Online learning
Frequently asked questions
Are courses entirely online, or will I need to visit the campus?
Generally, courses are entirely online, although an initial,
face-to-face meeting classroom session may be held. The purpose of this
meeting is:
- to meet your instructor and classmates in person. Our
observation shows such a meeting is a good starting point for course
communication and helps to facilitate facilitate student interaction
online.
- to provide the course information and review the key documents,
such as syllabus, course schedule, dates, policies and
accommodations, etc.
- to discuss the course expectations for students and the
instructor in regard to online learning.
How do I communicate with the instructor and other students?
In most cases, all the course communication (among students or
between student(s) and instructor) is supported by WebCT communication
tools: e-mail and discussion forums. In some cases audio and video
conferencing is used. Usually, students may also communicate with the
instructor via telephone or visit the instructor in person during office
hours.
How will I be graded?
Online course syllabi specifying course requirements, assignments,
due dates, and grading criteria are available from the course instructor
and are posted on the course site. If you have any questions about a
specific course, don’t hesitate to contact the instructor.
Are there set times when online courses meet?
Generally, there are no set meeting times. However, students may be
expected to communicate with the instructor and other students on a
weekly or other basis.
Are online courses available for credit?
Yes
Will millions of other people be taking my class at the same time
as me?
No, enrollment in each online class is limited. Most classes are
rarely larger than 20 students.
How much time do I get to complete a course?
Most courses have a start date and an end date. In between, the
schedule of coursework, assignments and due dates are determined by each
instructor or in the case of self-paced courses, by you!
Will I need to buy and learn to use complicated software?
You can use University of Minnesota Internet Toolkit with dial-up
software to get connected to Internet. We also provide the links to
download the required browser software free of charge.
Some courses might require you to use specific course software and/or
application packages. You will be notified in advance what additional
software you will need to use.
What technological skills are expected?
We expect you can:
- access e-mail through a browser or an e-mail program
- send and open e-mail attachments
- save files
- navigate the Web using Netscape, Internet Explorer, or other
browsers
- install software such as additional browser plug-ins
- type moderately well (have adequate keyboarding skills)
What technology is needed?
The online learning checklist provides
information about the hardware/software you need to have installed and
what you need to know before you sign up for an online course.
Are there specific connection requirements?
Though a 56k V.90 modem Internet connection is listed as a minimum
requirement to access a Vista course site, we strongly recommend to use
a high-speed connection whenever it is possible. We encourage you to
make necessary arrangements and obtain a high-speed access to the
Internet either from your home, work place, or University computer labs.
The University offers all enrolled students a FREE e-mail account and
dial-up access. If you have a computer with a modem, you can use
University Internet Toolkit
to install the software and to connect to the Internet free of charge.
You must have a student e-mail account initiated BEFORE you can use the
student dial-up services.
Technical support
If you experience technical problems, first contact your instructor
or the WebCT helpline. You can call 612-331-HELP or email
webct@umn.edu for assistance.
Helpful resources
July 2005
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