Online courses are generally taught entirely over the Internet. Students are required to have access to the World Wide Web and utilize e-mail to complete these courses. A course management tool called WebCT provides threaded discussion, chat, and testing tools for the class. Students need to have a basic understanding of their computer and need to be comfortable using e-mail. Students are responsible for maintaining their own computers and the software required for each class.
What is required to take an online course? Click here for a printable outline of
requirements
Online classes require students to have access to the world wide web and to utilize email to complete the course requirements. A course management tool is utilized to facilitate instruction. (Computers are available in Western computer labs during open-lab hours). Students need to have an understanding of the operating system on their computer and need to be comfortable using e-mail. Students are responsible for maintaining their own computers and the software required for each class. The following outlines the general requirements.
Please note: Specific course requirements are included within the course syllabus and will supercede these general requirements.
WESTERN Internet Classes Require:
- Access to the World Wide Web
- Firefox 2.x/Internet Explorer 6.x AOL
users: AOL 3.0 is not supported by the servers that WESTERN use for
Internet classes. AOL 4.0 has also had some problems, please upgrade
to AOL 5.0 as soon as possible or use an external web browser
instead of the AOL browser.
- Intermediate Internet/word processing skills
Recommended Hardware/Software:
- Pentium/PowerMac Multi-Media computer *
- Windows 2000/Vista or Mac OS-10 or higher operating system
- Internet Access with 28.8kbps modem or faster (cable modem or
DSL preferred)
- e-mail account with Internet Service Provider
- Integrated office software (e.g., MS Office 97 or 2000) Note:
You may also use OpenOffice available free from Sun Microsystems.
Note: The Online Microcomputer Applications course will require the
MS Office Suite as outlined in the course syllabus of that class.
- MS Office viewers are available at
http://office.microsoft.com/Downloads/default.aspx
- * Note: Students may enroll in an Internet course and use
WESTERN's on-campus computer labs to access the course. Pending each
individual lab's hours of operation, computers are available on a
first-come, first-served basis.
Enrollment Requirements:
- An orientation with your instructor is required prior to starting the class.
- Costs are the same as on-campus classes.
- You must meet any course pre-requisites listed in the catalog.
Class Access:
- Classes are accessible via the Internet 24 hours a day/7days a week.
- You may take a class by accessing the Internet from home, work, or WESTERN computer lab.
What’s Involved in Taking an Internet Class?
- Students must take an orientation to the class prior to starting an Internet class.
- Instruction is provided via the Web, CD-ROM (if applicable), and textbook materials.
- Assignments are posted on the class web page.
- Students upload assignments to the class web site or e-mail the assignments electronically.
- Students communicate with instructors/classmates via e-mail, group-threaded discussion or live chat.
- Exams are taken on campus, at an approved testing site, or over the Internet (depending upon the course you are enrolled in).
Characteristics of a WESTERN Internet Class:
- Self-paced lessons within the semester you enroll.
- Study times that are convenient to you.
- Individual interaction with the instructor.
Types of Internet Courses:
- Type 1– 50% or more of class is online with scheduled on-campus meeting times.
- Type 2 – 100% of class is online with the possible exception of orientation and exams.
Continuing Education
Online
For more Information see the FAQ for Online Courses
Online Course Gateway
