Online Learning Orientation
~ Blended Learning FAQs ~
What are the advantages of blended learning?
What sort of online activities can I expect in a blended class?
What skills do I need to succeed in a blended class?
What about my computer skills?
Do I need a high-speed Internet connection?
What programs do I need installed on my computer?
What do I do if I can't get online and my assignment is due today?
If I have all my online work done, do I need to go to the face-to-face portion of the class?
If a "snow day" falls on a face-to-face class day, do we need to make up the class?
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Blended learning is a course delivery method where some—but not all—classroom seat-time is replaced with online activities. For example, a Tuesday-Thursday class may meet only once per week in the classroom, and the equivalent of the second class would be in the form of online activities. Blended learning seeks to take advantage of the best of both online and face-to-face modalities.
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What are the advantages of blended learning?
There are many. Most students appreciate the reduced classroom seat-time and the flexibility this provides to their schedules. The ability to complete a portion of the course online allows students to fit the class around their work or family schedules. The classroom presence is not eliminated, as in fully online classes, and many students find that meeting face-to-face keeps them motivated, helps them understand difficult course material, and allows for instantaneous feedback from the instructor and their classmates. Many students feel they learn more and better when combining online with face-to-face activities.
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As with any online learning activities, students must have consistent and reliable access to a computer and the Internet. In addition, a certain degree of time management and organizational skills is needed. If you need to be "pushed" to get your school work completed, blended learning may not be right for you.
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What sort of online activities can I expect in a blended class?
It depends on the subject. For most "lecture-type" classes, there may be online discussions, videos, Internet searches, group projects, or other innovative approaches designed by your instructor. For skills classes, you may be required to complete some projects on your own or with a group, view tutorials, or ask questions via a discussion board.
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A discussion board is an area in the online portion of your class where students respond to instructor or moderator questions, post responses, ask questions of their own, or comment on other students' postings. Most blended classes have some discussion component, and your instructor will let you know how discussions fit into his or her grading scheme for the class.
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What skills do I need to succeed in a blended class?
Because part of the coursework is completed online, you need to be comfortable with computer technology, enjoy learning from written material, have basic writing skills, good time- management skills, self-discipline, and be motivated to succeed.
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What about my computer skills?
Having good keyboarding skills is definitely a plus. In addition, you must be familiar with the Internet and searching, be able to follow directions from the Help Desk if necessary, and know how to email and send attachments. Most instructors will want you to be familiar with Microsoft Word® and basic formatting techniques.
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Do I need a high-speed Internet connection?
Although you should be able to take a blended course with a dial-up connection, high-speed Internet access is highly recommended. But remember…you can always complete the online portion of your class using one of the computers in our open labs on campus.
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What programs do I need installed on my computer?
For most classes, you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader®, Microsoft Word®, Flash®, an Internet browser, and Windows Media Player® or QuickTime®. Except for word processing, you should be able to download free plug-ins of the other programs. If you are taking a computer applications class, you may want to purchase the applications used in class so that you can complete the work at home. All applications that are taught in the blended format are available on the computers in our open labs on campus.
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What do I do if I can't get online and my assignment is due today?
Online and telephone support is available. For blended classes, visit the Collegis Customer Support web page at https://hdo.collegis.com/lt or call the Eduprise Help Desk at (877) 725-4357.
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If I have all my online work done, do I need to go to the face-to-face portion of the class?
Absolutely! Attendance in the face-to-face and online portions of the class are both required.
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Someone told me that blended classes are easier than face-to-face classes. How much time per week do I need to spend on this class?
You should spend the same time outside of class studying and doing assignments as you would for a fully face-to-face class. Remember, the online portion of the class is replacing seat-time, so in addition you will be spending time online for approximately the equivalent of the replaced class time.
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If a "snow day" falls on a face-to-face class day, do we need to make up the class?
At the end of each semester, two or more days are reserved as make-up days, and face-to-face classes will be made up then.
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