What is distance education?

Distance education simply means learning through remote methods outside the traditional "bricks and mortar" classroom. Technological advances and the Internet have enabled teachers to create virtual classrooms, which offer the same high quality learning experience and even some advantages over the traditional campus.

What advantages does distance education offer?

Numerous studies have proven that distance learners perform as well or better than their on-campus counterparts. The book The No Significant Difference Phenomenon by Thomas L. Russell cites 355 research reports, papers, and summaries dating back to 1928 that found no significant difference between distance learning and in-class learning. Where a difference was identified, it generally favored the distance education student.

• Schedule your own class participation and study time at your convenience.
• Receive sustained, personalized attention from your professor and classmates.
• Have the opportunity to reflect on what you are studying and think through comments you wish to contribute to the class discussion.

Does learning online involve any special expectations?

Yes. The nature of the online format presents some special expectations unique to this learning environment.

Time Commitment

While many students may find an online class to be much more enriching than a traditional classroom setting, students also find that the time commitment can be more demanding than a traditional class. Participating in online discussions often takes longer than classroom discussions. Typing a thought can take longer than actually saying it and since everyone can comment on any given issue, there are typically more contributions to absorb.

The days and times you have to be online for class are entirely up to you as long as you sign on, post comments, and complete assignments as required by your instructor. This allows you to fit school into your busy schedule, rather than attempting to fit your schedule around school.

Motivation and Discipline

Taking an online course requires self-motivation and self-discipline. Unlike traditional classes with a place and time for students to show-up regularly, the asynchronous environment of an online class means students must take greater responsibility for keeping pace with the course schedule. By further assuming this responsibility for learning, however, students benefit from honing a life-long skill.

Technical Proficiencies/Requirements

Some essential proficiencies will be integral to your online course. You should be:

• Comfortable using a computer and learning new computer skills with basic instruction;
• Able to navigate the Internet;
• Experienced sending and receiving e-mail and working with attachments;
• Familiar with word processing applications such as Microsoft Word.

Please go to the Technical Requirements page for information about hardware and software requirements.

Do I need to come to campus for anything?

No. You can register, order books, pay bills, complete assignments, interact with classmates, receive feedback from faculty, etc/ without ever coming to campus.