In an online class setting, gone are the restricting and limiting confines of the four walls of a traditional classroom, the usual one-way Socratic method of the teacher droning their lectures to the students, and the pre-set classroom meeting schedules. Interaction is still very much present and an integral part of online classes, but defined in different ways depending on the online instructors and the course curriculum they have set.

Online classes are somewhat similar to correspondence courses that have been around since the 1800’s. Except of course that for an online class the use of the computer and the Internet are basic prerequisites. There are two types of online classes: an asynchronous class means a student takes the class at the best and most convenient time for him or her, and from wherever the student may have Internet access. However this does not mean that students can go through the lectures, and the course itself at their own pace because there are still deadlines to be met and the course completed according to the school schedule, just like in traditional classes. The instructor gives the lectures and assignments online and the student can go online as well anytime to read and participate in the discussions via the forums or boards. To stimulate discussions and initiate the exchange of views, the instructor leaves questions so that the students may participate. Assignments and exercises may be done offline using word processing programs and submitted via e-mail or posted on the site created for the class.

In a synchronous class meanwhile, the instructor sets the time for the online class such that it almost approximates the physical classroom setting, except that interfacing is still done between monitors and web cameras. Generally distance learning classes make heavy use of videoconferencing and teleconferencing systems. Students may also set their own meeting times using the same modes of communication. In a typical synchronous class, the students will log onto the site at the arranged time where they will have whiteboards to participate in the discussions and also simulates a virtual seating arrangement for the students to be able to identify everyone else in the class. The online instructor then leads the class through the lecture posted on the site and students are provided with interactive tools to draw, write or speak. The sessions or “lectures” are also recorded and may be viewed later by the students.

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