Orientation for Online Courses
This orientation will prepare you for your online courses, as well as in-person courses utilizing online components (also known as “hybrid courses”). By completing this orientation, you will learn to:
- prepare for your online course
- manage your time in your online course
- be a successful online student
- use the online technologies
- check your computer for use with your online course technologies
- find help if something goes wrong.
Part I – Online Learning
What is Online Education?
You may have heard phrases such as distance learning, distance education, online learning, or a variety of other terms used to describe methods of learning outside the traditional classroom. In this orientation, we will use online to mean “distance learning delivered through electronic means.”
After you have completed this orientation you will know:
- If online is right for you
- Misconceptions and expectations of online courses
- Technology requirements you may encounter
- The difference between a hybrid and an online course.
Types of Courses
Hybrid versus Online Courses
Many of Barton’s courses are hybrid courses, meaning they are classes that may meet face-to-face and employ online technologies to deliver content and/or to assist in the teaching and learning process. We also offer courses that are fully online, as well as fully online degrees, in which you do not meet in a classroom, and use online technologies to complete/submit assignments, engage in discussions, submit papers and presentations, and email your classmates and professors.
Traditional |
Hybrid |
Online |
| Set day and time to meet in person | A blend of traditional classroom and online learning | Flexibility in when you can do your coursework |
| Interaction with peers and professor in class | Two different types: HY1 and HY2 |
Interaction over discussions, chat, web conferencing, blogs, and email |
All have tests/exams, communication, assignments, discussions, and more. |
||
Is Online Learning Right for You?
At times, you will have a choice between an online or a face-to-face class. So, how do you determine which one is right for you? Evaluate your readiness for online learning with this assessment:
Misconceptions of Online Courses
Let’s understand some common misconceptions about online courses:
- An online course will be easier and take less time.
- An online course will be self-paced; I can do it as quickly or slowly as I like.
- I won’t have to interact with classmates in an online course.
- Online courses run themselves; the professor doesn’t have much to do or say.
Expectations of Online Courses
Let’s understand some expectations about online courses:
- Expect to spend three hours per credit hour each week on coursework
- Expect to meet deadlines on coursework
- Expect to interact with classmates via discussions, email, web conferencing, and collaborative tools
- Expect feedback from your instructor regarding coursework, discussions, and other assignments within the timeframe stated in the course syllabus.
- Expect to learn new technologies and utilize these in your learning experience
What Technologies Are Used?
Online courses utilize many types of technology. Faculty may use any of the following in their courses:
- Gmail
Barton uses Gmail for its email system. During the semester, it is imperative that you check your email regularly and frequently as this is the main form of communication between faculty and students in online courses. - Canvas
At Barton, Canvas is our Learning Management System, and it is located at barton.instructure.com. This is where you will go to find all courses, not just your online courses, but all face-to-face and hybrid courses as well. Here you will see the various links within our courses, which include but are not limited to Syllabus, Announcements, Assignments, Discussion, Grades, Files, Calendar, and People. - Turnitin
Faculty use this plagiarism-detection tool in many courses. If your professor requires this, it will be specified within your course syllabus and within the assignments. - Various software programs and third-party programs such as Cengage, MyMathLab, McGrawHill Connect, Sherpath, etc.
- YouTube
Faculty may use YouTube when coursework requires video presentations. Your professor will include instructions in your course syllabus. - Course Evaluation
You will be asked to complete a course evaluation at the end of the semester. A link will be sent via your Barton Gmail account.
Most likely, you will use all of these if you are taking an online or hybrid course at Barton. In addition, faculty have the option to require students to purchase additional programs, which will be specified within the course syllabus.
What Is a Typical Online Course like?
For students who have never taken an online course before, the concept can be somewhat foreign. Students must be prepared and manage their time well in online courses. In face-to-face classrooms, there are face-to-face reminders for you to finish projects or assignments, and/or you receive grades for simply showing up and participating.
In online courses, rely on your calendar in your courses to keep you current with your work and requirements. Log in a minimum of once per day per course to check for updates, announcements, responses from classmates, etc.