Considering Online Education FAQs

An online course utilizes the Internet and a web browser as a means of creating a learning environment outside of the traditional classroom. You will be able to access your course lectures (for the most part, text based with some courses utilizing audio and video) and communicate with your classmates and instructors through the use of a discussion forum (message board). The online courses follow a classroom structure of covering a lesson a week. You can access your course Web site anytime of the day and anywhere you have access to the Internet (dependent on security settings).

Anyone can take an online course as long as they have access to a computer with Internet capabilities, have an active email account and have a good understanding of how a computer works. An online student also has to be motivated to participate in discussion forums and regularly check the Web site and keep up with the course work.

Once you begin your course work, you will find that through the use of the course site tools, you will be able to navigate within the course site. You will be able to maneuver through the Web site to post/read assignments and to download/upload files from your instructor. Your instructor will primarily be contacting you through the discussion forum or by email.

You can access the course anywhere that you have Internet access. Some companies have firewalls that prevent you from participating in the chat sessions and posting to the discussion forum. Please check with your company's technology department before you attempt to access the course.

There is a set beginning and end date for your online course. It is suggested that you log on at least 3-4 times a week to check the discussion forums and read assignments and lectures. This is the "asynchronous" aspect of the course.

There might be occasion when the instructor will set a chat time or WebEx session ("synchronous") where he/she assigns a specific date and time for all the students to meet online.

Similar to a classroom course, to get the most out of any type of learning you must commit a certain amount of time. You will most likely spend approximately 10 hours a week going over class lectures, assignments and discussion forums. Time required for each course will vary.

All assignments, quizzes, exams, and projects must be completed by the end date of the course (please refer to University Extension Web site/catalog for course start/end dates). The instructor will set individual due dates for your assignments, projects and tests.

SSU Online provides students with the opportunity to take the same classes offered on campus in an online format. To meet the needs of students who cannot attend a SSU campus, many distance education courses may be completed at home, while stationed abroad, or while traveling.

Benefits of distance education

The advantages of studying by distance education allow you to:
•change or enhance your career prospects wherever you are - rural, metropolitan or overseas
•fit study around work, social or family commitments. You can even study at home in your PJs!
•vary your study load to suit your schedule - full-time or part-time distance study is available with many SSU degrees
•develop and demonstrate your autonomy through self-motivation and self-direction of your degree
•be included in university life through contact with other students through SSU's online learning environment and through direct contact with your lecturers via the discussions, email or by phone
•have time to review your study materials without having to rush off to the next class.

As a distance education student, you:
•can study wherever, whenever and whatever you want. It's your choice
•don't have to worry about being at lectures and tutorials at times that may not fit in with your lifestyle
•have the convenience of course materials being delivered to your home or office
•usually study two subjects per session, with each subject needing around 8 - 10 hours of study per week
•have both full-time and part-time study options often available so you can vary your study load to fit in with your schedule - from one subject per session to four or five.

Not all learning styles suit all adults. Those students who are typically most successful at online course work are self-motivated and comfortable using a computer. If you do not mind being physically separated from other students and find your busy schedule makes it impossible to attend a traditional classroom setting, then online learning might be just right for you. Complete a self-assessment to discover if online learning is right for you.

Distance education presents its own unique advantages:

• Flexibility for those with families, jobs, or other time commitments
• Convenience of being able to work anywhere, anytime
• You will build more personal accountability for your work
• You will have access to and learn new technology

But, distance education also brings a new set of challenges to overcome:

• Distraction comes easily and you might lose track of coursework
• You will need to provide a reliable working environment, including a computer and access to Internet.

Before signing up for an online course or program, consider this:

• Check requirements before applying for a course or program; online courses often have specific technical needs and prerequisites
• Be aware of class format: some classes may require physical presence for exams, while others may use a combination of online teaching and another method, such as videos

Are You Ready for Online Learning ?

First of all, expect to feel lost! This is perfectly normal in a new online environment, especially if you are new to the Internet. Don't panic. Slow down and see if you can get your bearings. Look for announcements on your course homepage that might give you information about how to proceed.

If you can't figure out what you are supposed to do or where you are supposed to be in cyberspace, don't hesitate to send an email or call your instructor for help.

Second, expect to work as hard, or even harder, than in traditional face-to-face classes. Like more traditional classes, online classes can provide valuable learning experiences, but only if you put in the time to fully participate and succeed. Because online classes are student-centered, a lot depends on your participation.

You will need to spend an average of 10 to 15 hours a week on each online class. Remember: when you take a regular class, you usually spend 3 hours a week in class, and 6-9 hours a week outside of class on homework. All these hours are spent online in SSU classes.

Third, you can expect to make friends and have fun! Online classes are dynamic and challenging. While this is serious education and not all fun and games, online classes are engaging. Because everyone must post messages in an online class, you can get to know your teacher and classmates - sometimes even better than you do in a traditional classroom. To get the most from your online experience, participate frequently and meaningfully in the online community your SSU class makes possible.

The billing process for online education is very similar to the process for face-to-face courses. Tuition is billed per credit hour with additional fees as appropriate. Georgia residents will receive the in-state rate. All other students will receive the out-of-state rate.

SSU Catalog is available online and provides in-depth program requirements and course information. For more detailed information, visit your academic program's website.

For an in-depth look at what factors lead to a successful online experience, view these Strategies for Online Learning Success.