How Online Learning Works
Self Assessment | Course Demo | Computer Requirements | Success Tips
|
What Online Students Say!
"This was my first online course and it has been a great experience for me. I have learned a lot about computers, the internet and a great deal from the other students and my professor by doing my classes online. I think this has allowed me to spend quality time doing a better job with my work because it is more flexible."
"I would like to see more online programs offered. This worked out really well with my current work/home life schedule. Especially having a 4 year old. The professor who taught this class was outstanding, to say the least. He was easy to talk to, very supportive. His feedback was motivational. He had great turn around time. You didn't have to worry about not feeling like you were left out there alone. For me that was crucial, because I was apprehensive about taking this course as I was unsure about the quality of the teacher/student relation and how this was all going to work. But all my fears were put to rest."
"I expected a lot of problems, but didn't expect it to be so good. The assignments were interesting and the teacher was on top of the discussion."
|
If you are new to online learning, this is the place to start. You don't need to be a computer expert to take online courses - you just need reliable access to the Internet, the ability to navigate the Internet, and the ability to send emails with attachments.
There is a one-week online orientation for new online students to help you become familiar with Blackboard, our online course management system. The orientation takes place the week before your fist online course, and is required for all new online students. In addition to learning how to navigate our online classroom environment, you'll learn strategies to help you succeed as an online student.
With UB Online, you don't have to be online at any specific time, but you do need to "attend" your course at least 2-3 times a week to get your assignments and participate in the online discussion. Just like in a classroom setting, you will have weekly readings, lectures, tests, and papers, depending on the course.
Is Online Learning Right For You?
Distance learning offers many advantages, particularly for busy adults who want to further their education but need a convenient way to fit school into their lives. But distance education is not necessarily for everyone - you need time, motivation and self-discipline. To find out if distance learning is right for you, take the "Self Evaluation for Potential Online Students" below:
Self Evaluation for Potential Online Students
Course Demo
To see how our online classroom works, view our online Course Demo. You can also access an interactive Sample Course (follow the instructions for Blackboard).
Computer Requirements
Online courses are a flexible and convenient way to take classes or earn your degree from a distance. And while you don't need to be a computer expert, you should be familiar with using a computer and navigating the Internet before getting started. All students participate in an online orientation prior to the start of their first course (instructions will be sent one week prior to the first course). Included in the orientation are lessons on using Blackboard - the online classroom utilized by UB Online - and strategies for success as an online student.
For specific computer requirements click here.
To see if your browser meets the course requirements click here.
- Additional Computer Requirements
- A high speed internet connection such as DSL or cable is strongly recommended
- Word processor (Microsoft Word is recommended, but not mandatory) Additional computer & software resources
- Anti-virus software, for protection when sending and receiving files.
- Computer Skills
All online students should be able to:
- Connect to the Internet
- Navigate the Internet and be able to use a web browser
- Use email to send and receive attachments
- Create, store and retrieve files
- Use a word processing program
- Download and install software from the Internet
- Copy and paste text
- Use a floppy disk and CD-ROM
- Maintain your own equipment
Online Success Tips
To be a successful online student, you must be prepared, organized, and have some basic computer skills before getting started. Here are the 5 most important steps for being a successful UB Online student:
1) Become familiar with your computer and our online classroom before your first course starts
Course Demo – the first step is to take a look at how our online classroom works in our "Course Demo".
Computer skills – then, if you need to "brush up" on your computer skills, check out the "Basic Computer Skills Resources" section.
Online orientation – one week prior to your first online course, you will be emailed instructions on accessing our online orientation, an interactive course which will teach you how to use Blackboard, our online classroom. For more information, read our online course instructions.
2) Prepare for your course ahead of time
Decide which courses you want to take – while online courses are flexible, they do follow a weekly schedule, and many fill up early, so early registration is advised.
Read the syllabus – a syllabus for each online course can be found on our "Course Schedule" page. Click on the title of the course and you will be able to get an overview of each course before it starts.
Order your textbooks – in each syllabus is a listing of textbooks required for the course. Textbooks must be ordered online so please order your textbooks in advance to ensure that you will receive them before the course starts.
3) Set aside time to study
Login at least 2-3 times each week – while online courses are convenient, and more flexible than campus classes, UB Online courses typically follow a weekly schedule, so plan to visit each course at least 2-3 times each week to get your course materials, interact with other students, and complete your assignments.
Complete assignments on time – each instructor will give you guidelines and deadlines for completing assignments. Keep in mind that with the flexibility of taking an online class comes the responsibility to complete your work on time.
Participate as much as possible – one of the most important benefits of online learning is the ability to learn with and from your classmates. So participate in course discussions and interact with your instructors as much as possible.
4) Ask questions when you are not sure
Maintain contact with your instructors – each course is designed and organized by the instructor, so if you have questions about finding course documents, deadlines for assignments, or course topics, please contact your instructor. You will find contact information for your instructors on the syllabus and in each online classroom.
Technical support – if you have any technical questions, please contact Kris Bickell at kbickell@bridgeport.edu or 203-576-4851 with your questions.
5) Check your email frequently
Updates are sent by email – both instructors and the Distance Learning office send important information by email (including course updates, registration information, outages, etc) so please check your email frequently.
|
