Online courses consist of 100% asynchronous instruction without any required synchronous meetings. This means students can view lectures, participate in class discussions, etc. at any time, but work within the course (such as readings, discussion boards, or papers) will still have due dates. Online courses also have specific start and end dates, as listed in MyBlue.
An online program is defined as a course that consists of all online courses.
Blended means some class meetings are required for the class or program. During these meetings, students can either physically sit in meetings or participate through web conferencing. These class times are held synchronously, meaning all students are listening to the instructor, having discussions, etc. at the same time.
To be classified as a blended course, at least 2/3 of the course must be online with 1/3 or less requiring mandatory meetings. For example, a 3-credit-hour course is 45 contact hours. This means 15 or fewer contact hours will be offered through synchronous, mandatory meetings with the remainder (at least 2/3 or more) being asynchronous.
As bet36365体育 online courses offer flexibility and convenience, many of them are quite demanding and may not be the best option for all students. To succeed with online courses, you must enjoy the written word since communication with your instructor and classmates is by email, discussion groups, and chat sessions. You must be highly motivated and self-disciplined in arranging your time for studying and completing assignments in a timely manner. You also need a solid set of computer skills such as using a word processor, being able to download and install software, and being familiar with email and a browser.
Also please note that by enrolling in an online web course, certain information, such as email address, mailing address, etc. may be released to other class members to facilitate learning in the online environment. If you do not wish to have such information made available to others, then you may wish to take the course in a more traditional setting. Such information would be available to other students in the class, or in other sections of the same class through a secure network but would not be accessible to the general public.
Since you are not required to attend class, there is a misconception that online courses are "easier" than traditional face-to-face courses. This is NOT true!!! The rigor and depth of information for online courses is similar to traditional courses. Even though you are not attending class, the time required is similar to a traditional course. For a normal 3 credit hour online course, you can expect to spend 9-12 hours per week depending on the course.
Basic computer literacy is required to be successful as an online learner. It is highly recommended that you have a good understanding of your computer and its functions. If you have no or limited computer experience, you may want to delay taking an online course. General computer skills include knowledge of browsers, ISP's, installation of software, and word processing. Refer to the computer requirements below to determine if you would be a good candidate for an online course.
View minimum hardware requirements for taking an online course or program.
If your hardware is not at this level, you will not be able to take an online course.
Web Browser - A browser is the tool that lets your computer "read" the pages on the World Wide Web. Since you're reading this on the bet36365体育 eCampus website right now, your computer is running a browser; however, the most recent version of Mozilla Firefox is recommended for online courses.
Word Processing - Because most of your work is written, word processing software is required.
Email - Your course communication via email is through your bet36365体育 email account.
Internet Service Provider - To participate in online web courses, you must have access to the Internet through an Internet Service Provider (ISP). You will pay a monthly fee depending on the type of connection you subscribe to. It is recommended to have High Speed DSL or Cable Modem.
Online course requirements will vary from course to course. To find out what the course requirements are, refer to the
bet36365体育 Online Course Schedule.
Some of the courses may require written assignments in lieu of tests, some courses will require you to take a test online without a proctor, while some courses will require the test to be taken at a proctored site. If that is the case, then you are responsible for finding the proctor. A proctor verifies that the test is administered under the proper conditions, and it is usually someone who is employed full time in education. A list of approved proctors may include local college testing centers, college or public school teachers, guidance counselor/counseling staff, school principals, or school superintendents.
For course-related questions, use the Blackboard e-mail system to communicate with your instructor.
For technical (computer and software) questions, contact the Information Technology Services Helpdesk at 308-865-8363 or e-mail unkhelpdesk@davidegalliani.comThe bet36365体育 Help Desk is now available 24 hrs. a day/7 days a week to employees and students for Blackboard, email, and other computer-related issues.
