FAQ

LPS Online Learning courses are completely Internet-based, with mandatory live lectures and discussion on a web conferencing tool, threaded discussions, academic resources and more.  As is the case with face to face classes at Penn, you will need to buy required textbooks and complete a variety of assignments and exams. Instructors are available via email and telephone.

Before the semester begins, you will receive instructions on how to log in to your course's website. From this page, you will be able to access all of the course materials.
Unlike the online courses at some universities, Penn’s courses follow a similar model to the face to face option on campus. You are required to attend weekly online lectures, so please make sure that you are available to attend class meetings in the required times. To check course times, click here. Classes are typically offered in the late afternoons and early evenings.

To take full advantage of the LPS Online Learning environment, students should be able to meet the technical requirements detailed here.

LPS Online Learning courses, like all Penn courses, are academically rigorous. The time you spend each week varies according to the course syllabus, but a good approximation is to plan on spending 2 to 4 hours per week online participating in "synchronous" activities such as live lectures and chat, and 2 to 4 hours in "asynchronous" or "on demand" activities such as threaded discussions and pre-recorded video or slide shows. Budget an additional 3+ hours per week for individual study, textbook reading, problem-solving or writing, and meeting various course requirements. Be aware that extra time may be necessary when studying for exams or writing a term paper.

Students enrolled in a LPS Online Learning course may purchase their books anywhere they like. The textbooks are listed with the course description on our course page.