How will the professor assess my progress?
Can I communicate with the professor and other students in private?
In an online course, can you learn as much without the benefit of face-to-face interaction and real-time
discussion? 
How would a typical week of instruction go?
How many hours per week should I expect to spend on my OLL course?
Will the lack of physical contact take away from the educational process?

How will the professor assess my progress? 
Based upon the objectives of the course, your professor will determine the best method for assessing student learning.  This may involve online testing using secured passwords, or monitored testing at a designated location.   Other methods of assessment may include class projects, presentations, and written reports. Class participation in ongoing Listserv discussions may be essential.

Can I communicate with the professor and other students in private? 
Yes.  The professor will set this up.  You will be able to have both individual and group communication.

In an online course, can you learn as much without the benefit of face-to-face interaction and real-time discussion? 
OLL courses are most successful when the participants embrace the new models of interaction and communication rather than trying to conform to the traditional notions of a classroom.  For example, OLL is designed to take advantage of asynchronous  communication.  Asynchronous communication is "not-at-the-same-time"  communication, such as e-mail and the Internet, in which the communicators aren't present simultaneously.  This makes it possible for students to participate in class discussions when it is most convenient for them.  If your schedule limits the amount of free time during the day you have for t he class, you might find yourself working on your assignments late at night.  Other students would be doing their own work for the class at a time and place that is most convenient for them.  While the traditional face-to-face classroom model has its benefits, it does not offer the same flexibility.  In addition, students taking an OLL course have time to reflect on their input before contributing to class discussions, potentially offering ideas of greater depth and breadth.

How would a typical week of instruction go? 
In many OLL courses, you could expect to receive information on the week's activities on the first day of the week.  For example, the professor may send you instructions on what reading may be required for the week.  You may also receive lecture material related to that week's topic.  It would be your responsibility to work on the week's assignments and meet any deadlines set by the professor.  A computer conferencing system may also be available for class discussion.

How many hours per week should I expect to spend on my OLL course?
A typical OLL course will require 15-20 hours a week of your time.  This includes time spent accessing the computer network, completing reading assignments, completing writing assignments, and studying.

Will the lack of physical contact take away from the educational process? Physical contact and visual cues have traditionally played an important role in the educational process.  However, the lack of physical contact has some interesting benefits.  For one, it encourages all students to participate on an even plane.   Students who typically will be introverted very often feel more compelled to participate in an on line environment.  Furthermore, students focus on ideas rather than on appearances.  However, students who need visual cues to learn, or need to have immediate contact with the instructor might not enjoy an online course.