About Online Courses
What is online learning?
Online learning allows students to learn course material at their own pace, within the timelines of the course, in the comfort of their home, at the local library or coffee shop. Students connect to the World Wide Web to access course material, submit assignments, and connect with fellow students and professors.
How is online learning different from traditional learning?
Instead of the traditional lecture/discussion format used in face-to-face courses, online courses are presented electronically. Students typically participate in discussions, real time chats, multi-media presentations, groups’ assignments and Web searches. Most of the work in online courses is done asynchronously, allowing students to complete the assignments independently.
What are the advantages of an online program?
Flexibility is the main advantage of the online program. However, another advantage is academic parity -- students are judged on the quality of their academic work, not on their social skills, aggressiveness in discussions, or personal charisma.
Additionally, your assignment instructions, library resources, grades, and a student lounge and chatroom are available 24/7
Are there times when I am required to be online?
Depending on the course, synchronous (i.e. live) chat rooms may be suggested or required. If that is the case, a mutually agreed upon time will be set by the cohort. You may also have times when you are completing a project with a group and may need to be online at a mutually agreed upon time. A chat discussion may include a guest expert, your instructor, the entire cohort or a small group of your classmates.
How much time should I set aside for each course?
Online courses have similar requirements as face-to-face courses. Typically, a student will spend 8-12 hours per week on online courses. Most students log onto the Educator site at least once a day.