Is distance learning for me?  If you are the type of person who likes to work at your own pace and in your own time frame, and you have good organizational and time-management skills, then distance learning may be right for you.  People with busy work schedules and/or family responsibilities will enjoy the flexibility that distance learning gives them. But distance learning is not for everybody. You must have a high level of self-discipline and self-motivation to be successful in distance learning. In most cases, distance learning courses require more time each week for class assignments and reading. 

What is distance learning?   Distance learning is not like a correspondence course, nor is it self-paced. Online courses follow an eight or fifteen week term.  Please check the dates in the current schedule of classes.  Most courses will have deadline dates for assignments throughout the semester. You will not be able to complete all of the work in the beginning, nor at the end of the semester.  You will be expected to participate in class discussions online.  Some of these may be in real time (synchronous), as in a live, chat-room situation.  Some discussions may be online in written discussion threads (asynchronous), meaning that you may post comments at any time during that assignment. 
     
What is a 'blended' online course?  Blended courses have some mandatory face-to-face meetings and some online class sessions.  Some courses may require you to take your tests or make presentations on-campus.  

How do I register for online courses?  Registration for all distance learning courses is done through either the Distance Learning Program office or the Metropolitan Detroit Program office.

Do distance learning courses cost more than traditional courses?  Yes, there is an $90 technology fee for all blended and totally online distance courses within the College for Professional Studies.

How long do online courses last?  Online classes last for eight or fifteen weeks. 

During a standard week, how much time does an online course take?   Every course is different, so a definite time element cannot be defined.  Most distance learning courses take 10-12 hours per week to accomplish assignments.  Traditionally, each hour spent in the classroom is supposed to require two hours of work outside of class. Therefore, you should spend about 12 hours per week for a 3-unit course.

How many students are in each distance learning course?  Enrollments differ, depending on individual courses. Most online courses have an enrollment cap of 20 students.

Is a distance learning course easier than a traditional course?  No. Distance learning courses, typically, are more difficult and take more time than traditional courses.  The learning modality is more flexible than a traditional course and students are expected to spend more time reading and researching than they normally would in other courses.

Do I still need a textbook in my online course?  Yes, most courses require a textbook. 

Will the required F2F meetings be at the same place, day and time of week?  Yes, with a few minor exceptions. 

Do "Totally Online" courses ever meet on-campus? No.

Do I have to be online at certain times, or can I go online at anytime I want to?  Most of the courses are asynchronous, meaning that you can go online at any time you want to.  Instructors will issue a syllabus, however, that will specify due dates for assignments.  Many courses are mediated, so that students cannot complete all of the assignments at the beginning, or at the end of the semester.

I have never taken an online course before.  How do I get ready?  You should take the self assessments to be sure if DL is right for you.  There is an online orientation slideshow and an online course tutorial on eCollege to help you learn the skills you will need for successfully completing an online course.    

Do I have to be a computer whiz to take distance learning courses?  No, not at all! If you are reading this on a computer screen or have any previous experience using the Internet, you will probably be able to quickly master the skills needed for online learning.  Additionally, we provide assessments, a narrated slideshow and a tutorial course to assist students learn how to successfully use the computer in the learning environment. 

What technical skills will I need to know for online courses?  For most courses, all you need are some basic skills for ordinary computer operation and Web browsing.

You should understand the fundamentals of

•   File management.  this includes creating directories (folders) on your hard drive, storing files (documents) in those directories, as well as creating, finding, and moving files and directories.
•   Word processing:  you should know how to create, modify, print and use spell-check
  
•   Internet:  you need to be able to enter a web address, create bookmarks, go forward, go backward, search and upload/download files from the Internet.
•  You should know how to print documents that you create or that you download from the Internet.  You should know how to locate and use the black, or grayscale print feature.  This will save you he expense of purchasing color ink cartridges.

All online courses require passwords for all enrolled students. It is important that you change your password before starting coursework!  You will also need to understand the distinction between uppercase and lowercase letters, and how the "caps lock" key can interfere with password entry.  For ultimate security, do not write your password anywhere.  If you do not think you will remember it, write it somewhere inconspicuous.

Don't panic!  If something should go wrong, you should feel comfortable enough to calmly assess what has happened, what might have caused it, and how it might be remedied. Our online programs have online support features, and instructors will often give you means by email or voice mail to ask support questions or to help you through technological emergencies.

What hardware do I need for online courses?  Basically, all you need is a computer (or access to one) with a modem and Internet connection. You will need an email account.  There are many free accounts, such as Yahoo and Hotmail.  You will need a connection to the Internet. If using a modem, it can be internal or external. There are many makes and models, but you'll want at least a 56 kbps modem for taking an online course.  A DSL or cable connection would even be better.  A faster modem will allow a speedier download and upload of material. This is especially important for courses that may use multimedia in course material. 
     
In all likelihood, you will need a printer.  You may find it easier to download and print some of your course materials, rather than read them on the computer screen.  For more complete requirements, please read the Web page that cites the basic hardware requirements.
 
What software do I need for online courses?  You will need an operating system.  The most common operating systems are Microsoft Windows and Macintosh OS, but others are available.  eCollege also uses some "pug-in software that you can download free of charge.  You should run a Browser Test to determine any of these plug-ins that you need.

Does the speed of my connection to the Internet matter?:  The minimum recommended speed required for online courses is 56 kbps. It is true, that the faster the connection speed, the faster you will be able to download and receive the material.  Some courses may use multimedia to deliver course content. This means, that streaming audio or video, photographs, tables, etc. may be part of the coursework. A slow modem speed may make class difficult for you.