Here are the basics. If you have a computer with
internet access and a CD-ROM drive, that's what you need
equipment-wise. A week before the course begins, course packets
are mailed to students that include the course CD-ROMs, textbook,
syllabus, login codes, and some getting started instructions with
all the information you need to begin the course.
The CD-ROM contains learning modules and
you work your way through these modules using the syllabus as a
guide. Each module then has corresponding readings and
assignments.
Each course has a password-protected course web site that serves
as the method by which you can, for example, obtain additional
course materials, submit assignments, interact with instructor and
students by participating in a discussion board and/or scheduled
online chats, email instructor and fellow students, as well as
find other resources pertinent to the topic of the course. The
instructor and a tech and support person are available throughout
the duration of the course session.
These courses are designed to be convenient for
working professionals. Each instructor conducts their course in
their own style and with their own guidelines (for example, you
may be requested in one course to complete and submit assignments
as you work your way through the course session; another course
may require only that all assignments be submitted by the end of
the course session and at your discretion). So a degree of
self-discipline and self-motivation on the students' part is
essential in an online learning environment when compared to
in-person classroom style learning.
Distance learning is a way by which we can
offer learning opportunities to people in diverse locations who
otherwise might not have courses on these topics available to them
locally. This also affords some unique and interesting
conversations because the group of participants are from a wide
variety of professions and locations and they can share their
diverse perspectives on the topic and bring new insights.
We are pleased to be able to offer
these opportunities for professional development and we continue
to try and improve the materials and the learning experience with
the help of feedback and suggestions provided by the participants.
