FAQs for NPU Online Courses
What are online courses?
Online courses are instructor-supported, web-based courses that allow students to complete course work at home or at a location of their choice. These courses are delivered online and are intended for the student with personal access to the Internet, a computer with browser software, and familiarity with e-mail and Internet usage.
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How do online courses work?
The online courses are designed to take advantage of the technology's strengths, rather than to simply replicate a model that works well in a face-to-face traditional classroom.
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How do students take online courses?
With web access through an Internet Service Provider (ISP) and a current web browser (Netscape or Microsoft Internet Explorer), students "go to class" via computer. Students in an online course interact with the instructor and other students via e-mail or in a chat room. Students have the flexibility to schedule their online time.
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Can anyone take an online course?
Online courses offer some tremendous benefits but are definitely not for everyone. Motivated learners and self-starters who are comfortable with computers and the Web make the best online students.
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What are online students like?
Online students are typically the same students seen on any college campus. Students prefer online education for a variety of reasons including the technology itself or elimination of scheduling and transportation problems. Individuals with disabilities may also find it helpful. They are generally self-motivated.
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Can students take an online course at their own pace?
Yes, if the course is 100% web-based. This form of education is called asynchronous. It is not time/place-dependent. With asynchronous communication, students can participate when and where it is convenient for them, even if it is 3:00 in the morning.
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Is an online course easier than a face-to-face class?
Actually, they are about the same. The learning method, however, is different. In an online course, you focus on reading and writing, unlike a traditional classroom setting where you listen and observe. Auditory learners may have difficulty in accepting this more visual learning process.
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What system requirements are needed to take an online course?
- Hardware Requirements:
- Peripherals: Keyboard, Mouse, Speakers, Headphone, Microphone, Web Camera.
- Display: Super VGA (800x600 or above)
- Hard Drive: Minimum 1Gb free space.
- Computer Memory: At least 256Mb of RAM.
- Sound Card: Sound-Blaster-compatible sound card.
- Software Requirements:
- Operating System: Windows 2000, Macintosh 7.0+ or later, or Linux/Unix
- Internet Browser: Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0+, Firefox 2.0+.
- Microsoft Office or Open Office: Including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Media Player: Windows Media Player 9.0 or later.
- Adobe: Adobe Acrobat Reader (PDF files).
- Anti-Virus Software: When you are taking on the online course, you may need to send documents or files via e-mail. Therefore, you have to use your own updated virus protection software to avoid spreading out the virus to others. You must keep updating the Anti-Virus patterns frequently.
- Other Requirements:
- Internet Service: High speed Internet Access, such as Cable or DSL.
- E-mail Accounts: Everyone should get an email account in order to participate in a course. If you don¡¯t have it yet, you can get it from the following web sites:
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Do students have to be an expert in computers to take classes this way?
No. Students, should however, know how to use their computer; how to save and retrieve files; how to use the simple functions of a word-processor; and how to use a modem. They should also be comfortable with browsing the Internet and using e-mail.
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How many hours per week do students devote to an online course?
Students generally spend between 10-15 hours per week for a 3 credit course on their coursework which includes the reading, writing, studying, and computer time required.
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How will students take exams in online courses?
How students will be tested depends on which online course they are enrolled in. Some instructors may evaluate student performance based on the assignments, papers or projects that they submit online, whereas others will require proctored testing. Courses that require proctored testing will indicate this on the course syllabus.
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How do students get their books or course materials?
This will depend on the course. All textbook information is available on NPU Bookstore Web site. Check with the instructor, the books may be available through an online source.
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What is the difference between a traditional course and an online course?
Taking an online class is self-directed study, making it different than the traditional classroom. It takes motivation to be an online student. Without a teacher looking over their shoulder, the students have to guide their own study, find the answers they need to get past a problem, and keep up with the class timetable.
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How do students communicate with the instructor?
Students in an online class will often have more contact with the instructor than those in a more traditional format. The instructor will be available for electronic contact through communication tools such as e-mail or chat-room. In addition, students may have the option of telephoning the instructor or come to campus for an appointment during designated hours, if necessary. The course syllabus should list the instructor's phone numbers, addresses, etc. Their communication form should be outlined in the syllabus too.
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What are the benefits of taking online courses?
There are significant learning benefits attributed to online courses. Students can take their time reviewing the class comments, lectures, and composing responses at an individual pace. Students and faculty find that a greater level of depth and breadth can be achieved. Students may also find that their time can be used more efficiently in the online format, since travel time and related classroom activities such as taking role and distributing paperwork, etc., are eliminated in the online version.
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How can I find out more?
If you have specific questions regarding online learning that are not answered in this summary, please feel free to contact the Online Support Team for further information by filling up the Online Support Form or call 510-657-5914. You are also welcome to visit our Web site at http://www.npu.edu.
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