Each online school employs different technology delivery methods, course materials and study procedures.In short, there are many variables concerned with how online accounting classes are conducted.

Take the first variable - your learning pace. You will find some virtual schools offer an accelerated pace format. With this schedule you can graduate from a four-year course in just thirteen months.

Or you select an online school that is affiliated with an off line university. At this studying pace you will be observing the same semester schedules on-campus students do.

In general, you should expect to finish each online accounting subject during a six to eight week duration.

Multi-media technologies

Most online schools use a combination of software programs like video streaming, CD ROMs, audio tapes, video conferencing, and the traditional blackboard as the delivery methods. These methods have been best studied as the most appropriate way to enable teachers and fellow students to communicate with each other.

Course Materials

Many online schools have formatted their subject materials and texts to be self “user-friendly” study. For accounting materials you will find that this means that practice tests and the answers to these problems are included with the step-by-step course materials.

In the case of assignments – these all have due dates and are the usual accounting exercises, reports, and problems. You may be required to use the electronic version of the accounting general ledger and Windows Excel.

Discussion Boards

Surveys conducted about online learning has revealed that study groups play an important part in the academic success of students. On the net, discussion boards are the electronic equivalent.

Most online schools require students to participate in discussion boards and grade them on this use.

How Tests Conducted

At most distance education institutions you will get to decide on your own learning pace. This means that you decided when it is most convenient for you to learn, do the study exercises and to take the examinations. However, these online schools also hand out proposed study schedules.

That being said, you can expect to take timed online quizzes. For the final examination, most online schools require the students to take these tests on campus sites. Or you may be directed to a test center and monitored by a proctor. While exceptions are permitted it is best to inquire ahead regarding your preferences.

As you conduct research at different online schools you will come to recognize how they make their accounting classes work.

But no matter what online accounting school you go to you need to treat the education you receive just like any other educational institution. You need to set aside the time and participate in the classes as much as possible. Doing so will ensure that you receive the most out of your online accounting learning experience.