What You Can Expect in an Online Course
Traditional face-to-face courses are different from online courses where
students do not meet in a classroom at a prescribed time. Online students
attend class, study and learn at times convenient to their schedules.
However, online students are not free of time constraints. Online courses
have specific deadlines for assignments and tests.
Each online course has a syllabus, relevant course material and interactive
forums for discussion in the course. Communication between the instructor
and the student are not simultaneous, but occur through e-mail, the discussion
board, or chat rooms.
Time Commitment
Since there will be no face-to-face class lecture, it is imperative
that you be conscientious, motivated and self-disciplined. While
most online courses are flexible in terms of when you put in the time,
expect to average about the same amount of time as a normal lecture
course -- about three hours total a week per credit hour. This
comes out to nine hours per week for a 3 credit course. Note also that
most courses are NOT self-paced. Assignments are due by specific dates.
You are expected to be aware of the due date for assignments and to
complete and submit all assignments on time.
Assignments
A list of assignments and their due dates are normally included in
the course calendar or course syllabus. You are expected to refer to
the calendar and to complete all assignments on time. If you have difficulty
with the assignments or have any questions, be sure to contact the instructor.
In some online courses, you may be required to come to campus
for lab work, specific course assignments or to take tests.
Be sure to check the syllabus to see if you will be required to come
to campus for any reason.
Interaction with Other Students.
You will have opportunities to interact with other students enrolled
in the course. Students are encouraged to communicate with each other
by email, by use of the discussion board, or by use of the chat room.
Interacting with other students in the course is encouraged and will
enhance your learning.
A portion of the course grade may consist of "class participation".
Class participation is normally accomplished through use of the discussion
board. The instructor will provide guidelines for class participation
and grading.
Testing procedures
Instructors may choose to give exams online, at the on-campus testing
centers, or off-site using an authorized proctor. Be sure you
understand at the onset of the course the testing procedures your instructor
will be using. Check
the syllabus for your course for testing procedures specific to
your course.
If your instructor uses the campus testing centers for testing, it
is recommended that you contact the testing centers in advance to verify
hours of operation and/or make an appointment.
TESTING CENTER CONTACT INFORMATION
Cumberland campus: Charlie Jackson (301)784-5554, testing@allegany.edu
Bedford Co. campus: Mary Ann Clark (814) 652-9528 x 6204, mclark@allegany.edu
Somerset campus: Mollie Walker 814-445-9848 ext 6135, mwalker@allegany.edu
Technical Problems
At some time during the semester, you may have to deal with computer
problems and/or technical difficulties with the Internet or your own computer.
Please note: Technical difficulties do occur. However, technical difficulties
do not excuse late or incomplete assignments. Be prepared, and never wait
until the last minute to complete assignments.
|
