How does online learning work at a university?

How does online learning work at a university?

At an online university, classes, materials, activities and much of the communication with teaching staff are organised via a virtual campus. Students can access their modules online, attend live sessions, view course content, submit assignments, request tutorials and check their marks.

This format allows students to study from different locations and organise part of their learning with greater flexibility. However, this does not mean that students can progress without planning or without set deadlines. As with any university course, there is a curriculum, an academic calendar, compulsory activities, assessments and objectives that must be met.

Furthermore, the fact that a degree programme is delivered online does not necessarily mean that all its components take place remotely. Depending on the programme, there may be work placements, exams, laboratory sessions or other activities that require students to attend in person. That is why it is important to check the specific conditions of each degree programme before enrolling.

What is online university study?

Online learning, also known as virtual or distance learning, is a way of organising university education in which most academic activity takes place via digital tools.

Students and teaching staff do not need to meet regularly in a physical classroom. Teaching is supported by a virtual environment that allows students to access content, participate in classes, communicate, carry out activities and monitor their academic progress.

In Spain, university regulations distinguish between face-to-face, hybrid or blended, and virtual or non-face-to-face modes. The chosen mode must be specified in the official degree programmes, as it determines how the learning will take place.

Although the terms ‘online’, ‘virtual’ and ‘distance learning’ are often used interchangeably, there are some nuances between them. Distance learning is the broadest concept, whilst online learning takes place mainly via the internet. These differences are explained in more detail in the article on online learning and distance learning.

How do you start studying at an online university?

The process begins with admission and enrolment on your chosen degree programme. Once this has been finalised, the university provides the student with their login details and the information needed to start the course.

Before starting the modules, students can usually consult:

• The academic calendar.
• The timetables.
• The modules they have enrolled in.
• Course guides.
• Teaching staff contact details.
• Submission and assessment dates.
• Help resources for using the platform.

Some universities also organise welcome sessions or activities to help students familiarise themselves with the virtual campus. These sessions enable students to discover the tools available, check that their equipment is working properly and resolve any initial organisational queries.

Right from the start, it’s a good idea to review all your modules, note down key dates and draw up a weekly study plan. You’ll get the most out of the flexibility offered by online learning if you establish a study routine from the very first few weeks.

How does a virtual campus work?

The virtual campus is the digital space through which the academic activities of an online university are organised. It is accessed using personal login details and brings together the main resources needed to complete the degree programme.

Within each module, students can find theoretical content, videos, reading materials, presentations, activities, announcements and links to classes. They can also check submission deadlines, submit assignments and review feedback or marks from lecturers.

In addition, the campus may include tools such as:

• Academic calendar.
• Internal messaging.
• Discussion forums.
• Video conferencing.
• Library and digital resources.
• Group work spaces.
• Activity tracking.
• Technical support.

Although many platforms can be accessed from different devices, it is usually advisable to use a computer for assignments, exams or complex activities.

You can find out more in the guide on what a virtual campus is and how it works.

What are classes like at an online university?

Online classes can take place live, via recorded sessions or through a combination of both formats.

In live classes, lecturers and students connect at the same time via a video-conferencing tool. The lecturer explains the content, presents case studies or exercises, and can answer questions during the session. Depending on the teaching method, students can also participate via microphone, chat, polls or other activities.

Recorded classes and on-demand content allow students to review the explanations at a later time. This option is particularly useful for revising a topic or organising study time when it is not possible to attend live sessions.

However, the availability of recordings does not mean that all activities can be completed at any time. There may be classes, presentations, discussions or assignments that require participation on specific dates.

Before you enrol, check:

• How many classes are taught live.
• Whether attendance is compulsory or recommended.
• Whether the sessions are recorded.
• How long they will be available for.
• Which activities require a live connection.
• How you can take part and ask questions.

In our comparison of live and recorded online classes, you can find out about the features of each format.

How are online courses studied?

Online learning combines independent study with classes, activities, tutorials and academic support.

A typical week of study might include reviewing course content, attending a live class, reading documents, completing exercises and taking part in group work. The type of activity will depend on the subject and the skills to be developed.

The typical process can be organised as follows:

1. Review the course syllabus.
2. Review the materials before or after the class.
3. Attend the live session or watch the recording.
4. Complete the set activities.
5. Take part in forums, discussions or projects.
6. Ask the teaching staff any questions you may have.
7. Submit assignments by the deadline.
8. Prepare for assessment tests.

The format may combine synchronous activities, in which participants meet at the same time, and asynchronous activities, which each student completes within a set timeframe. This combination is explained in the article on synchronous and asynchronous learning.

How do tutorials and support work?

Studying online does not mean studying alone. An online university must provide channels that allow students to communicate with lecturers, clarify any doubts and receive guidance throughout the course.

The lecturer for each module is responsible for explaining the content, setting activities and assessing learning. Questions can be raised during classes, via messaging, by email, in forums or through individual or group tutorials.

In addition to the teaching staff, some universities have tutors who provide more general support to students. Their roles may include:

• Providing guidance on how the online campus works.
• Helping students organise their study.
• Providing information on academic procedures.
• Monitoring progress.
• Identifying potential difficulties.
• Refer enquiries to the relevant department.

Before choosing a university, it is worth finding out what sort of support it offers, who your main point of contact will be and what channels are available for requesting help.

How are students assessed at an online university?

Assessment may combine coursework with final exams. How this is organised depends on the degree programme, the module and the university’s teaching methods.

Among the most common assessment methods are:

• Questionnaires.
• Case studies.
• Individual assignments.
• Group projects.
• Participation in activities.
• Oral presentations.
• Mid-term exams.
• Final exams.

Continuous assessment allows for the evaluation of work carried out throughout the academic year. To make the most of this, students must adhere to submission deadlines and consult the assessment criteria set out in the course handbook for each module.

Exams may be taken online or in person. When taken remotely, the university may use identification and supervision measures to ensure the work is your own and that the rules are followed.

The conditions should be checked for each degree programme, particularly if the student lives far from the venues designated for sitting the exams. In our guide to online exams , we explain the formats and supervision systems used.

How are group assignments carried out online?

Collaborative projects are also a feature of many online degree programmes. Students can coordinate their work via video conferences, forums, messaging and shared documents, without needing to meet in person.

To organise the project, it is advisable to agree on the following from the outset:

• The objectives of the project.
• Each member’s responsibilities.
• The internal timetable.
• The communication tool.
• The platforms for sharing documents.
• Review dates.
• The person responsible for submitting or presenting the results.

Online group work allows you to collaborate with students who have different timetables and locations, but it requires communication and planning. Not all tasks need to be carried out simultaneously: some can be organised individually and shared during scheduled meetings.

Are work placements for an online degree programme also carried out online?

It depends on the degree programme and the skills to be acquired. The online format refers to the main method of teaching, but does not automatically determine how all practical placements are carried out.

Practical activities included within modules may take the form of exercises, simulations, projects or case studies. External placements, on the other hand, are usually carried out in companies, institutions, educational centres or organisations related to the programme’s field.

Certain degree programmes may also require laboratory work, workshops or face-to-face activities. Therefore, before you enrol, you should check:

• Whether work placements are compulsory.
• How many hours they involve.
• When they take place.
• How the placement is allocated.
• Whether there are any in-person attendance requirements.
• What opportunities are there for the recognition of prior learning, where applicable?

It should not be assumed that all components of an online degree can be completed from home. The specific conditions must be set out in the programme information.

How much time do you need to devote to online study?

The workload for an online degree does not necessarily have to be less than that of its face-to-face equivalent. The main difference lies in the way learning is organised and delivered.

The time required will depend on the number of credits, the modules enrolled in, the difficulty of the content and the student’s prior experience. Each week, you will need to set aside time for lectures, course materials, activities, assignments and preparation for assessments.

To maintain a suitable pace, it is advisable to:

• Check the timetable at the start of each week.
• Set aside regular study slots.
• Break down long assignments into smaller tasks.
• Prioritise upcoming deadlines.
• Avoid letting classes and materials pile up.
• Allow extra time before exams.
• Let someone know about any difficulties before they start affecting several subjects.

If you need to balance your studies with a job, check out these tips for studying for a degree whilst working.

What do you need to study online?

To access an online university, you need a compatible device and a stable internet connection. A computer will usually be the main tool for attending classes, accessing materials, preparing assignments and completing certain assessments.

You may also need:

• A webcam and microphone.
• Headphones.
• An up-to-date web browser.
• Specific software.
• Sufficient storage space for files.
• A suitable place to study.
• Basic digital skills.

You don’t need to be an expert in complex tools from day one, but you do need to know how to use email, manage documents, join video conferences and navigate an educational platform.

Requirements may vary depending on the degree programme. In the guide to online study requirements, you’ll find a more comprehensive list of recommended equipment, internet connection and conditions.

How to choose an online university?

Before choosing a university, it is not enough simply to check that it offers the degree programme you are looking for. You should also consider how the learning will take place and what support you will receive.

Here are some of the key aspects you should consider:

Recognition of the university and the degree programme

Check that the institution is recognised and distinguish between official university degrees and non-accredited programmes. The fact that a course is delivered online does not determine whether the qualification is officially recognised.

You can find out the necessary steps in our guide to checking whether an online university is accredited.

Teaching methodology

Check how classes, content, activities and projects are combined. A good online methodology should facilitate both independent study and interaction with lecturers and fellow students.

Virtual campus

Check what resources are included, which devices can be used to access them, and whether technical support is available. The virtual campus will be your main point of access to the university.

Classes and timetables

Check whether there are live sessions, whether they are recorded, and which activities have fixed timetables. This information is particularly important if you work or have other commitments.

Tutorials and support

Assess the communication channels, the availability of teaching staff and whether there are tutors who can guide you throughout the course.

Assessment and attendance

Ask how exams, practical sessions and activities requiring the use of specific facilities are conducted. You should also check whether you will need to travel and how often.

How does the UAX online university work?

The UAX online university combines the flexibility of studying from different locations with classes, digital resources and academic support.

Through the virtual campus, students can access course materials, activities, the timetable and other resources for their modules. Live online classes encourage interaction with lecturers and fellow students, whilst digital content makes it easy to consult and revise.

The teaching methodology incorporates case studies, activities and projects designed to put knowledge into practice. Students also have access to lecturers and tutors who help them resolve queries and organise their learning.

Specific features may vary between programmes, particularly with regard to timetables, assessment, work placements and any face-to-face activities. It is therefore advisable to check the specific information for each degree programme before beginning the admissions process.

You can find out about UAX’s online bachelor’s degrees , online master’s degrees , or explore the full range of courses offered by UAX’s online university.

Sources used:

• Royal Decree 822/2021 of 28 September, establishing the organisation of university education and the procedure for ensuring its quality: https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-2021-15781
• Royal Decree 640/2021, of 27 July, on the creation, recognition and authorisation of universities and higher education institutions: https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-2021-12613
• Alfonso X el Sabio University. Online university: https://www.uax.com/online