Online Learning 101: What does Online Education look like at Cortland?

What Is Online Learning?

Online learning is more than logging into a class or posting a lecture. For students, it takes responsibility, organization and self-motivation to complete coursework independently. For instructors, it takes intentional design to build a course that supports those same skills. Whether you're taking an online course or teaching one, understanding how the format works is the first step.

Course Formats

Online courses at Cortland happen in different formats, depending on when and how students and instructors interact.

• Synchronous: Real-time learning. Live classes, discussions and meetings happen on Teams or Webex at a scheduled time.
• Asynchronous: Students access pre-recorded lectures, readings and assignments on their own schedule, within course deadlines.
• Bisynchronous: A blend of both — some real-time sessions, some flexible, self-paced work.

Course Terms Throughout the Academic Year

Cortland's online courses follow the traditional 16-week fall and spring semesters, with accelerated courses offered during the summer and winter. These accelerated terms are intensive, running between 2.5 and 10 weeks.

Advantages of Online Learning

• Flexibility: Coursework can fit around other commitments rather than a fixed schedule.
• Personalized environment: Students choose where and how they study; instructors have more room to design varied learning experiences.
• Diverse connections: Online courses often bring together a wider range of perspectives and locations.
• Tech skills: Both students and instructors build stronger digital literacy over time.

Potential Challenges

• Technological issues: Computer or internet problems can disrupt progress on either side of the course.
• Self-discipline: Without a fixed class time, staying on track takes more deliberate effort.
• Delayed feedback: Asynchronous formats naturally mean more lag time in communication.
• Screen fatigue: Extended video conferencing or screen time can be tiring for everyone involved.

What It Takes to Succeed Online

Thriving in an online course — whether you're taking it or teaching it — takes more than a computer and internet access. A few core skills make the difference:

Time Management

• Track due dates and key milestones
• Balance coursework with other commitments
• Break larger tasks into smaller, manageable pieces
• Build dedicated "class time" into the week

Organization

• Keep a dedicated space — physical or digital — for course materials
• Prioritize tasks and activities
• Maintain a calendar of deadlines and completed work

Self-Motivation

• Set smaller, weekly goals
• Share progress with peers or colleagues
• Minimize distractions where possible
• Build consistent routines

Communication

• Engage actively in discussions
• Reach out early for clarification or feedback
• Build connection despite the physical distance

Technological Proficiency

• Get comfortable navigating Brightspace
• Know how to upload, submit and respond within the platform
• Be open to multimedia formats — podcasts, videos and beyond

Tools and Technology

At minimum, online learning requires a computer with reliable internet access. Beyond that, a few tools make the experience smoother:

• Reliable internet access and an updated browser (Chrome, Firefox, etc.)
• Webex or Teams for video conferencing
• Brightspace, Cortland's learning management system
• Starfish, for tracking academic progress via myRedDragon

Support Is Available

Neither students nor instructors have to navigate online learning alone. A few key resources:

• The Tech Help Center for account, platform and technology support
• The Writing Center for help with written assignments and formatting
• The Learning Center for peer tutoring and study strategies
• The Memorial Library for research help and digital resources
• The Disability Resources Office for accommodations and accessibility support