What to expect

Online courses are flexible, convenient, and allow you to work around other commitments. Are you ready to learn online? 
We've created a short video to help you decide.

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Course features

With Waterloo's online courses, you can interact with a variety of rich learning materials including video, infographics, interactive simulations, podcasts, multimedia, and a variety of online resources. Discussion boards, email, and other social networking options let you connect and work with your peers and instructors in ways that used to be limited to the live classroom.

The descriptions in our online course database provide details of what the course will cover, the required course materials and computer needs for each course.

Watch this short video to explore some of the features you can expect in a good quality online course.

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Support for students

Our online courses are cohort-based. Instructors are actively engaged with students throughout the term providing feedback, guidance, and encouragement. Interaction can take place by email, online discussions, phone or in-person.

Most of our online courses are accessed via LEARN, our learning management system. The LEARNHelp website has good resources to help you use LEARN effectively.

Before getting started with your online course, please take some time to explore an introductory module to learn about:

  1. the benefits of taking an online course
  2. how to make the most of your online course, and
  3. how to succeed as an online learner.

You're not alone in an online course. Watch this short video to see some of the supports available to you at most Ontario accredited post-secondary institutions.

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Time frames

While when and where you study is up to you, Waterloo's structured academic schedule is one reason our online education program is so highly respected. Just as in on-campus studies, there are three complete terms: fall, winter, and spring.

You should be prepared to dedicate approximately 10-12 hours per course, per week to your academic work. This includes time for reading course materials, listening to and watching lectures, completing assignments, and participating in online discussions, if required.

Online courses can be accessed on the first day of term. This date and other relevant deadlines are listed on the Registrar's Important Dates page. When you enter your class should review the course schedule and the syllabus so you can see everything that is expected.

Assignments, assessments and exams

Assignments and various activities are due at set times throughout the term, and vary by course. The details are published in the course syllabus.

Your course may have scheduled online activities. In most cases, at least 24-hours are given to access an online quiz, but usually once you start a quiz, you must complete it in the allotted time. 

There may also be ungraded activities which are intended to help you learn the course material

Final examinations

Final examinations are written on designated dates, which are posted well in advance on the Registrar's Important Dates page.  Please check with your instructor for complete details.

Computer requirements

All of our online courses require access to the internet. You should have experience navigating the internet, downloading files, attaching files to email, and using word processing software. If any additional experience is required it will be addressed in the course outline.

Before taking one of our courses, you should check your system to make sure it meets our minimum requirements. Not all mobile devices are compatible with LEARN.

Expectations of Online Learning

Watch this short video about the reality of learning online.

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Not sure where to start?

If you think you'd like to return to school, but you're just not sure where to start, watch this video. We've put together some good resources to help you understand your options.

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