Frequently Asked Questions
Is online learning right for me?
Online
learning provides a unique learning experience. Acquisition and
synthesis of knowledge, community building, collaboration, social
interaction, all online. To create a robust online learning environment,
a number of technology tools may be employed. To be successful,
learners should consider the following:
TIME: Online
learning takes time. You will be expected to log in to your course at
least 3 times per week. While you are not traveling to campus for class
sessions, you will be spending an equivalent amount of time online,
reading, completing assignments and online discussions; there will be
additional time for homework assignments as well. Expect to spend 10-15
hours per week on your online course.
LEARNER DISPOSITION: Successful
online learners will be self-motivated and self-disciplined, good
time-managers, comfortable with technology (both hardware and software),
and have good reading and writing skills.
TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS AND SKILLS: While
you don't need to be a technical wizard, you should be a frequent
computer user and be comfortable with your computer skills.
- You will need a headset (earphone and microphone), a webcam, and home access to a high-speed internet connection.
- You should be familiar with your computer's operating system and basic file functions
- You should also be familiar with internet browsing: your browser
settings, pop-ups, cookies, printing documents from the internet,
uploading and downloading files
- You will likely encounter the following software: Microsoft Word,
PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat pdf. If you don't have these software programs
on your computer, there are free viewers available online.
- Depending on the instructional objectives of each course, you may be
asked to use a variety of technology tools. These may or may not
include a wiki, blog, social networking, collaborative presentation
software, Elluminate live real-time conferencing software, and other web
2.0 tools as needed. Learners should be willing to experiment with new
technologies.
- HAVE A BACK UP PLAN! Even if you don't expect computer problems, you
must be prepared for them. You will be responsible for arranging
alternate access to the online course, and keeping up with assignments
until your computer problems are remedied.
What is online learning like?
Courses are accessed through the internet
using Blackboard online learning course software. Each course has a
designated start and end date. Lessons are posted weekly by the course
instructor, and students select and work on the assignments. Whole-class
and small-group discussions are conducted through an internet-based
discussion tool.
Students are required to contribute to each
discussion two to three times per week and may log on anytime day or
night. Students must spend adequate study time on the course (12-16
hours per week for a 4 semester credit course).
Hamline's online
courses are NOT independent study experiences; they are collaborative
experiences in which students progress through course modules together,
working and discussing collaboratively.
How do I find a listing of currently offered online courses?
Click Search Courses and then search by COURSE LOCATION, specifying "Online." Clicking any course title will lead to specific course schedules, descriptions, and online or mail-in registration information.
How do I register for an online course?
You can register online via Piperline.