We have created this site to provide students with online resources that will help you as you take on the challenge of completing an online course.
You can access the resources by using the navigation menu above.
The site includes a Self-Assessment to help you determine if you are prepared to successfully participate in an online course. The assessment covers technical, software, communication, and study habit skills needed for a positive online learning experience.
Please see the Resources page for helpful University links and other resources.
Benefits of an online course
- Provides accessibility to course materials from any Internet connection at any time.
- Reduces or eliminates commute time and expenses.
- Creates time flexibility for classroom participation. This benefits students who work full-time because you can work on the class material when it is convenient for you.
- The independent nature of online environment can provide you with skills to aid professional growth.
- May benefit non-native speakers who may need extra time to develop an answer or communicate in written format.
- For learners who are shy or have a harder time expressing thoughts verbally, online courses offer a new way to participate.
Notes on Taking an Online Course
- Online courses require extensive reading and participation. Written communication is much more emphasized in an online classroom. Online settings require that you visit the course site frequently and take more personal responsibility for submitting assignments and participating in discussions.
- Be prepared to work hard, if not harder, than in a traditional classroom setting.
- Patience is required with an online classroom due to its asynchronous nature. This means that instructors and learners will be making comments at different points in time.
- Online class discussions can be very lively, but since students are not face-to-face in a classroom together, sometimes people will respond more boldly than they would otherwise. It is necessary to exercise etiquette and respect for your colleagues when making comments.