Being a Distance Student
The University of Nebraska–Lincoln has significant experience in teaching and understanding the needs of students learning at a distance.
You will experience courses that are:
- designed around best practices in distance education and online pedagogy
- taught by faculty with experience teaching distance students
- created using technology that establishes an excellent learning environment
Course Formats
Each distance course is delivered using any combination of resources below:
- internet
- videoconferencing
- online learning management system, such as Canvas
Types of Courses
In most cases, distance courses can be completed entirely online. Some courses do require that tests be proctored face-to-face, although this proctoring can still happen at a distance. See Hybrid/Blended Programs for a list of programs that require a short residency.
You Set the Schedule
Most distance courses do not have regular meeting times (known as asynchronous). Even though your distance courses do not have regularly scheduled class times, you are still required to complete assignments and exams by specific deadlines. You may need to attend group project sessions at times convenient for the entire group, join in synchronous (real-time) office hours, attend online presentations, or participate in real-time exam reviews.
You should expect to spend up to 3-4- hours per week for every course credit hour. Thus, you should plan on devoting up to 12-15 hours per week for a three-credit-hour class. You should expect to post to discussion boards, blogs and journals; participate in group projects; complete readings and engage with videos, podcasts, and presentations; or be a part of other activities consistently throughout the week.
As an online student, you will be interacting with other students and your instructor. You will meet students from many different backgrounds and situations. Using chat, video conferencing, phone calls, email, social media, discussion boards, and more, you can stay connected with fellow students and faculty, building networks that will last long after your class has ended.
Professor, Entomology
Associate Dean, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
Your courses are taught by faculty who understand the specific needs of learners studying at a distance. Special consideration is given to advance planning and setting expectations in the distance/online classroom; thus, each class is outlined in a syllabus distributed at the start of the course. The syllabus is your guide to the class—it provides an overview of the course assignments, grading strategy, expectations, course materials, deadlines, course goals, and learning outcomes.
Class Exam Options
By registering for class through MyRed (the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's registration application) and checking the class notes, you'll be able to tell the type of exam associated with each course.
Due to Covid-19, during the Summer 2020 terms, exam proctoring policies have changed. There will be no on-campus testing or in-person remote proctoring.
Instructors have the option of using electronic proctoring such as Respondus or may use modified assessments. Students are encouraged to contact their instructors for details.
Class Schedules
Most online/distance courses follow the university semester calendar.