DANVILLE — Online college courses are easier than attending class and it takes much less time and effort to master subject material.

Um, not so fast, say Danville Area Community College officials.

While that is the preconceived notion of some students new to online learning, DACC staff says in many instances it takes more commitment to learn virtually.

“It takes more work sometimes because they have to read everything,” said computer instructor Merilyn Shepherd. “To do well in an online course, they have to be self-motivated and have a lot of  self-discipline.”

Maggie Hoover, instructional designer and academic Web technologist, said this topic and more will be addressed today as the college kicks off its annual orientation for the 1,900 students enrolling in online classes.

Orientation is conducted during several sessions to meet a demand for online courses that has grown alongside the college’s bursting general enrollment.

DACC now offers 100 Web-based courses, most of them within the liberal arts division.

Today’s orientation is a face-to-face meeting with DACC staff where students are walked through the entire online learning process.

Hoover said convenience is the most-oft given reason for taking an online course, the typical student using its ease to catch up on coursework without upsetting already established lives.

“For some people, it’s great because it allows them to hold a job and take a class without having to come to campus,” she said. “But they’re driven just like a face-to-face class.”

Convenience in unprepared hands can leave some students far behind before they even know it.

“Unfortunately,” added Shepherd, “too many people think it’s going to be easier because they don’t have to show up for class. Some think they can just hand in an assignment anytime in the semester because it’s online — but we still have due dates they have to meet, just like in the classroom.”

Hoover said the orientation sessions allow DACC to prescreen course-takers and assess computer skills. The event is billed as a way to “acquaint potential students with the possibilities presented by the virtual classroom,” but she said it is not unusual for someone who’s never used a computer to attempt an online course.

“We realize this mode of learning may not be for everyone,” she said, adding the orientation sessions give inexperienced students “a feel for how they start.” Orientation is mandatory for first-time online students and includes password assignments, information on course navigation and instruction in where to find help.

Sorting through the extra technological issues, especially for “newbies,” is one of the pitfalls online students must face, according to Shepherd. She said the issues add up fast if a student is too timid to seek help.

Teaching an online course is no walk in the park, either, Shepherd said.

“There’s a lot of follow-up,” she said. “You can spend an awful lot of time answering e-mails. You have to try to anticipate all of the questions they might have.”

She said annual orientation has made a difference in preparing students and pointing others to a traditional classroom setting.

“It’s been monumental,” she said. “It’s helped a great deal.”

The college last year converted its online course offerings to a new system called Blackboard, which Hoover said offers more student tools. This semester will be the third it’s been used and she said students are becoming more comfortable with the new software.

DACC also recently redesigned its Web site and last month purchased new class-scheduling software.

FYI

DACC’s Online Learning Orientation (INST110) sessions will be conducted at the following times inside Lincoln Hall, Room 206:

-- Today, 9-10 a.m., 10:30-11:30 a.m., 1-2 p.m. or 2:30-3:30 p.m.

-- Monday, 5:30-6:30 p.m. or 7-8 p.m.

-- Call 443-8800 to register.