What is Online
Learning?
Online learning is a
popular form of distance learning.
The U.S. Congress Office for
Technology Assessment defines distance learning as linking of a teacher
and students in several geographic locations via technology that allows
for interaction. At Kellogg Community College, the primary technologies used
are the Internet (online courses) and videoconferencing (interactive television or ITV
courses). This web site focuses on the online or Internet delivery
of distance learning.
Online learning occurs
as a result of taking online courses...
An online course is a course that uses the power of the Internet to deliver
course material to you, the learner. You have probably heard the
phrase "any where, any time" - this means that you can access
your online courses any time of the day and anywhere you have access to
the Internet.
While the content in an
online course is the same as an on-campus course, there are few if no regular
in-person course meetings. In most online courses, all of the
activities normally done in the classroom are accomplished online via the
Internet. Many online courses will require proctored exams, requiring you to travel to campus
or other prearranged location to take the exam. Online courses follow the same calendar and registration process as regular
on-campus courses.
Here are answers to the
some commonly asked questions about online courses. If you have
additional questions, please contact
the online help desk or your course instructor.
How
difficult are online courses?
There is a popular myth that online courses are easier than
traditional on-campus courses. This is not so, online courses are developed with the same goals and objectives as their
classroom-based counterparts, and they require a good deal of self motivation
and discipline. Most online courses have more readings
and assignments than on-campus courses to assure that the student will
cover the same material as an on-campus student.
Online courses require much more involvement on the part of the student than traditional
on-campus courses. In an online course, students can't be passive. The student has to be constantly involved in the learning process. Many times, students find that online
courses require much more self-discipline than than regular on-campus courses.
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What
are the advantages of online courses?
There are many advantages of online courses. First, online
learning is fun! They are also very convenient; within the due-dates
established for a course, you can work at your
own pace and on your schedule. As a result of taking online courses,
you acquire computer skills that can be used in a professional
career and that can enhance any portfolio or resume. However, the
number one advantage of online courses is that you can "go to class
in your pajamas"!
Where do the online courses take place?
Online courses are delivered via the Internet. Hence for the most part, courses take
place wherever your computer is: at
home, at work, on the road -
anywhere you can connect to the
Internet. KCC uses
a courseware program known as Blackboard to provide what is known as a
virtual classroom environment. Both the students and instructor,
access the virtual classroom via the Internet.
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When does my online course meet?
Online courses can be delivered asynchronously or synchronously.
Usually online courses are conducted "asynchronously," this means that you do
not have
to be at your computer and logged into your course at the
same time as your instructor and classmates. With asynchronous
delivery, you can choose when you want to access course material and
interact with your fellow learners.
However, some online instructors do
schedule synchronous meetings either online or in-person. Synchronous online meetings most often occur when real-time
discussions (for example, chat rooms) are scheduled. Also, some KCC online
instructors schedule in-person campus-based meetings for help sessions, lab
work, or other activities. You can learn more about the specifics of course
delivery by reading the syllabi for your online courses.
Do KCC online courses have instructors?
Yes, just like a traditional on-campus course, your online course has an instructor
who develops the curriculum, conducts the course, creates the assignments,
answers your questions, leads discussions, and evaluates your
learning.
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How many other
students will be enrolled in the course?
Enrollment in each online course is limited. Most courses are no larger
than 20-25 students, allowing for
increased one-on-one
attention from your instructor and ample opportunities to collaborate
with your online classmates.
Will I be able to
communicate with the instructor or other students?
A lot of people mistakenly assume that they'll feel isolated in an online
course. To their surprise, most find that online courses actually provided
a high degree of personal contact. Not only will you and your instructor
communicate directly, everyone in the course will be involved in many
group and individual discussions. Far from being an impediment to
communication, the online format facilitates and enhances it in ways
that would be impossible in other situations.
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How much time do I get to complete the online course?
Credit courses offered online usually have the same start and end dates as
courses offered on-campus. Check the KCC schedule for the starting
and ending dates for specific courses.
Do I need to buy a textbook?
All online instructors have their own teaching styles, therefore the kind of
material required for the online courses vary. Some
courses only utilize reading
material that is available online. Most courses require you to
purchase textbooks. Consult your course syllabus to find
information
about required materials for the course.
Who will help me if I run into technical problems?
This depends on the nature of your problem. At the top
of this page you will find a link for the Help Desk. Here you will
find contact information for technical problems related to KCC's online
distance learning.
To continue the orientation,
find out the answer to the question Is Online
Learning for You? |
