Online Learning Basics
About Online Courses
Quality Online Learning
Undertaking a distance-learning program does require a different approach to your learning experience. This is an asynchronous learning experience. This means you can respond to the various elements of the course at any time. Unless you are involved in a chat room or audio bridge, you cannot ask questions and receive immediate answers. Though you do not get immediate responses, your instructors will respond within 48 hours to your work. This environment allows you to have more time to digest the information, formulate your questions and then evaluate the instructor's responses.
You are responsible for both sharing your thoughts and also reflecting on the other class participant's insights. You can ask other participants questions either on the discussion board or by sending them a direct e-mail message. You can send the facilitator of your course a direct e-mail message if you have a personal question or concern.
Is an online course right for me?
Distance Education courses are every bit as challenging as traditional courses. In order to succeed in a Distance Education course, you must be self-motivated and be able to work well independently with minimum supervision. You do not see your instructor regularly, so you must be able to manage your time effectively and stay on track with your coursework. You also need strong reading and study skills. Detailed information about the skills and equipment you need to be successful in an online course are on this webpage.
You can also take this short Online Learning Readiness Self Assessment from Texas State University.
How does an online course work?
Students in online courses communicate with their instructor and classmates electronically via a course website. The instructor posts such things as lectures, assignments, announcements, and other information to the site. The class may respond with questions, comments, etc.
Will I be required to attend class meetings on campus?
Most of our online courses do not have class meetings on-campus. It is best to check the course outline for each course to learn what is expected. We do offer hybrid courses which are comprised of both online and on-campus requirements, normally these courses are indicated with an "H" following the course number.
Course Management Systems (CMS)
Most of our online instructors use Moodle to communicate with their students. The Registrar will provide you with information about the program at the start of the semester.
How do I enroll?
Register for our courses just as you would for a regular course. Visit Admissions for more information.
Technical Skills and Equipment
Online students must have at a minimum:
Equipment:
- Regular access to the Internet and a computer (either a PC with Windows and a Pentium processor or a Macintosh with at least system 9.0)
-
A recent version of a web browser such as Firefox, Google Chrome, Microsoft Explorer, or Safari. The Course Managements Software works best with the Google Chrome browser.
An Internet Service Provider (dial up access will not be sufficient for online courses.)
- An email address (NTC provides an email address if you do not have one.)
- Current word processing software as required by the instructor such as MS Word or Apple Pages, Acrobat Reader, and Skype
Technical skills:
- You should know how to use a web browser to navigate the web to locate educational resources and download files.
- You will need the files management skills necessary to create directories, to save files and to retrieve files.
- You will need to know how to attach files to an email.
- You will need to know how to cut and paste text from one application to another.
- You will need to know how to use word processing software such as Word or Pages.
- You will need to know how to create an account in an online application.
Some courses may have additional requirements.
ToOLS: Test of Online Learning Success
Use this self-assessment to gauge your readiness for online learning. The following four characteristics are common for successful online students:
- Basic technical and academic skills
- Ability to study independently
- Good organizational skills
- Willing to devote the same amount of time and effort as a face-to-face course
https://cs.txwes.edu/tools/
Online Student Readiness Tutorials
The Online Education Initiative (OEI) has developed the Online Student Readiness Tutorials, a series of interactive multimedia tutorials that address the real challenges experienced by online students, new and experienced, while pursuing success in online classes. Therefore the goal of these tutorials is to assist students with developing the skills required to be successful in an online course.
ONLINE TUTORIALS
INTERACTIVE TOOLS
Creative Commons License Info:
© 2016 Chancellor's Office, California Community Colleges
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. They are available to everyone and may be repurposed to meet the unique needs of educational institutions.
Setting your Learning Expectations:
- You do not have a specific time you need to participate in each class session.
- There is particular work for each week.
- You do need to maintain a strict schedule of reading, participation, and assignments.
- Avoid procrastination.
- You are somewhat responsible for your own learning even though you are engaged with a facilitator and other participants in the course.
- The following checklist may assist you in preparing for and successfully completing each session:
- Purchase all class materials well in advance. Course outlines will be available at www.newman.edu one month before the course begins which contain the book list. Some of the readings are on line. Books can be purchased or ordered from our bookstore or online.
We encourage students to purchase their books from the NTC bookstore. Call to order at 780-392-2457.
- You will receive a Course Information e-mail with login details before the course begins.
- Be thoroughly familiar with the syllabus and course structure.
- Check the Internet often for weekly updates and other participant's contributions to the discussions.
- It is best to log into the online course once a day to feel comfortable with the process.
- Familiarize yourself with your course facilitator. She/he is there to support you in your learning.
- Note all the due dates. The course is paced with specific assignments for each week. The course does have a beginning and end date.
Self-Direction
- Self-direction is an integral part of virtual learning.
- The success of your distance education course is how well you keep yourself focused on making the experience a worthwhile investment of your time.
- Creating a sense of a 'community of learners' is imperative for the course. This is what makes this different than a 'correspondence course'.
- Keep in mind that you are an adult learner in search of knowledge and sharing knowledge. It is important to find ways to share new information from additional outside resources - websites, videos/films, or readings (publications). Share these with the other participants in the course.
- The online course also offers you an opportunity to share how you are or have engaged in teaching and learning about the subject/theme in the past.
Typing in your Comments, Insights
- It is important to write clear statements when expressing your ideas. If you wish you can type your comments or ideas in your word processor document and paste them into the message box, if this helps you.
- Keep your sentences short. Write in simple paragraphs with space between them. This is easier to read.
- If you are referring to another participant’s comments, it helps to refer to the participant by name.
- You can always go back more than once to any given section to continue to share your reflections from the readings. You may even call to the attention of other participants that you have added some new insight into an early class discussion. The more you participate in the course the more effective will be the interaction and learning experience. Remember…this is a new type of adult learning!
- The advantage of the distance education courses is that it requires you to use knowledge and skills in the context of real life situations or issues.
- It also integrates the demonstration of multiple learning experiences you have had in the past.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Distance Education?
Distance Education courses are designed for the student who desires flexibility and convenience in scheduling their studies.
What is the difference between online and hybrid courses?
Online courses deliver all course activities over the Internet and can be accessed from a computer with a Web browser (ex.Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Safari)
Hybrid courses require weekly class meetings; in addition to, course activities delivered through a course management system via the internet and can be accessed from a computer with a Web browser (ex. Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Safari).
How will I interact with my instructor?
Students in online courses communicate with their instructor and classmates electronically via a course management system via the internet and email. In our case we use Moodle and Desire2Learn.
Will I be required to attend class meetings on campus?
Online courses do not require meetings on-campus. Hybrid courses require regular class meetings on-campus.
The first class meeting conflicts with another course I want to take, what should I do?
You must contact your instructor via email to receive course information. You must attend the first class meeting if you are enrolled in an online hybrid course. Hybrid courses require weekly class meetings.
Where can I find the instructor’s contact information?
Instructor’s contact information is located on the course outline, on our course offerings pages, and on our faculty pages on our website.
What equipment do I need?
A computer or laptop and high speed internet access. It is recommended that you have a backup source. The campus has computers in the library, learning center and labs.
I don't have a computer at home. Can I still take an online course?
Yes, as long as you're sure you'll have regular access to a computer that's connected to the Internet.
What software do I need?
You will need a web browser, and some courses may require the use of software that allows you to create documents, spreadsheets and/or presentations such as MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat Reader, Adobe Flash Player, etc.
What kind of computer skills should I have?
In order to succeed in this type of course, you must be computer literate and have experience in computer communication.
What other skills do I need to be successful?
Other skills to be successful in an online course includes a student to be self-reliant, self-motivated, self-disciplined and the ability to read carefully and to follow written instruction. Time management is critical in completing weekly coursework. Do not attempt to procrastinate.
How are examinations administered?
Exams are given on the course management system via the internet. Please read your syllabus.
Will I have to be online at a particular time?
Course Management Systems are open 24/7; however, you must adhere to deadlines for completing assignments, exams, etc.
Will I have to buy books for the course?
Yes, the textbook information will be on the syllabus or on the course management system that the instructor is using. Our bookstore may be contacted by calling 780-392-2457 or via email at bookstore@newman.edu.
Do Distance Education courses transfer to other schools?
We advise you to check with a counselor at the school you plan to transfer to so you are sure the course will be accepted.
What if I find I can't continue in my course? Can I withdraw from it?
Yes, check the Academic Schedule for deadlines or you may contact the Registrar's office.
What do I do if I need help?
It's very important that you get in touch with your instructor as soon as possible by email.
What do I do if I can't access my course online?
Contact the instructor or the webmaster at webmaster@newman.edu.
I have more questions! Who can I talk to?
Contact the Registrar at 780-392-2450 ext. 2220 or registrar@newman.edu