Q.
|
What is distance learning?
|
A.
|
Distance learning is a solution for people whose lifestyles make attending class on a campus difficult: working students, students with children or other family obligations, students who simply live too far from campus to commute. Distance-learning courses use television, videocassette, the Internet, and other media to deliver course content. The classes are flexible and learner-centered.
|
|
Q.
|
Who can take a distance-learning course?
|
A.
|
If you are self-directed, organized, and able to take full responsibility for your education, you may very well be successful taking classes at a distance. Distance-learning courses have the same requirements as traditional courses. For example, some upper-level courses require prerequisites. If you are admitted at an institution, and qualified to take the courses on campus, you are qualified to take their distance-learning courses.
|
|
Q.
|
How do I find out what distance-learning courses are available?
|
A.
|
The Utah Electronic College is a good place to begin. The UEC catalog lists distance-delivered classes from Utah's public colleges and universities. For additional information you should also contact the institution at which you plan to register.
|
|
Q.
|
How do I register for a distance-learning course?
|
A.
|
You generally register for a distance-delivered class in the same way you register for your campus classes. In some instances you may have to contact a separate campus unit, like a distance education office, to sign up. You may not even have to go to campus: many institutions have online registration systems; some allow students to pay tuition online.
|
|
Q.
|
What technology will I need?
|
A.
|
There is no such thing as a typical distance-delivered class. Obviously, to take an online class you need a computer and Internet access. To take a broadcast class you need a television, maybe cable TV. Distance-learning catalogs should list the technology requirements for classes. If you have questions, contact the distance education office before you register.
|
|
Q.
|
How much does a distance-learning course cost?
|
A.
|
Each institution sets its own price for its distance-learning courses. Generally, in Utah, the cost for a distance-delivered course is about the same as the tuition for a campus class. Sometimes the cost is less, sometimes a little more than campus tuition. Check with the campus distance education office for specifics. You can also see what the Utah Electronic College has to offer.
|
|
Q.
|
How do I get a degree online?
|
A.
|
A degree at a distance has the same sorts of requirements as a traditionally delivered degree. Most institutions require students to take general education courses as part of their first credits to create the necessary background for a bachelor's degree. And most institutions require students to take a series of courses that will form their major.
You can find out about these requirements by requesting a catalog from the school at which you wish to earn your degree. This catalog can be requested by visiting the school, calling the admissions office, or even using e-mail from the institution's website.
|
|
Q.
|
How do I pick a college or university?
|
A.
|
Most students select a school based on such factors as proximity, cost, and degree program availability. If you are interested in distance-learning programs, however, the availability of distance-delivered degrees will be an obvious focus in selecting your school. You will also want to find a school that offers student services such as advising and assessment either online or by phone. If you are a working student, look for colleges whose student services are available evenings or weekends.
Discover which institution is right for you by using the websites for those schools that interest you. On their websites, schools describe their programs, costs, locations, and distance-learning options.
|
|
Q.
|
Can I take courses at more than one institution?
|
A.
|
Yes. Utah's colleges and universities accept transfer credit from other Utah campuses. Taking classes from other Utah schools may give you greater choices in classes, particularly in technology-delivered courses like online and television courses. You are strongly advised to check with your college's advisors to ensure the class you take at another school will not only transfer, but will also count toward the requirements of your major.
The Utah Electronic College coordinates the courses offered by the various public institutions in Utah. Enrollment for classes from more than one school is made easier.
|
|
Q.
|
What does it mean to matriculate?
|
A.
|
When you enroll in an institution with plans to complete a degree or certificate program you are considered to be a matriculated student. In other words, you matriculate at the institution that will award you the degree or certificate.
|
|
Q.
|
Am I eligible for financial aid if I take distance-learning classes?
|
A.
|
Yes. If you are taking an occasional distance-learning course as part of your degree program, you may be eligible for the same amount of aid as if you take all your classes on campus. Certain eligibility restrictions may apply when taking only distance-education classes. Ask your campus financial aid counselor for details.
|
|
Q.
|
Can I transfer the credits I have earned over the years into a current degree program?
|
A.
|
Yes, with a caution. The institution that will grant you your degree decides which courses transfer. Each college has different rules on transfer credit. Most institutions limit the number of credits you can transfer and the length of time between taking a class and transferring its credit. Also, accepting transfer credit does not automatically mean the credits you earned at your first school will count toward degree requirements at your second school. Check with your college's academic advisors for details.
In addition, most institutions have something called a residency requirement that means you must take a certain number of your credits through the college awarding the degree. This number usually varies from 15 to 45 credits.
|
|
Q.
|
Why can't I just take the courses that interest me?
|
A.
|
You can do this, but it may not lead to a degree or certificate. Colleges and universities create learning plans (required courses) so students will do more than accumulate credits. They believe if you take courses that fit with your educational goals, your educational experience will prepare you for success.
So you are free to take courses that interest you. But if you want to get a degree, it is critical that you talk to an advisor at the institution that offers the degree you are seeking.
|
|
Q.
|
What is the difference between undergraduate and graduate degrees?
|
A.
|
Colleges and universities award degrees that require students to take either undergraduate courses (1000-4000) or graduate-level courses (5000 and above). Students can earn the following degrees:
- Associate Degree (1000-2000 level courses): requires at least 60 to 69 credits.
- Bachelor's Degree (1000-4000 level courses): requires at least 120 credits.
- Masters Degree (5000 and above): requires 30 to 60 credits beyond the bachelor's degree.
- Doctoral Degree (6000 and above): requires around 30 credits beyond the masters degree.
|
|
Q.
|
Do I need textbooks? And how do I take an exam?
|
A.
|
Distance-delivered classes generally have a lot in common with campus classes: syllabi, textbooks, lectures, coursework, and exams. Lectures could be delivered as text or audio files on the Internet, a videotape, or a CD. Taking exams may involve finding an appropriate proctor, if you live far from the campus. You can order textbooks online or by phone and you should plan extra time to get textbooks delivered by mail. Rule of Thumb: Contact your instructor immediately after registering. Introduce yourself. Ask for instructions on getting started.
|
|
Q.
|
Whom do I contact with my questions about the course content or assignments in a distance-learning course?
|
A.
|
Just like with classes taken in the classroom, the first person to contact is your instructor. Contact information for phone and e-mail can generally be found in class catalogs or in class materials like websites and syllabi. A second contact is the distance education office for the campus originating the class.
|
|
Q.
|
Are there any in-person or real time requirements for distance-learning classes?
|
A.
|
Each class is different. Some courses require you to "attend" class at a certain time or be in a certain location. Other formats allow you to determine when and where you want to "go to class." Check the class catalog for details and, to be certain, contact the instructor.
|
|
Q.
|
When are distance-learning classes offered? And how quickly can I finish one?
|
A.
|
Many distance-delivered classes follow a traditional semester calendar (August to December, January to May, and May to August), some are accelerated, and other classes are open enrollment. The classes following the semester calendar generally have specific time periods for taking exams and submitting assignments. Open-enrollment classes allow you to register any day of the year and give you a completion deadline based on the start date. A good rule: check with the instructor before you register for the minimum completion period.
|
|
Q.
|
Will credits I earn in a distance-learning class count toward graduation?
|
A.
|
Yes. In fact, many distance-delivered classes fulfill general education graduation requirements. As with transferring credits, it is wise to check with your advisor to ensure the credits will count toward your degree.
|
|
