and to engage with instructor feedback. If your class is live-remote, be sure to attend your live session in addition to the time spent interacting with the course. For more tips on Time Management, see the Success Center Workshop schedule. 

What’s the difference between “course content” and “homework” in an online class?
The “course content” part of an online course is the material on Canvas (our course management system) where instructors post course objectives, outcomes, syllabus, activities and assignments. It is your responsibility to engage with those materials per the instructions of your instructor. If you are in a live-remote class, you are required to attend class remotely at specific times noted in on your MyCerritos schedule. Homework is the tasks and assignments noted in your syllabus and through instruction that help you achieve the outcomes of the course. Engaging with course content and completing homework/assignments are both required in your online course. You are required to complete assignments by the designated due dates.  

What should I do if I get behind in my online class?
Don’t panic. Many students have multiple classes and outside of class obligations. Your instructor understands this. If you get behind, immediately contact your instructor to discuss your specific situation and discuss options. The best way to keep from getting behind is to create a plan for participating in and completing your online course, and sticking to this doable plan. 

How can I connect with other students who are taking online classes?
**COMING SOON** The Distance Education/Online Learning area at Cerritos College is exploring opportunities for fully online students to connect with each other outside of class to support and share resources. More on this will be on the Distance Education/Online Learning website.