This page is dedicated to answering general and typical questions (FAQ's...Frequently Asked Questions) that you might have as you contemplate taking the course. It will also answer questions you might have while doing this course.

For other specific questions please refer to the left sidebar.

Overview of Distance Education

The Department of Educational Administration and Leadership is offering an number of graduate courses using online course delivery methods

Students enrolled in online classes can complete the objectives and activities for the course unconstrained by time or place. Indeed, the course materials and activities may be accessed from anywhere in the world.

Distant Student Students who enroll in distance learning classes often have similar traits!

• working
• mid-twenties, and older
• former college students
• highly motivated
• responsible and
• self-directed

Students who take an on-line learning course include working adults, people living in remote locations, or those that are physically challenged. Most individuals using on-line learning programs are working adults who want to increase their capabilities and opportunities in the workplace or at school.

Is a Web-Based Class for Me? If you really want to know for sure, take this quiz by Clicking here

Learning Modes:

There are four (4) different learning modes, or ways to learn! Before you look at the four modes, let's take a look at the difference between synchronous and asynchronous learning:

• synchronous - a learning environment in which the timing of the source of instruction must match the reception of the instruction
• asynchronous - a learning environment in which the time of distributing the instruction and the reception of the instruction are different.

The four modes of Learning are:

• Same place and time. A conventional classroom is an example of this type of synchronous learning. It is NOT distance learning.
• Place dependent, but time independent. A computer lab would be an example of this form of asynchronous learning.
• Place independent, but time dependent. A videoconferencing class is an example of this form of synchronous learning.
• Place independent, and time independent. This is asynchronous learning in its purest form. A class conducted on the World Wide Web would be an example of this.

Technical Requirements:

In order to take web-based on-line classes, you need access to the following:

• a 486 processor, or better, or comparable processor for Macintosh
• a 66 MHz or faster processor
• a 28.8 KBPS modem, or faster
• 16mb of RAM, or greater (to run Netscape)
• 14mb hard drive space (for browser)
• Netscape Communicator 4.0, or equivalent browser
• an Internet Service Provider (ISP)
• active email account

  What technical skills and equipment do I need to be successful in an on-line course?

  You will need to have moderate experience with using a computer, adequate for using all of the software and hardware required for the course. Specifically you will need to know the following: (If you need to "brush up", I have included several tutorials which you can access by clicking here)

  • How to enter and retrieve information on the computer, to be able to receive and submit assignments and other course materials.
  • How to use a word-processing program.
  • How to send and receive e-mail (including the use of attachments); and
  • Know how to download files.

  As well, you should possess a good understanding of the World Wide Web and its use - enough so that you are able to navigate from one site to another; to find things on the Web; and to do searches if they are part of an assignment.