Online Courses

Online ANYTIME (Asynchronous) courses are delivered 100% online, with no required face-to-face sessions or scheduled virtual class times. Classes are taught entirely online following instructor timelines and learning outcomes. Students learn content through videos and materials posted by the instructor. Interaction takes place through discussion boards and written messages. All assignments are submitted online. Exams and orientations can all be completed virtually in this modality. Instructors may schedule optional synchronous study sessions as necessary.

Online LIVE (Synchronous) courses are delivered 100% online using “real-time” synchronous sessions (specifically scheduled virtual class times for online interaction between the instructor and/or the class). Class meeting times are designated in the schedule. Exams and orientations can all be completed virtually in this modality. Online LIVE classes allow for engagement in a remote classroom such as WebEx, or Blackboard Collaborate, or Zoom.

How to find Harper's online courses

  • Search for an online course by going to the Class Schedule page in the MyHarper student portal.
  • Select your preferred subject from the Subject field.
  • Select Online ANYTIME or Online LIVE (or both) from the Class Format field to narrow your search.
  • Select any additional options by clicking Advanced Search.

Study Tips for Online Courses

There are many different ways to study successfully for an online class. You are encouraged to find the way that works best for you and use it throughout your course.

The following list of tips were created by former students who found them to be especially helpful. Please read this list and adopt the tips you think might be useful for you.

  • Buy all required course materials. Information provided on the Web does not take the place of your textbook and/or other materials.
  • Arrange for easy access to a computer with an Internet connection.
  • Create a personal (not shared) email account so you receive all course-related messages.
  • Read each assignment as well as the information on the course Web site. Don't substitute one for the other as they both have important information in them.
  • Check your course Web site at least three times a week for announcements, course information, new discussion postings and assignment specifications.
  • Complete assignments on time and send them in at least 4 hours before the actual time due in case Internet connection problems occur.
  • Set up a study schedule and stick with it to help you avoid falling behind in the class.
  • Study in an environment where you will not be interrupted by noise.
  • Contact your professor by email well in advance of due dates as you may need to wait 48 hours for a response to your questions.
  • Contact Technical Support by email or telephone whenever you have computer hardware or software problems.

Top Reasons for Taking an Online Course at Harper College

  • Students can attend class anytime day or night 7 days a week
  • Online courses are very collaborative, allowing students to have input on discussion topics
  • The number of online resources for a class are only limited by a student's imagination
  • The students and instructor work together to make the course a meaningful experience
  • A diverse group of students provides a unique experience that further enriches course content

Internet Course Exchange

A consortium of Illinois community colleges (ILCCO) provides access to online courses throughout the state for students, regardless of which college they attend. Registration, financial aid and transcripts are handled through Harper College for its students, regardless of where the course is offered.

To search for available course options, click the Full Course Listings link located underneath the navigation menu (no login required). Then, contact a counselor to inquire about taking one or more courses through the ICE system. To get started, visit the ICE Course Search.

Last Updated: 3/10/23