How does an Online Course Work?
If you're unfamiliar with the concept of online learning,
here is a brief overview. Online courses are an accessible,
flexible method of attending to college or doing training.
Fully online courses are conducted according to a schedule, with due
dates and deadlines, but there are usually no "live" classes to attend.
Instead, lectures, coursework, and discussions all take place throughout
the week online. You can choose the place to work- at home, at school,
wherever you have access to a computer and the Internet. You'll get the
same high-quality instruction and course content that your face-to-face
course provides, but without having to come to campus for class sessions.
NOTE* You may need to come to campus for orientation, instructor
conference or mandated proctored testing.
You will communicate with your professor and other students via online
discussions boards and e-mail. The course is designed so that you
receive course assignments, complete them on your own time (but with a
scheduled due date), and then return them as electronic documents. Your
instructor will evaluate them and provide feedback. Many courses will also
use, as an integral part of the course, a threaded discussion forum which
you can use to share information, collaborate, and interact with other
members of your class.
Depending on the course design, you probably will take your tests or
exams online. A few course may require that you come to the Testing
Center on campus.
How much time does an online course take?
You should expect to spend as much time for study, or perhaps more,
as a classroom course since you are managing your own learning using
the online information and materials. This requires that you be self-disciplined,
motivated, and have some skills using a computer and internet. The content and
rigor of online courses offered by Garrett College is equivalent to the
on-campus version of the same course.
What the class schedule like?
Online classes at GC follow the same academic schedule as our other
classes. Classes start on the day published in the course schedule
and you must sign in on or before that date. If you have any problems
finding your class on Bb or getting in, email your professor as soon as possible.
Online classes at GC are all asynchronous classes. This means you do not have
to be online at any particular time, but you must complete assignments according
to the schedule established by your instructor. This is
very important! You can
work at your own pace, but must adhere to the class's schedule. You will probably
have assignments the first week of class, so again, it is important that you log
into your class and sign in on DAY 1!
When will my course be available?
Online courses and any other course that uses Blackboard will be officially
opened to students on the first day of the semester. Some courses may open
early; if you have questions about a specific course, your best source for
information is the course instructor. For registration information, check
the student portal at
https://my.garrettcollege.edu.
If you are registered for an online course that is not listed on your Blackboard on the first day
of the semester, contact
dlearn@garrettcollege.edu |
301-387-3155.
