Online Learning Student FAQs
Delivery Method Questions
- How should I determine which type of class delivery option is best for me?
- How do I find out if my class is fully online or has some in class meetings?
- If my class is HYBRID am I required to meet at certain times?
- If my class is HYBRID do I need to come to campus for class meetings?
- If my class is HYBRID do I need to attend Zoom Remote class at certain times?
- If my class is ONLINE am I required to meet at certain times?
- If my class is designated as ONLINE but my instructor is asking me to meet for remote classes, what do I do?
- If my class is HYFLEX am I required to meet at certain times?
- If my class is HYFLEX am i required to come to campus for class meetings
- If my class is HYFLEX am I required to attend Zoom Remote class at certain times?
Preparation for Online Learning Questions
- Will my online classes be similar to online classes I did in high school?
- Should I take an online learning preparation course or module before I take an online course?
- What should I do if I signed up for a face-to-face class, but it has been converted to online?
- How much time is required to complete an online class?
- How much time is required for assignments and activities in an online class?
Support Questions
- What should I do if I don’t have a computer for my online class?
- What should I do if my Internet is unstable or goes out?
- How can I manage my time for my online class?
- What’s the difference between “course content” and “homework” in an online class?
- What should I do if I get behind in my online class?
- How can I connect with other students who are taking online classes?
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.
Stay Connected