How Do Online Classes Work?

Online classes use digital platforms where students access lectures, assignments and discussions. Learning happens with videos, readings and interactive tools, with flexibility to study while staying connected to instructors and classmates virtually.

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Read time 7 minutes

GCE Editorial Team

Published on Jul 28, 2025

Online classes allow students to work through coursework and earn a degree from anywhere without having to be physically on campus. In an online degree program, students may watch lectures online and access other learning materials online. They can complete assignments and upload them to the platform, and connect with peers and instructors in chats or forums.

Some of these online classes are synchronous, meaning that the class accesses the Learning Management System at the same time to participate in classes together. Most online classes, though, are asynchronous. This means that the content is not being delivered live and the work can be completed on the students’ own time, provided they meet instructors’ deadlines.

If you have never enrolled in an online class before, it can seem like a bit of a challenge getting started. You probably wonder how the classes are structured and what you need to accomplish to earn your credit. Let's start at the beginning to help you navigate your first online class.

How Does Online College Work at GCU?

At GCU, online classes are held on our Learning Management System. Students can access their textbooks here, watch lectures, interact with peers and use other helpful features.

If you’ve never taken an online class before, it can be helpful to check out some tips for taking online classes. The following steps are all part of the process of taking online classes, including helpful tips:

Before Class Begins

Some online courses require you to meet live via video chat to watch a lecture from the professor or participate in group work. Other online courses will be done on your own time. Before your online class begins, it is important to make sure you have set aside time to complete your readings and assignments each week.

You also need to be sure that you have the right technology to get online. Technology requirements will vary by program. In general, be sure to own or have access to a laptop or a desktop computer with sufficient memory to view or download the course materials. You may be watching videos or reading online textbooks, so be sure that the screen you use is large enough for you to notice details and read comfortably.

You will also need a reliable internet connection. If any special software is required for the course, your university will let you know where to download it or how to purchase it. Check the requirements for your particular program and ensure that any software is downloaded and installed before class begins.

Logging Into Your Online Class

Once the start date for your online class arrives, you will need to log in. You will likely log in by signing into the student portal area. You should then be able to see the courses you have signed up for. Once you have clicked into your online course, you should be able to see the structure.

Many colleges use course management systems such as Canvas and Blackboard. GCU uses Halo. These systems help professors structure the course by week or by unit. The links within each week or unit will take you to the readings and assignments you need to complete. These course management systems may also include discussion boards and ways for you to interact with your peers and professor.

If you need help managing the online course structure or the course management system, make sure you let your professor know right away. They may be able to walk you through what you need to know, or they could recommend that you contact IT for more help.

Related Article: Frequently Asked Questions About Online Degrees

Attending Online Classes

Once you have logged into your class, you will complete the work assigned. If you are enrolled in a synchronous course, you will listen to the lectures and participate in discussions. If you are in an asynchronous online class, you will do the reading and watch the lecture videos or listen to audio recordings of your professor on your own time, while following the deadlines of the coursework.

All of these resources are recorded and uploaded into the course management system so that you can access them easily. They generally show up as texts or slideshows with links that will open new tabs in your browser for you to access the material.

Depending on the class you take, you may need to listen to or read through information several times a week. In other courses, you may be able to complete all of the reading and lectures at once and spend the rest of your week working on other assignments. Overall, the workload will vary by course.

Completing Assignments in Online Classes

In order to earn credit for your online class, you will need to submit assignments, the majority of which will be completed online. Most course management systems have a tab that lists the assignments so you can see what they are as soon as the course begins. This is a great feature to use so you can work toward your assignments throughout the course rather than waiting until the last minute.

All of your assignments will come with deadlines you need to upload the work by, just like in a traditional course. Short-term assignments might include replying to class discussions or reflecting on the week's learning. Long-term assignments might be projects or papers that are due at set intervals throughout the course. In addition, like most in-person courses, online classes will probably have a final exam.

Working With Others in Online Classes

Many professors who teach online classes seek to curate an experience that is engaging and worthwhile for all students. This means that most online classes will include weekly discussions that you can participate in. You might be prompted with a topic of discussion or a question intended to provoke thoughtful and respectful debate.

Students can use discussion boards to comment on the learning process, direct questions toward their classmates and reply to other students. Other synchronous learning tools include video conferencing platforms like Zoom or instant messaging applications.

When working with others, be aware of any differences in time zone that could affect what time your classmates will be logging on. Since students from all over the country could be enrolled in an online degree program at your university, your peers may be working on the curriculum at different times. This knowledge will come in handy for group projects as well.

What Are the Benefits of Online College vs. On-Campus Learning?

There are a number of benefits of online college compared to traditional on-campus classes. Many students decide to enroll in online classes because these programs provide greater flexibility, particularly if they are offered asynchronously. You can complete the coursework on your own schedule as long as you adhere to your instructors’ deadlines.

Other benefits of online education include:

Geographic flexibility: Even if you live far away from the college you’d like to attend, you can still earn a degree there with online classes and you don’t have to relocate.
Accessibility: Online education can be more accessible for some students, especially those who are not able to attend in-person classes due to work obligations and family responsibilities.
Memory retention: If you attend an in-person class, you’ll need to rely on your note-taking skills. When you earn a degree online, you’ll be able to access the course materials, including recorded lectures, as many times as you need to cement the concepts in your memory.

What Are the Challenges of Online College?

Although there are plenty of benefits of online classes, there are also some challenges to consider. For example, some people thrive with face-to-face interaction, and they may struggle in an online environment. It can also be harder to focus, and some students might have difficulty with time management and sticking to deadlines.

In addition, not all degrees can be earned completely online. How do online classes work in this situation? You’ll likely take some or perhaps the majority of your classes online. Then, you’ll need to participate in some in-person components, either on campus or in person locally.

Is College Online Easier?

Online college isn’t necessarily easier or harder than in-person classes. As with traditional in-person classes, there will likely be some classes that you’ll find more challenging than others. For example, if you’re earning a cybersecurity degree, you might find topics in cyber forensic investigations to be more challenging or perhaps easier than the fundamentals of system administration and maintenance.

Although online college isn’t necessarily easier or harder (and online students work through the same curriculum as on-campus students), you might find that you thrive in the online environment because you can access the course materials as often as you need.

Related Article: Tips for Being Successful in Online Classes

Enroll in Online Classes at GCU

At Grand Canyon University, we provide numerous options for earning a degree online. Whether you’re in California, Texas, Florida or beyond, you can pursue your degree with access to experienced faculty and technical support available to all students. Our interactive online courses are designed to foster connection and communication through discussion boards and projects. Using our Learning Management System, Halo, students also have access to a variety of web-enhancing learning tools such as eBooks, forums and calendar reminders.

General technical requirements include a desktop or laptop with Windows 7 or Mac OS X 10.9 or higher and an internet browser equivalent or greater than Internet Explorer 11, Google Chrome 48, Apple Safari 9, Microsoft Edge 13 or Mozilla Firefox 43.

GCU offers completely online degree programs in many subjects, as well as hybrid degrees. If you are new to online classes, join us at GCU to see how online learning can make a difference in your academic journey. Fill out the form on this page to speak with a university counselor.

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Approved and verified accurate by the Assistant Vice President of GCU Marketing on July 16, 2025.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date.