Exams and Grades

As a distance student you will be tested in one of three ways:

• You'll take tests under the watchful eye of a proctor.
• You'll take them by calling in to a computer system.
• You'll take essay or open book tests. 

Most colleges and universities opt for the proctored exam.  When you take the exam depends on what kind of program you're taking.  Some students are required to take tests at the same time on campus students take them. These distance students then fax the test in at the close of the class period.  The instructor receives the test immediately and thus knows the student had the same amount of time as the on campus student.

Your grade for a class really depends on how much professors weigh participation, exam grades, term papers and so forth.  Many instructors online want to see that you are participating in a class daily, so they may choose to weigh this part of the course more heavily then your examination scores.  Online classes are not a walk in the park, you still need to work hard, and participate. 

Popular Distance Learning Programs: