Online Classes – and How They Work

One advantage of online classes is how the internet increases educational opportunities and resources. But some wonder whether it also leads to more instances of cheating.

You can rest assured that is not the case. We hold our students to a high level of social, moral and academic excellence. To maintain this standard, we have a strict academic integrity policy and prevention measures to help enforce it.

We have put measures in place to prevent cheating. Software within the university’s online learning platform helps flag any instances of plagiarism. It prevents violations and also helps you ensure you’re using outside sources correctly before you submit any work.

Students are clearly informed of the academic integrity policy in the university’s student handbook. They are instructed on what academic integrity is, what constitutes a violation of the policy and what consequences follow a violation.

You are expected to submit original work to showcase your learning. The policy applies to every type of coursework, including discussions, assignments and quizzes. Integrity guidelines are also established at the beginning of every class and included in the course syllabus. You are asked to sign an honor code affirming you understand and will abide by the guidelines.

The academic integrity policy is also reinforced through faculty training and resources. Instructors have access to resources on how to encourage original learning. They receive information about how to offer assessments that foster attitudes of learning, self-management and trust among their students.

Online training comes in many forms and offers the same level of excellence as in-class instruction. In general, online classes can contain material that is either synchronous, asynchronous or a combination of both. At DeVry, courses may have both a synchronous and asynchronous component in order to meet the needs of students.

Synchronous online classes take place in real time. For example, students may have the opportunity to attend live lessons through video conferencing or engage in live office hours or chat sessions with their instructors. These activities often take place at a scheduled time during the week.

Asynchronous online classes can be accessed by students as it suits their schedules. For example, students completing asynchronous content may have the opportunity to access recorded live lessons, supplemental readings and interactive learning modules. Asynchronous activities must be completed by syllabus deadlines but accomplished wherever and whenever fits within your schedule.

Online learning is a great solution for anyone looking to advance their education. You receive the same level of excellence in education you would from in-person instruction—with the added flexibility to study anywhere, anytime.

This flexibility is helpful for those also balancing work, family and other commitments. While students are expected to complete certain assignments each week, you can put in the work when and where you have time to do so when taking online classes for college. You may also save time and money by not commuting to and from school. Online learning is especially convenient for those who have a career and don’t want to put it on hold while they advance their education.

Along with flexibility, online education offers opportunities to expand your network and your technical skills. Students in DeVry's online programs have the chance to interact with other students from around the country. You’ll also have the opportunity to experience the tech tools used in online classes and education. This familiarity may transfer to similar tools used in the workplace.